“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.” --Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.
Do you believe the above to be true?
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
New Posts: Link Love
Good Day!
I will be starting a new monthly blog post called Link Love. I'll be posting links to anything I've read across the internet or in print related to human services/social services etc. I would also love your suggestions. If you've read something fascinating, I want to know! Please email me your name, the link and what you think about the article you've read. You can find my email on the Contact tab on the blog! :)
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Be Naturally You, Now.
On my head is natural hair. (free of chemical processes that alter its texture) It is one the best decisions I've ever made. During the time I transitioned, I was a Program Director for a vocational agency. I transitioned for about 6 months. Might I add, during that period my hair looked horrible!!!!! There were two different textures on my head, and I didn't how to style my hair. I think it might have looked like a toupee. It was bad. Anyway, no one really questioned me as to what I was doing with my hair or why it even looked that bad.
I ended up resigning from that position and six months later I did the big chop (chopping off the relaxed hair and revealing my natural, unadulterated hair.) At this time, I worked as an in home support staff for a few months and then found a job as a Resident Service Coordinator. When I went to my interview for the RSC position, I was a little worried that I might be judged based my hair.(My hair did not fit into the society's standard of beauty, acceptance or so I thought at the time.) Now where did I get this notion that I might be judged based on my hair? From the media and other people having bad experiences.
I got hired. I was kicking myself for being so worried.
There are so many different types of people that work in this field. All of them coming from different walks of life. Each of them dressing and/or looking physically different than the other. The people I encountered were not worried about my looks, but my qualifications. Never once did someone have a negative comment about my hair. Why? Because it has does not have anything do with how I do my job.
My personal opinion through my experience is that a person's differences are cherished in the human services field. The more YOU you are the better you will able serve the people you work with. In their world, they may be the different people. Think about it.
I ended up resigning from that position and six months later I did the big chop (chopping off the relaxed hair and revealing my natural, unadulterated hair.) At this time, I worked as an in home support staff for a few months and then found a job as a Resident Service Coordinator. When I went to my interview for the RSC position, I was a little worried that I might be judged based my hair.(My hair did not fit into the society's standard of beauty, acceptance or so I thought at the time.) Now where did I get this notion that I might be judged based on my hair? From the media and other people having bad experiences.
I got hired. I was kicking myself for being so worried.
There are so many different types of people that work in this field. All of them coming from different walks of life. Each of them dressing and/or looking physically different than the other. The people I encountered were not worried about my looks, but my qualifications. Never once did someone have a negative comment about my hair. Why? Because it has does not have anything do with how I do my job.
My personal opinion through my experience is that a person's differences are cherished in the human services field. The more YOU you are the better you will able serve the people you work with. In their world, they may be the different people. Think about it.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
3 Reasons Why the Human Services Field is A-Maze! (Amazing)
I have worked in the Human Services field for about 7 years now. (Please note: I am in my late 20 so 7 years is basically most of my professional working life.) I can say with all cofindence that, "I love it!". Of course you have your good days and your bad days...but overall I can say it is very rewarding and I have gained long lasting relationships with my clients and my coworkers.
"A Change is Going to Come"
Whether you are a residential staff person asisting your clients with ADLs or a case manager helping your clients come up with life goals, or a job coach coaching your client on a paticular task at their job, you are one of the few people in your client's life that can see a positive change in attitude or action over a period of time. For example: For six months you've been teaching your client to wash and dry their clothes on their own and one day they were able to complete the task without your help. YOU were there teaching them for six months and now they can do it on their own. Amazing! It is rewarding to see a positive change in your client whether little or big.
Warning: Passionate People Here
I have worked in a couple of areas in human services (disability services, housing, vocational services). In every one of those areas, I was able to find someone who was as enthusiastic about my job as I was. I find this to be important because I was able to talk with my coworkers about my clients and difficult situations. (I was not breaking confinditiality). We were able to brainstorm to find solutions. We also talked about professional development opportunities and our careers.
Field of Diasies
Picking an area of Human Services field to work in is like running through a field of diasies. There are so many areas to pick from!
The human services field is so broad. If you are new to the human services, don't feel like you have to stay in a particular area. If you like what you are doing, stay! If you don't there are options. You can work with people with disabilities OR you can help people obtain basic needs like shelter and food OR you can work with senior citizens at a senior center OR you can work as a mental health professional in a residential facility. The options are endless!
"A Change is Going to Come"
Whether you are a residential staff person asisting your clients with ADLs or a case manager helping your clients come up with life goals, or a job coach coaching your client on a paticular task at their job, you are one of the few people in your client's life that can see a positive change in attitude or action over a period of time. For example: For six months you've been teaching your client to wash and dry their clothes on their own and one day they were able to complete the task without your help. YOU were there teaching them for six months and now they can do it on their own. Amazing! It is rewarding to see a positive change in your client whether little or big.
Warning: Passionate People Here
I have worked in a couple of areas in human services (disability services, housing, vocational services). In every one of those areas, I was able to find someone who was as enthusiastic about my job as I was. I find this to be important because I was able to talk with my coworkers about my clients and difficult situations. (I was not breaking confinditiality). We were able to brainstorm to find solutions. We also talked about professional development opportunities and our careers.
Field of Diasies
Picking an area of Human Services field to work in is like running through a field of diasies. There are so many areas to pick from!
The human services field is so broad. If you are new to the human services, don't feel like you have to stay in a particular area. If you like what you are doing, stay! If you don't there are options. You can work with people with disabilities OR you can help people obtain basic needs like shelter and food OR you can work with senior citizens at a senior center OR you can work as a mental health professional in a residential facility. The options are endless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)