Journal Entry #9

This was a phenomenal week for me regarding my internship. I see now that students and families in the community will benefit from the mentor program for a very long time. When I arrived at my site on Tuesday I had 5 messages from parents that want to enroll their child/children in the program. I was able to recruit a new mentor and I received positive responses from the city of Wilmington Chief of Staff and the District Councilmen that oversees District #1 which the Police Athletic League resides. I meet with the District Councilmen in District #1 to review my plans for the PALW mentor program. Thursday things just kept unfolding, the receptionist asks me for my information so she can display the program in the flyer for the open house on Wednesday November 18, 2013. Ms. Deidre indicated that many of the parents dont have a clue of the programs that are offered at the center and that the open house will open many doors for the mentor program and other programs that are offered at the center. In reflecting on the text in chapter 5 regarding the Integrative Processing Model (IPM), I am really amazed with my internal progress thus far. I have had to implement and execute every step of the IPM during my internship process: Step #1 Gathering Objective Data from Concrete Experience: I had to visually survey the centers day to day operations as well as the parents, children and the structure of the previous mentor program that ended in March of this year through prior mentor/mentee applications, materials and talking with staff. Step #2 Reflecting: What an important component and the most executed; this was somewhat challenging for me, in many situations I had to bring my inner person under subjection be assertive and professional at the same time to get the outcome I expected under the circumstances. Thinking what I would do in the situation was not the approach in dealing with parents regarding their children; I literally had to take self out of the equation. Step #3 Identifying Relevant Theory and Knowledge: Relevant theory and knowledge is imperative and has helped me a great deal through this process. Evidenced based practice is key in the human service field, it is necessary in seeking answers and knowing what works, how well it works and what doesnt work. In the human service field, relevant theory in research is important to program outcomes.

Step #4 Examining Dissonance:

Being an active listener has helped me a great deal during my internship. Active listening will dispel dissonance and has allowed me to create an environment/atmosphere is peace in every situation in dealing with my parents. Step #5 Articulating Learning: Articulating learning has enhance my skills to executive the following lessons: ask questions, dont try to do it all own my own, be pro-active, be teachable, be assertive, keep my site supervisor in every loop whether positive or negative. Step #6 Developing a Plan: Now this step I think was the most challenging for me. It seems like each week I am developing a plan due to a situation, or one of the program components requiring altering in order for my goals and objectives for the program to display the desired program outcome. I love this part of the process, because it allows me to use different program strategies and at the same time build solid program modules that work.