Intermediate
I started this portion of my program on April 24, 2018, having passed each of the Basic Counseling class with an A-. I can't fall below 80% (B-), if that happens I can be kicked out of the program.
This new level started with Research methods, and they are not joking about the research part! So far I have worked on assignments that have articles that are assigned and I've also had to find my own topics to research and fill out forms and write papers about. The hardest part so far, finding topics that are interesting and contain the information I need to complete the assignment.
I still have to work in groups, this time however, I'm working with two people I met during residency, Terrica and Tameka. Both have their stories, like me, both are strong women and they have been great to work with on our group assignments. We have a basic set up for when we need to have our portions posted to the group thread and it's working out pretty well so far. We've had plenty of time to complete our portions, get everything put together and submitted a day before it's due. This group is now in my top two, yup, only two have been good so far, in almost four years of working with groups.
Time to get some stuff done on at least one of my assignments, they are all due on Monday and I still need to work on participation posts as well. More assignments with these classes, I need a better system to get everything done in a timely manner without feeling overwhelmed.
Wish me luck :)
Friday, May 18, 2018
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
Arizona Trip Day Ten
We spent the morning just hanging out. Carmen has been sick for the majority of the trip, bad cough, trouble breathing and sleeping. She has been in an almost full sit up position every night since we got to Phoenix.
We did manage to get out for a bit though. We went to the Heard Museum, if you have not been, you should go. It's all about the Native American Indian Tribes. It's a beautiful museum, I'm glad that we had the chance to see it. They offer tours through part of the museum, or you can wander on your own. We did both. It's eye opening. There is also a small room that plays a video on a loop about how pottery is made and how it's a dying art, newer generations are not learning about how to do it to keep it going.
If you are in Phoenix, I highly recommend that you take a trip to this museum. Beautiful and sad stories and beautiful art work and traditions.
If you are in Phoenix, I highly recommend that you take a trip to this museum. Beautiful and sad stories and beautiful art work and traditions.
Another Ending, Another Beginning
Jenyfer has finally finished her second year of college. She spent the last couple of days getting her room packed up. Yesterday we got a car load of stuff moved to the storage unit and then the rest of her stuff packed into the car.
The drive to and from Greenville, PA is only six hours but it sure feels a lot longer. The drive to Topeka, KS felt shorter! I think it's because I make the drive more often, to Greenville.
Now, she waits for her final grades to be posted. Every year I hope that the new year will be better than the last. For Jenyfer and school, I think she did a lot better this school year, she has been happy with the grades that have been posted so far, anxious for the last of them.
Jenyfer will begin looking for a summer job, fingers crossed that she finds one fast, she has things to take care of this summer. She does have a line on one so far. Her best friend is getting married in August, she'll have to prepare to go back to school in August as well. She is also planning to change her last name, to mine, and then there is her drivers training and license stuff as well. It's going to be a big summer for her, especially if we can get everything done this year.
Wish us luck, we might need that extra push.
The drive to and from Greenville, PA is only six hours but it sure feels a lot longer. The drive to Topeka, KS felt shorter! I think it's because I make the drive more often, to Greenville.
Now, she waits for her final grades to be posted. Every year I hope that the new year will be better than the last. For Jenyfer and school, I think she did a lot better this school year, she has been happy with the grades that have been posted so far, anxious for the last of them.
Jenyfer will begin looking for a summer job, fingers crossed that she finds one fast, she has things to take care of this summer. She does have a line on one so far. Her best friend is getting married in August, she'll have to prepare to go back to school in August as well. She is also planning to change her last name, to mine, and then there is her drivers training and license stuff as well. It's going to be a big summer for her, especially if we can get everything done this year.
Wish us luck, we might need that extra push.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Arizona Trip Day Seven through Nine
Friday; Day Seven
The day started earlier than I would have liked. Class went from
8a-4p but I had to be on the shuttle by 7a or 7:30a, I chose to do the 7a shuttle so I would have time for breakfast and setting up my computer and what not. We spent the day doing role-play, talking, listening to stories from the instructor and classmates. The school provided breakfast, lunch and two snacks. Everything was catered and really good.
Saturday; Day 8
Today was pretty much like Friday. We did more role-play with each other. We took turns being the counselor and the client. Everyone shared things from their own life that they have concerns about. The instructor also did a couple role-play situations about Ethics. The first one he played "the client" and had us all laughing, he was making passes at "the counselor". He explained how she should have handled it and told us that if a client is behaving inappropriately, we are within our rights to end the session. I did my PowerPoint presentation today, I got good feedback from the class and the instructor. I've been nervous about doing the role-play and presentation because it puts me in the spotlight to much and that make me uncomfortable, I made it through though with encouraging words from everyone. I need to stop doubting myself. I see the grades I have been getting since 2012 and I still doubt my abilities to do well in school. I need to STOP IT! (Bob Newhart reference) We also watched a presentation by another instructor. He explained what he has been doing, his presentation is something he is still working on in preparation to present at a conference, we were the guinea pigs lol
Sunday; Day 9
The final day of class. Role-play again, with feedback from the whole class but then we did a role-play where the instructor was the only one giving feedback, this part was our final. After everyone was done we spent some time watching a presentation from a new instructor about counseling and the law, when we would be expected to go to court, and what to expect and do if we do have to go to court and ways that clients could trick us into going to court. It was very informational.
I am very glad that I had this opportunity, to attend the residency. It has helped me a lot. My instructor wants to see a counselor, to help me work through the resentment towards my family. I know I need to do it, I'll have to start looking into it when I get home. If I start seeing a counselor of my own then it will give me a chance to get better before I start seeing my own clients. I need to do this. I will find a way to make it happen.
The day started earlier than I would have liked. Class went from
8a-4p but I had to be on the shuttle by 7a or 7:30a, I chose to do the 7a shuttle so I would have time for breakfast and setting up my computer and what not. We spent the day doing role-play, talking, listening to stories from the instructor and classmates. The school provided breakfast, lunch and two snacks. Everything was catered and really good.
Saturday; Day 8
Today was pretty much like Friday. We did more role-play with each other. We took turns being the counselor and the client. Everyone shared things from their own life that they have concerns about. The instructor also did a couple role-play situations about Ethics. The first one he played "the client" and had us all laughing, he was making passes at "the counselor". He explained how she should have handled it and told us that if a client is behaving inappropriately, we are within our rights to end the session. I did my PowerPoint presentation today, I got good feedback from the class and the instructor. I've been nervous about doing the role-play and presentation because it puts me in the spotlight to much and that make me uncomfortable, I made it through though with encouraging words from everyone. I need to stop doubting myself. I see the grades I have been getting since 2012 and I still doubt my abilities to do well in school. I need to STOP IT! (Bob Newhart reference) We also watched a presentation by another instructor. He explained what he has been doing, his presentation is something he is still working on in preparation to present at a conference, we were the guinea pigs lol
Sunday; Day 9
The final day of class. Role-play again, with feedback from the whole class but then we did a role-play where the instructor was the only one giving feedback, this part was our final. After everyone was done we spent some time watching a presentation from a new instructor about counseling and the law, when we would be expected to go to court, and what to expect and do if we do have to go to court and ways that clients could trick us into going to court. It was very informational.
I am very glad that I had this opportunity, to attend the residency. It has helped me a lot. My instructor wants to see a counselor, to help me work through the resentment towards my family. I know I need to do it, I'll have to start looking into it when I get home. If I start seeing a counselor of my own then it will give me a chance to get better before I start seeing my own clients. I need to do this. I will find a way to make it happen.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Arizona Trip Day Six
Today was my first day of class, in a real classroom. I was very nervous, we had to do role play with the instructor and then with another student. It was pretty emotional for everyone. We all did great though. Everyone asked questions and shared things about themselves. I knew it was going to emotional for me, it just happened quicker than I expected.
The school had breakfast, snacks and lunch for us, available through out the day. I was pretty full after all that food. All in all it was a good day.
Two more days and then three days of downtime for fun around Phoenix. Not sure what we'll do during that downtime but I'm sure we'll stay busy all day.
The school had breakfast, snacks and lunch for us, available through out the day. I was pretty full after all that food. All in all it was a good day.
Two more days and then three days of downtime for fun around Phoenix. Not sure what we'll do during that downtime but I'm sure we'll stay busy all day.
Arizona Trip Day Four and Five
Day four. Wednesday,
We arrived in Phoenix, at the Drury Inn at 5 pm on Wednesday, day four. The hotel is beautiful and big. We hung out in the room after checking inn, got a few free drinks and had some dinner. It was a long day on the road so downtime was needed.
Day five. Thursday,
Our first full day in Phoenix. I laid in bed all day, except for getting breakfast and then dinner and drinks later. I needed some more downtime. In the evening I had a meet and greet with everyone that was here for Residency. I finally met some of the people that I've only talked too online or on the phone. It was nice to put faces to some of them.
Thankfully the bed is comfortable, the room is spacious enough so we aren't on top of each other when trying to move around. I actually unpacked my suitcase, since we are here for a week.
We arrived in Phoenix, at the Drury Inn at 5 pm on Wednesday, day four. The hotel is beautiful and big. We hung out in the room after checking inn, got a few free drinks and had some dinner. It was a long day on the road so downtime was needed.
Day five. Thursday,
Our first full day in Phoenix. I laid in bed all day, except for getting breakfast and then dinner and drinks later. I needed some more downtime. In the evening I had a meet and greet with everyone that was here for Residency. I finally met some of the people that I've only talked too online or on the phone. It was nice to put faces to some of them.
Thankfully the bed is comfortable, the room is spacious enough so we aren't on top of each other when trying to move around. I actually unpacked my suitcase, since we are here for a week.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Arizona Trip Day Four
Today we went to the Rio Grande Zoo and the Albuquerque Aquarium and Gardens. They were both really nice. There was a ton of walking involved in the tripe today, I am exhausted. I think two pain pills are required for tonight.
We did a bit of grocery shopping today too, restock the cooler. I'm impressed by this thing, we dumped 22 pounds of ice in it on Saturday morning (April 7) and there is still plenty of ice in it. We've been draining the water each day. We'll refill it a bit tomorrow, before we leave the motel in the morning.
Carmen is in awe of the mountains. We've got a great view behind our motel. This motel is also close to downtown and shopping on Juan Tabo. I forgot how beautiful it is here. I look forward to coming back next year.
Today I realized how much I actually missed when I lived here before. My now ex took me to Santa Fe once, for a day and that was it. I had not spent much time in the city or doing anything. We went to a mall a couple times but that was pretty much it. Maybe if he had been willing to take me out, we would have stayed longer. I don't know if I'd want to live here again but I wouldn't mind visiting again. It's been 24 years since I left. I look forward to coming back.
It's been a long day, I'm going to take a shower, clean off my bed and get some sleep. We are heading to Phoenix at 11am.
We did a bit of grocery shopping today too, restock the cooler. I'm impressed by this thing, we dumped 22 pounds of ice in it on Saturday morning (April 7) and there is still plenty of ice in it. We've been draining the water each day. We'll refill it a bit tomorrow, before we leave the motel in the morning.
Carmen is in awe of the mountains. We've got a great view behind our motel. This motel is also close to downtown and shopping on Juan Tabo. I forgot how beautiful it is here. I look forward to coming back next year.
Today I realized how much I actually missed when I lived here before. My now ex took me to Santa Fe once, for a day and that was it. I had not spent much time in the city or doing anything. We went to a mall a couple times but that was pretty much it. Maybe if he had been willing to take me out, we would have stayed longer. I don't know if I'd want to live here again but I wouldn't mind visiting again. It's been 24 years since I left. I look forward to coming back.
It's been a long day, I'm going to take a shower, clean off my bed and get some sleep. We are heading to Phoenix at 11am.
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