Blog
Post No. 2
Activities:
- · Motivational Interviewing Training
- · Focus Group Execution
- · “Intern to the Rescue!”-The case of the forgotten flash drive
- · Moved boxes across Campus
- · Five Orientation Fairs
- · Less Than You Think Campaign Administration Tasks
- · Suicide Prevention Collation Marketing Advisement
- · Building Professional Rapport within Health Education and Wellness
Reflection:
Every day in Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) feels
like a whirl-wind. There is always something to do and people to see. At any given
time I may be asked to create a catchy flyer, move large boxes across campus, evaluate
a focus group discussion, or run a forgotten flash drive to a sexual health and
contraceptive program. The entire office feels like a game of touch and go. The
office work ethic is admirable. The professionals and GA staff utilize every
ounce of down time as a much needed opportunity to catch-up on any forgotten
tasks/assignments or to plan ahead. There is always something to do and something
prove.
I find it interesting that the majority of the
health programs in HPW is grant funded. In the department right now the two
major grants are the Impaired Driving Grant and the Suicide Prevention Collation.
Each grant has a professional staff member manning the project, than everyone
else in the office acting as a catch-all in case they need assistance while
completing their own work. This department is a high functioning team. Every member
supports one another in any possible way.
My favorite part in these past weeks has been assisting
in new student Orientations. Working the fair and talking to parents and
students about our department was very exhilarating. Orientation was the rabbit
hole that lead me into student affairs during my undergraduate experience.
Working the tables and being at the organization fair made me feel like I was
returning to my roots and rediscovering the reasons of why I love this field. I
appreciated the challenge and competitive nature of pitching Health Promotion
as a viable resource on campus. Parents would came to our table looking for
insurance information, which is not HPW, and would leave with a “become a
volunteer” packet for their student. It was awesome and I truly felt like I had
a purpose in showcasing Mississippi State’s health programs. This experience
has caused me to reflect on possible career choices and directions of where I
want to go in student affairs.
Another interesting opportunity that happened last
week was becoming officially trained as a G.A.I.N. counselor. G.A.I.N. is “Goal-driven
Alcohol/drug Interviewing Network. The program has three stages and is resource
for students who have been referred or would like to assess their
substance-abuse relations. Motivational Interviewing is the key component of G.A.I.N.
and I was given the opportunity to be trained as resource for the students who
enroll in G.A.I.N. I found the training fun and found Counseling Skills class
really came in handy during the practice rounds. J It was a great
learning experience!
Overall, these past two weeks have caused me to
think differently about myself as a professional.
Textbook Application:
In chapter ten, “Managing the first job search,” I
was struck by the explanations and professional opportunities definition of different
types institutions and found myself reflecting on my Maymester’s seminar
experience. On page 190, one section reads, “Student affairs professional at
small institutions are frequently generalist with responsibilities in more than
on area…student affairs professionals at large intuitions are specialists. They
have very specific duties and usually have limited interactions with students.”
I would consider Mississippi State a medium-large institution. The Health
Promotion and Wellness professions have specific tasks and areas of knowledge.
They get some face time with students, but not as much as I thought. The GAs,
Interns, and student volunteers act as liaisons between the department and the
university students. As I was setting up the HPW table at orientation with
JuLeigh, my co supervisor. I found myself thinking that I really enjoy orientations
a little differently than in my undergrad years. This is because I get an
opportunity to talk to different students and re-connect with other student
affairs professionals on campus. This chapter and realization spoke to me; as I
am trying to find my fit in the student affairs world, I resonate with the
small colleges and institutions. That is where I picture myself.
Theory to Practice:
Assisting at the Health Promotion and Wellness table
at the Orientations’ organization fair reminded me of Schlossberg’s Transition
Theory. These students and parents are staring at one of the largest transitions
of their lives. They are at the first step in “Moving in, Moving through, and
Moving out.” They are assessing their situations and evaluating the large
changes about to ensue. As I was working the table I was explaining that
becoming a volunteer with HPW would help the first year transition. Our
department acts as a support and strategy to keep busy and gain experience
while in college. HPW fosters and cares for their volunteers and helps them
develops professionally and personally. Orientation acts as a triggering
situations for these folks and I felt honored and excited to assist the transition
(and ease a few nerves).
Reference:
Evans, N.J., Forney,
D.S., Guido, F.M., Patton, L.D., & Renn, K. A. (2010). Student development
in college: Theory, research, and practice. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Amey, M., & Reesor, L. (2009). In Beginning you journey: A guide for new
professionals in student affairs. Washington, D.C.: National Association of
Student Personnel Administration.
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