Hey everyone! Please visit my online web portfolio. In my BIS402 course we had to compose a web portfolio (similar to the hard copy portfolio's we were all assigned in BIS301 with our transferable skills, resume, etc) and I am really proud of what I have put together thus far. On my site you will be able to learn more about me, my passions, my concentration areas, transferable skills, plans after graduation, awards and recognitions, and everything else in between! :-)
HERE IT IS!:
http://aliciamonique.weebly.com
Monday, June 21, 2010
Week 4
In my own ideal career one day, I know that I do in fact want to work with kids; whether underprivledged, disabled or terminally ill, there is no greater joy in my life then making a child happy who may otherwise be suffering. My internship experience relates to this area of interest because of the demographic of children we are trying to help. One school in particular involves poverty stricken neighborhoods with drug abuse, gang related activity, broken homes, etc. Interning here is allowing me to do what I love and it something I can definately see myself doing in the future. I can certainly see myself working at my site in the future. Continuing to work with these people and this organization would be very rewarding and fulfilling! I can honestly say that there isn't anything that I "dislike" about the site. I got lucky. The staff is great, the volunteers are outstanding and the cause is endearing. I'm spoiled! Additional skills I am taking from tihs experience include emotional and mental endurance. Normally I am a very emotional person and have struggled to keep my "cool" when faced with some disheartening situations involving children. I just want to protect them, and when I can't do "enough", I will sometimes feel helpless. I feel that my internship is making me stronger and building up my endurance for these tough situations. This is going to be imperative for me in the future in times where I will absolutely have to refrain from exhibiting too much emotion. I think a little bit of empathym remorse and concern is good, but I tend to get too involved and overwhelmed that I may come across as too personal. Thankfully, my internship is helping me build my strength up to where it needs to be if this is what I want to continue to do! :-)
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Week 3
In FAS 331 Marriage & Family Relationships, I learned about the concept of divorce and how it has a substantial effect on the financial settings of a single parent household. While this may seem obvious, we spent a full week and a half convering the dynamics of this issue alone. We dissected every aspect of how financial stressors can be emotionally, mentally and cognitively harful for the children especially. This concept is being applied in my internship as we set out to work hands-on with children living in poverty-stricken neighborhoods. I personally have visited with children who only own one pair or jeans or have holes in their oonly pair of sneakers. Of course the majority of the children who deal with these stressors are usually (but not always) from broken homes or single parent households. As one may infer, only having one pair of shoes may hinder a child's self confidence, performance in school and behavioral and cognitive development. At Chances for Children, we have been fortunate enough to have Nike donate pairs of shows to the most dedicated of children who have pledged to run the kids Rock n Roll marathon.
A theory I learned in CDE 337 Early Childhood Intervention, we covered several theories. Perhaps the most significant was the notion that (obviously) early intervention by a caretaker can drastically help enhance the life of a child born at-risk. We are putting this theory into practice at CFC; our entire existence lies on the foundation of enhancing the lives of these children and educating them on the importance of healthy decision making and physical fitness. Rather then waiting until these children are teenagers or young adults to inform them, we are stepping into the scence and intervening by implementing fun ways for them to get excited about being healthy NOW. It is very rewarding!
In TCL 363 Transborder Chicano Literature, a concept we focused on heavily was 'identity'. There were several aspects to the single notion of identity and we spent ample time dissecting this issue. With primary focus on literature by immigrant and minority men and women this class provided an overwhelming sense of identity as a Latina student. It was interesting and beneficial to engage in readings that provided stories from the perspectice of Chicano writers. In addition, the stories and novels also provided a sense of empathy and remorse for the pain and misery they endured. Obviously, in working with immigrants, I feel as though I already have "their" stories etched in my heart. Especially in regards to children living in impoverished conditions, I consider the importance of knowing and enhancing one's own identity. This internship allows us to get the kids excited about shaping their very own identity-as healthy little athletes who make the choice to choose fruits and veggies over junk food.
Sexuality and gender roles were concepts we focused on heavily in TCL 485 Chicana Latina Writers. We learned about how women have often times remained quiet with self expression out of fear. It was interesting for me to read about how some of these women took years before finaally coming out and being proud of who they were domestically, physically and even sexually. Their stories were captivating and inspirting. At Chances for Children, we are currently in the process of organizing a Women's Only half marathon. It is our hopes that women of all ages will step out of their confort zones and do something they have never tried before...we want to empower them!
A theory I learned in CDE 337 Early Childhood Intervention, we covered several theories. Perhaps the most significant was the notion that (obviously) early intervention by a caretaker can drastically help enhance the life of a child born at-risk. We are putting this theory into practice at CFC; our entire existence lies on the foundation of enhancing the lives of these children and educating them on the importance of healthy decision making and physical fitness. Rather then waiting until these children are teenagers or young adults to inform them, we are stepping into the scence and intervening by implementing fun ways for them to get excited about being healthy NOW. It is very rewarding!
In TCL 363 Transborder Chicano Literature, a concept we focused on heavily was 'identity'. There were several aspects to the single notion of identity and we spent ample time dissecting this issue. With primary focus on literature by immigrant and minority men and women this class provided an overwhelming sense of identity as a Latina student. It was interesting and beneficial to engage in readings that provided stories from the perspectice of Chicano writers. In addition, the stories and novels also provided a sense of empathy and remorse for the pain and misery they endured. Obviously, in working with immigrants, I feel as though I already have "their" stories etched in my heart. Especially in regards to children living in impoverished conditions, I consider the importance of knowing and enhancing one's own identity. This internship allows us to get the kids excited about shaping their very own identity-as healthy little athletes who make the choice to choose fruits and veggies over junk food.
Sexuality and gender roles were concepts we focused on heavily in TCL 485 Chicana Latina Writers. We learned about how women have often times remained quiet with self expression out of fear. It was interesting for me to read about how some of these women took years before finaally coming out and being proud of who they were domestically, physically and even sexually. Their stories were captivating and inspirting. At Chances for Children, we are currently in the process of organizing a Women's Only half marathon. It is our hopes that women of all ages will step out of their confort zones and do something they have never tried before...we want to empower them!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
WEEK 2
Chances for Children operates with more of an interdisciplinary approach. Every single person here has something different and unique to bring to the table and these traits must intertwine in order to be the most beneficial to the company. When it comes to organizing races, press releases and informational meetings, it is necessary that we collaborate as a team. As team members, individual creativity is essential. For example, just today my partner and I had to begin the early phases of planning an interactive and fun informational meeting coming up in couple of weeks which is promoting a marathon we are putting on. My partner is skilled when it comes to marketing on the computer and I am more of a people person. Together, we had to utilized our individual skills to the advantage of our overall goal which was to enhance the informational meeting. I was commended for my vested interest in reaching out the community in a creative fashion while I truly admired my partners skills with business and advertising techniques. My concentration area of Family Studies in conjunction with Transborder studies enabled me to utilize what I had learned in regards to diversity and childhood development so that is was geared for a specific audience. Similarly, the marathon coordinator, Susan, who specializes in physical therapy and fitness, along with my partner on this specific project are by far more knowledgeable on marathons then I am. Together and with an interdisciplinary approach we were able to implement our ideas for marketing proposes and have a good head start on this project, among others. But, by the end of the day, we take a look at all of the work that has been done and we don't; really know who did what. We just know that we used a very holistic notion to accomplish all that needed to get done. It is so near to realize that the veterans in the marketing staff contributed to these projects just as much as us rookie interns. That's the principle of an interdisciplinary job setting- working together and contributing all of our individual interests and talents to get a project done to the best of its ability.
At this organization, "disciplines" are defined and represented according to areas of expertise. But it's all blended together! Susan is an accomplished runner and is studying the linguistics of kinesiology. Denise, my partner is sharp when it comes to marketing for non-profit organizations. And I am well equipped in the disciplines of family studies and childhood development. Knowing this, our work is geared for our specific credentials and interest and out skills are distributed across the organization based on what we each can bring to the table. We have daily projects and our positions within those various projects are set up to enhance our organization through teamwork. There really is no "set in stone" organizational method structure based on hierarchical standards. My supervisor who has worked with the company for over five years has as much responsibility and work to get done as the interns who have been a part of the company for no more then two weeks. We are all equally responsible for promoting and recruiting the interest of racers and families across the state of Arizona. So there is a very holistic approach to what we do at the organization which sort of prevents any organization framework. We just get the job done.
At this organization, "disciplines" are defined and represented according to areas of expertise. But it's all blended together! Susan is an accomplished runner and is studying the linguistics of kinesiology. Denise, my partner is sharp when it comes to marketing for non-profit organizations. And I am well equipped in the disciplines of family studies and childhood development. Knowing this, our work is geared for our specific credentials and interest and out skills are distributed across the organization based on what we each can bring to the table. We have daily projects and our positions within those various projects are set up to enhance our organization through teamwork. There really is no "set in stone" organizational method structure based on hierarchical standards. My supervisor who has worked with the company for over five years has as much responsibility and work to get done as the interns who have been a part of the company for no more then two weeks. We are all equally responsible for promoting and recruiting the interest of racers and families across the state of Arizona. So there is a very holistic approach to what we do at the organization which sort of prevents any organization framework. We just get the job done.
Friday, June 4, 2010
ABOUT ME!
Hi everyone! My name is Alicia and this is the first time I have ever blogged so I am completely new to this...bare with me!
Let's see...I am 23 and scared to death of what the future holds for us graduates, aren't you!? On a positive note, I am glad that we are almost done! This internship experience is my last and final step, as I am certain is the case for most of us...thank goodness! :)
My two concentration areas are Family Studies/Human Development and Transborder Studies. I chose family studies because I absolutely love kids and wanted to focus on how their environment and family effects their development. I also enjoy learning about the generic dynamics of the family including culture, diversity, death, human milestones etc. As for transborder studies, I found it to be essential to take up the learning experience as a Latina and en lieu of all that our country is facing these days with immigration.
This summer I am interning at Chances for Children of Arizona. This organization looks to run obesity out of our schools and promote healthier lifestyles for our youth. Specifically I am eager to work with at-risk children as this will incorporate much of what I have learned within my Family Studies; how to communicate, advocate, promote, enourage, inspire, work with and integrate creative ways to enhance the lives of these children and their families. Further, aspects I have learned within Transborder studies will also come into play in regards to culture, backgrounds, ethnicity, personal accounts and immigration. So far, at my internship site I have compiled lists and researched on companies that we are hoping to reach out and seek support from in promoting kids races and marathons for families to partake in. This relates to what I have studied because it involves extensive communication and interpersonal skills.
Future goals post graduation definately includes working with kids. I would love to be a counselor of some sort. But much as I love listening, I love to talk even more! I love public speaking. Maybe I can host a show or become a spokesperson for various charitable organizations that promote healhy decision making for our youth. That's why this internship position is in the pathway of exactly what I hope to pursue in a career- working with and FOR people who need help. Quality of life is so important and I know that it starts with our kids! Knowing this, I am excited to come up with ways of letting these kids know that they really do have a "chance"..because in many of these situations, the children are so accustomed to unhealthy stipulations. They have accepted abuse, violence, poverty and even certain strained health conditions such as obestiy as normal. It's so upsetting to see. I am eager to show them otherwise!
Maybe I shouldn't be scared to death of the future after all.
Let's see...I am 23 and scared to death of what the future holds for us graduates, aren't you!? On a positive note, I am glad that we are almost done! This internship experience is my last and final step, as I am certain is the case for most of us...thank goodness! :)
My two concentration areas are Family Studies/Human Development and Transborder Studies. I chose family studies because I absolutely love kids and wanted to focus on how their environment and family effects their development. I also enjoy learning about the generic dynamics of the family including culture, diversity, death, human milestones etc. As for transborder studies, I found it to be essential to take up the learning experience as a Latina and en lieu of all that our country is facing these days with immigration.
This summer I am interning at Chances for Children of Arizona. This organization looks to run obesity out of our schools and promote healthier lifestyles for our youth. Specifically I am eager to work with at-risk children as this will incorporate much of what I have learned within my Family Studies; how to communicate, advocate, promote, enourage, inspire, work with and integrate creative ways to enhance the lives of these children and their families. Further, aspects I have learned within Transborder studies will also come into play in regards to culture, backgrounds, ethnicity, personal accounts and immigration. So far, at my internship site I have compiled lists and researched on companies that we are hoping to reach out and seek support from in promoting kids races and marathons for families to partake in. This relates to what I have studied because it involves extensive communication and interpersonal skills.
Future goals post graduation definately includes working with kids. I would love to be a counselor of some sort. But much as I love listening, I love to talk even more! I love public speaking. Maybe I can host a show or become a spokesperson for various charitable organizations that promote healhy decision making for our youth. That's why this internship position is in the pathway of exactly what I hope to pursue in a career- working with and FOR people who need help. Quality of life is so important and I know that it starts with our kids! Knowing this, I am excited to come up with ways of letting these kids know that they really do have a "chance"..because in many of these situations, the children are so accustomed to unhealthy stipulations. They have accepted abuse, violence, poverty and even certain strained health conditions such as obestiy as normal. It's so upsetting to see. I am eager to show them otherwise!
Maybe I shouldn't be scared to death of the future after all.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
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