As I pursue my degree in social work at Methodist College one of the requirements for my degree is to have an internship/field practicum placement with a non-profit facility. I knew about this requirement from the first day that I attend Methodist, but leave it to me to wait until the semester before I am suppose to begin to find where I am going to be participating in said internship. I am a procrastinator, a professional one at that. I had intentions are applying for an internship at the school districts office near my home town, or at one of the hospitals in Peoria. However I saw a flyer about an open house that the Childrens Home Association was hosting for jobs, and internships. Something inside of me was telling me that I needed to go. I didn't really tell anyone that I was thinking about going to it. I went out found myself a nice bright pink colored blazer (my power color), put on my nice interview slacks, and went for it. I remember the day of the open house thinking about whether or not this would be the right approach for obtaining the internship that I wanted. I didn't know much about the Children's Home, and when the day came I thought about not even going. I was dressed and ready and told myself... why not! I showed up and looked into a lot of different internships throughout the entire agency. Mind you I knew no one. I went completely out on a limb in search of something, I just didn't know what. I was a little intimidated, but after so much needed conversating I interviewed for 5 different internships. I was offered a position with two of them, and had to choose between foster care, and residential. The process was so fast, and I was eager and excited that something was going to come from me showing up and putting in some effort. I ended up going with residential. I chose residential because it scared me a little. It was something new, and out of my comfort zone for sure. I had never worked with that type of clientele before, it made me nervous but excited. That was good for me. My residential placement was at the Childrens Home Youth Farm. Where I would be working in a cottage of ten boys, ages 12-18 years old. IQ rage 50-71. Most of my clients have been perpetrated on, or are perpetrators themselves, but all of them dealing with poor boundaries, and sexual issues.
I felt like through the whole process of finding this internship placement that I was unsure, but truly it was because I was scared of moving on. I have been in school my whole life and finding a career is scary, and intimidating. It is hard to take that leap of faith in hopes that your years of schooling works out and you find a career that you love.
It is safe to say that I did indeed find an internship that I cherish dearly. The cottage I have been placed with has truly touched my heart and I care for each of my clients and wish that each of their circumstances could be different. Although I cannot change what they have went through, I can help them create a better future.
- My Mission for the Youth Farm is to impact the lives of my clients and help create a safe environment for them to grow!
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