Here we go! Blogging away... (I assume I'm posting this correctly.)
Activities:
My activities are actually pretty lengthy, as I've been working ahead-of-the-game a bit on my practicum work. I led a group for Dr. Justice's Group class during Maymester; I have one this first summer term; and I'll have one second summer, as well. Planning for group sessions, being in the actual sessions, and following up each session with evaluation and my on-site supervision with Dr. Justice is a pretty full load to plan for and think about. For future reflections here, I will be able to list my more at-hand activities.
Reflection:
This group leading experience has already been extremely rewarding for me. For a student affairs-tracked student, leading a group counseling group is not a typical practicum work site, but I just fell in love with the group dynamic and experience when I was in Group class last spring, and I knew this is what I wanted to do for my practicum work. Getting to go on the journey with my Maymester students from start to finish, getting to experience emotions - laughter, hesitation, tears, confusion, revelation, etc. - alongside them as they worked with each other to help and grow and learn to lead was just an excellent experience for me. I know I will incorporate a group aspect into whatever specific field of student affairs I eventually find myself.
This has also been my first real "co-teaching/co-leading" experience, and it's certainly been a learning one. Making time to plan for each session, to prepare and to implement the sessions, and, especially, to evaluate and think on what I can do differently takes a goodly amount of time! Being responsible for the Box Building during Maymester, as well, was interesting. I think my group consisted of the only people in the building for the intersession, so the responsibility was mine to make sure things were up and running and then shut down properly each day.
I'm looking forward to experiencing more with my current group!
Lyle,
ReplyDeleteWhat I like best about your post is the way you are considering the merge between Counseling and Student Affairs. Where do you see the bridges being built, specifically? What aspects of a career in community colleges make this more relevant? You have made a good connection here and I look forward to learning more about it!
Dr. H