Although not atypical when compared to other weeks on internship, this week has presented it's own set of unique work stressors. In addition to acquiring several new clients in the past week, I am buried in testing and documentation up to my ears. Although I should be stressed, I am approaching the workload with a "bring it on" attitude, as I will soon be leaving Lincoln for a few days.
This Thursday evening, when I get off work at 8 p.m., I am departing from Lincoln to make the 7 hour drive to Peru, IL, to visit with Chris, his parents, and his friends for the weekend. I took a vacation day Friday (much needed vacation day) and will be leaving the crisis phone, my client related worries, and all paperwork behind for a weekend of relaxation with family and friends. Although I am not looking forward to the evening drive as it will put us in town in the wee hours of the morning, I know I will be thankful the next morning to be able to wake up and already be there!
We have many exciting things planned for our time together (as we usually do). But, the thing I am most looking forward to is my time with Chris. It has been approximately three weeks since our last visit together, and I am missing him pretty badly right now. The good news is I will see him this weekend, as well as the next, as it is a holiday, and I plan to go to Springfield for a visit, and on to Rolla to look for a place to live while on residency!
I am SO looking forward to the fun times ahead :)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Senioritis...
I recently received an e-mail from a "pseudo" supervisior at my internship site (addressed to all interns) related to adequate completion of documentation. Although he meant the e-mail to be a form of encouragement, it was also sent as a reminder to the interns on staff to be mindful of senioritis...as we are nearing the end of our training year.
With approximately ten weeks left, I too am feeling the crunch and am counting down the days (and hours) until my move back to Missouri. I can't wait to begin the next chapter of my life (and am equally ready to close this chapter as well). I consider myself to be a very driven, highly motivated person, so achieving goals and getting work done isn't typically a problem for me. In fact, I really enjoy staying busy...I thrive on it (and the feeling of accomplishment I receive when I finish a big project).
Although I am still getting my work done with no difficulty, I forsee problems with senioritis in the future. I find myself getting easily distracted at times, requiring me to force myself to reorient to the task I need to be completing. I fully expect this trend will continue until I am finished here on internship. Although it may become an increasing struggle, I am fully prepared to "go to the mattresses" and fight the good fight until my very last day as an intern!
Wish me luck :)
With approximately ten weeks left, I too am feeling the crunch and am counting down the days (and hours) until my move back to Missouri. I can't wait to begin the next chapter of my life (and am equally ready to close this chapter as well). I consider myself to be a very driven, highly motivated person, so achieving goals and getting work done isn't typically a problem for me. In fact, I really enjoy staying busy...I thrive on it (and the feeling of accomplishment I receive when I finish a big project).
Although I am still getting my work done with no difficulty, I forsee problems with senioritis in the future. I find myself getting easily distracted at times, requiring me to force myself to reorient to the task I need to be completing. I fully expect this trend will continue until I am finished here on internship. Although it may become an increasing struggle, I am fully prepared to "go to the mattresses" and fight the good fight until my very last day as an intern!
Wish me luck :)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
A light in the darkness...
Throughout internship, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, varying greatly in age, race, socioeconomic status, and culture. Each client has offered up a new and exciting challenge, and each has been an opportunity to learn something new about the human condition, and myself as well.
Not unlike my typical week during the internship experience, this week has offered up challenges. I have several reports to write, collateral calls to make, and a few crisis situations to navigate and attempt to solve. Despite all the chaos, however, today I had an opportunity to pause and remind myself of the reason I am training to be a psychologist.
I see an elderly woman at a local nursing home here in Lincoln. I recently began seeing this individual approximately two weeks ago, and have enjoyed working with her very much. She has a wonderful disposition and is a joy to visit with each week. This week was no exception.
During our conversation, a member of the nursing staff dropped by to say hello. The two chatted briefly and the nurse prompted my client to demonstrate their "secret." They bumped foreheads, explained the story behind this move, and we all laughed. Then, my client revealed the nicknames associated with the story. The client indicated she referred to the nurse as Butthead, and to herself as Beavis. Upon revealing this information, the three of us all burst into laughter. The client reported her inspiration for these nicknames came from the cartoon "Beavis and Butthead", popular several years ago on MTV.
The thought of my elderly client knowing who these characters was totally made me stop and laugh, taking in the moment and the experience. It is moments like this that remind me how graeful I am to be able to share in the lives of my clients. I consider it a great priviledge to be allowed into their world, even if for a short time.
I am sure this moment will help me to have the extra push I need to finish out the week in a productive manner!
Not unlike my typical week during the internship experience, this week has offered up challenges. I have several reports to write, collateral calls to make, and a few crisis situations to navigate and attempt to solve. Despite all the chaos, however, today I had an opportunity to pause and remind myself of the reason I am training to be a psychologist.
I see an elderly woman at a local nursing home here in Lincoln. I recently began seeing this individual approximately two weeks ago, and have enjoyed working with her very much. She has a wonderful disposition and is a joy to visit with each week. This week was no exception.
During our conversation, a member of the nursing staff dropped by to say hello. The two chatted briefly and the nurse prompted my client to demonstrate their "secret." They bumped foreheads, explained the story behind this move, and we all laughed. Then, my client revealed the nicknames associated with the story. The client indicated she referred to the nurse as Butthead, and to herself as Beavis. Upon revealing this information, the three of us all burst into laughter. The client reported her inspiration for these nicknames came from the cartoon "Beavis and Butthead", popular several years ago on MTV.
The thought of my elderly client knowing who these characters was totally made me stop and laugh, taking in the moment and the experience. It is moments like this that remind me how graeful I am to be able to share in the lives of my clients. I consider it a great priviledge to be allowed into their world, even if for a short time.
I am sure this moment will help me to have the extra push I need to finish out the week in a productive manner!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Longing for home...
As I am several hours away from family and friends (my entire support network really)...I often find myself feeling a bit homesick. Not only for familiar people, but places as well. Since I am feeling a bit sentimental today, I thought it may be a good opportunity to offer up suggestions for places to explore while in Springfield, MO. In my opinion, these are some of the greatest things Springfield has to offer:
- The Mud Lounge-a great coffeehouse/bar downtown. Big couches and comfy chairs. A great place to sit and relax with friends on a Friday or Saturday night.
- Nonnas-a wonderful Italian bistro also downtown. Great for a romantic evening with that special someone, or for a night out with friends.
- Firehouse Pottery-an awesome place for the craftier person. You can paint your own pottery, they will fire and glaze it for you, and it is yours to enjoy the very next week.
- Cheddars-a great restaurant...friendly atmosphere...good food.
- Greenways Trails-a system of trails spanning the city of Springfield. Great for running, walking, biking, or exploring the outdoors.
- Patton Alley Pub-relaxing pub atmosphere. Fun for a night out with friends.
- Springfield Little Theatre-awesome local theatre, featuring talented local actors and actresses. Ticket prices are reasonable with student ID ($9 for student tickets).
These are only a few of the many things Springfield has to offer students and families (when you are not studying, of course :) I would strongly recommend checking out one, a few, or all, if you are in the area. I know I will visit them the next time I am in town!!!
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