Friday, September 18, 2009

Homework Three!

Exercise 4

I am YELLOW!! Yellow stands out and get noticed really easy. I have a bright and lovable personality that catches the attention of many people. I am very bold, outgoing, outspoken, and have a great sense of humor. I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things.

Exercise 5

As I am snooping around my bedroom I noticed that the person that lives here is very creativity and likes bright colors. It does not seem like she has a favorite color because I see all different kinds of colors. As I looking on the desk I see that the person likes to read novel......mostly about historic events and real life issues. The person is very organized because I see planners and lists of things to do all over the place. I can see that the person like to work out as well because I see a fitness schedule on the desk. I get the impression that the person likes to help others and is interested in particularly helping abused individuals because of the books I see and the brochure of different agencies lying around.

Exercise 6

Mother: The qualities I see are: strong minded, kind, willing to try new things, good taste, like to learn, and interesting. These are the qualities I believe my mother sees in me her first born.

Father: Shy, worries a lot, organized, professional, talkative, old school, beautiful, warm-hearted. These are the qualities I believe my father sees in me.

Sister: Professional, unsure, open-minded, explorer, lively, outgoing, social butterfly. These are the qualities I believe my sister would say.

Brother: Unfair, closed minded, aggressive. I do not believe my brother has a lot to say about me but if he did I believe these are his thoughts and feelings.

Exercise 7:

Twenty things I like to do is:
  • Watch television
  • Listen to music
  • Read
  • Go to new restaurants
  • Spend time with family and friends
  • Travel
  • Facebook
  • Shop
  • Relax
  • talk on the phone
  • event planning
  • work out
  • take walks in nice weather
  • play spider solitary
  • decorate
  • surf the web
  • Watch movies
  • Play board games
  • get pedicures and manicures
  • take pictures
Exercise 8:

I would like to be in an environment where there are no rules or expectations from others. A world were no one judges you for your actions or you being worries about what others think of you. This environment would be good because we would live our lives exactly the way we want things and totally be happy. Often times individuals hold back and allow society to shape our minds and our way of living. Doing this totally suppresses who we really are and what we can become.

Exercise 9:

Once I wake up I prepared to take a beautiful walk around the neighborhood to start my day. Working out gives me energy and makes me feel good. Its a great way to start your day. Once I am done, I make a beautiful breakfast that consist of bacon, eggs, toast, orange juice and a few pieces of pineapple. While eating breakfast I am watching the news and looking at my planner to review the things I needed to do for the day. Once breakfast is done a take a warm shower and listen to some jazz to relax and clear my mind. Then, I get dressed in professional attire to prepare for work. Once, I am dressed I hop in the car and drove to the office to work. I own a private practice counseling abused women, men and children. On lunch I met my twin sister at a nearby coffee shop to chat about my day and whats new in our lives. After lunch, I headed back to the office to finish up some paperwork. I decided to leave early because I had no appointments booked during the afternoon. Once I left work I went to the market to grab a few things I needed in the house and some take out from a nearby Mexican place for dinner. Once I got home I unloaded the bags, checked my voicemails, and popped in a movie to watch while eating my dinner. After the movie a cleaned the dishes and read one of my favorite novels by the fire place until I fell asleep.

Fantasy Analysis:
1.) The elements that are absolutely indispensable from my day is my sister, and my career.
2.)Elements that are optional but still desirable is the exercising.
3.) Elements that are pure frills, but I can do with out them is cooking. I would not mind having a maid or butler.
4.) If I walk through the day with only the indispensable elements my day would still be filled with happiness.
5.) The elements of the day I already have is my wonderful relationship with my sister.
6.) The elements that are absent from my life now is my career and my own place.
7.) What stands between me and my ideal day is the fact that I have not stable in my career yet.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Homework Two!! Cont;d

Something I did this weekend that I have not done in a long time was play with my dolls. My sister and I went through all the closets in my parent's house until we found all our old baby dolls. We took out each doll (we both have about 9) and tried to remember what year and occasion brought about that doll whether is was Christmas or our birthday. Each doll bought back special events and milestones in our childhood that would never be forgotten. It was so much fun reaching all the way back into my live and bringing back those moments that made me feel childlike and happy. Before finding my dolls I thought about throwing them away but now I am rethinking that decision.

Homework Two!!

I interviewed my parents over the weekend and asked them a few questions. Not only did they answer the questions but they had video tapes to show me so I could see myself in action. According to their responses, the first five years of my life I was REALLY active and talkative (once I was of age to start talking....lol) . I love to talk......to anybody....lol. I was polite, eager to learn and explore new things!! I loved to play with my baby dolls, jump rope with my twin sister and my mother. My unique characteristics was my enthusiasm. While growing up they really did not know what I was going to grow up to be but they said whatever career I chose I would be very good at it!! (I just found out what I really wanted to do with my life).


INTERVIEWED FIVE FRIENDS!!

1.) Friend #1 (Tranaj Winfrey) said that my strengths were helping other people. Tranaj also said I am a very determined and hardworking people.
2.) Friend #2 (Jennifer Salther) said that my strengths were reading and writing.
3.) Friend #3 (Janart Winfrey)said that my strengths were solving problems and helping others. Janart said that I am a critical thinker
4.) Friend #4 (Janessa Larson) said that my strengths were listening and being compassionate as well as caring. I will listen to anyone's problems.
5.) Friend #5 (Cursheena) said that my strengths were being courageous. I was never afraid to be different and try new things.

My friends are very nice!!! LOL...

The thing I love doing the most is reading. I enjoy reading autobios, historic events, and surviving stories. I am very interesting in reading as well as learning things related to the domestic violence movement and sexual assaults issues. The most recent novel I read regarding these issues is titled the Surviving the Silence written by Charlotte Pierce-Baker. This novel included the stories of survivors and how they dealt with their emotions, families, friends, and even themselves after traumatic events. Reading books like these helps me understand and gives my a sensitive looks and perspective for these individuals. It also makes me want to be involved. In place of reading I watched videos on you tube that discussed these same issues and this gave me that exact same feeling. Being interested in this kind of work has encouraged me to become a rape crisis counselor. Rape crisis counseling is a very emotional and tough job to hold but it is very rewarding to know the individuals you have touched and gave hope to when they really needed it. working with survivors of sexual assaults has given me a sense a pride and a different outlook and life as a whole. Knowing that I am making a difference places a HUGE smile on my face.

Here are just a couples of videos I watched........please take a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9MShGb2fGw&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7oQmSlSaG8&feature=related

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Homework One!!

I am taking this course leadership for change in hope to learn tips, ideas, and other inspirations that will help me be a young leader in today's society. Learn how to be a leader and inspiration among my peers. Along with being a leader, I hope to learn more about myself.

As a child learning and experiencing new things has always fascinated me in many environments such as schools, spending time with friends and family members, and religious services.

I enjoyed all my senses equally. Seeing new places and people was always exciting. Hearing new music was enjoyable. Tasting touching and smelling new foods was something I always enjoy and still do......lol....

I love to read especially autobios, real historic events, love stories, and literature that inspires and empowers their readers. I also love to watch movies mostly comedy......lol. Besides, these things there is nothing like spending quality time with the people in my life I love and cherish the most........MY FAMILY.

Well I do not have any dreams or fantasies I never told anybody about.......but I always dreamed of traveling all over the world not having an agenda just living, traveling and having fun. Not even knowing where the next new place will be or where I'll end up. Just living life to the fullest with no worries.

Yes there is a HUGE part of me that still loves those things.

I am unsure about where these interests and abilities I have may led me to..... hopefully by the end of this course I learn and figure that out.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Reflecting on Leadership for change

The most important thing learned this semester is to stop limiting myself and do not be afraid to go afraid what you what regardless of what others may think..... go after what makes me happy!! Hard work never hurts anybody.

After reading my entire blogs I was amazed from the progresses I made, courage I have gained, and the things I have learned from experience and through readings. Along with being amazed I am frustrated as well due to the bumps I have came across in my journey. I have grown in so many ways due to this course in my personal life as well as my academic endeavors. My life as done a complete 360 from this course (I'm not gonna get too personal), but I can definitely say I am not the same Shakita when spring semester started. My perspective about a lot of things as changed and allowed me to shape the way I thought about things and issue regarding myself and life in general. Some activities I engaged in this semester that played a crucial role in shaping my cognition is stepping outside my comfort zone and reaching out to individuals that have accomplished the things I desire to accomplish in the future. Three things I enjoyed about Leadership for change is the novel All about Love, the panel, and the movies we watched during class. Three things I liked least about the class is the amount of time spent in class, the novel about leadership, and that is all. I can not think of a three items. At the moment I do not have any suggestions to improve the course. The design and curriculum of the course is perfect. Its is designed to force students to focus on themselves and the things that must be accomplished to reach their goals. If anything changes then the students experience my change and the experience is the most important things we must let with. So I think the class requirements should remain the same so we take away the appropraite lessons, motivation, and strive the achieve our dreams!!!

THANKS DR. ROCKQUEMORE!!
P.S I think my sister regrets not taking the course......(LOL)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

WORK THE PLAN!!

Exercise #1: My first step is still the same as before which is to continue to search for GRE prep courses. I did make some kind of progress this week by purchasing some study guide materials and facing the fact that I may be self studying for the examination or finding a partner to study with which will be a better idea. My psychology adviser exactly suggested that I self study for the test. I need to have a little more confidence in myself and give it a try.......WISH ME LUCK!!!


Exercise #2: This Sunday a had another buddy meeting with my sister Nakita Perdue!! I told her I was finally going to give self study for the exam......she said she was very proud of me! I explained how I had a meeting with the volunteer coordinator at Inspiration Cafe and I could possible be volunteering for them in the near future. She suggested that I look into more local agency to seek volunteer opportunities. I also explained the tasks I will be looking forward to completing next week which will be to contact the founder of Inspiration Cafe. I would love for her to share her experience in starting the agency and how she feels about the agency turned into a corporation.

Exericise #3: During the Sunday Night Planning Meeting I decided to continue during the steps in my flow chart and hopefully find a study group for the summer to prepare for the GRE exam. Looking for another job is definitely on the to do lists. I am looking forward to making progess on my flow chart. I will also continue contacting individuals that started their own agency.


ROLE MODEL:
Last Friday I had a meeting with the volunteer coordinator of Inspiration Cafe. Just for a little background information Inspiration Cafe was established 1989. The services they provide are supportive, housing assistance, and employment opportunities. Their services are mostly geared to homeless people or people that hace low income status. The famous or primary services is feeding the homeless. Instead of a soup line like most shelter they serve their participants as if it was a restuarant. They get to order from menus, have waiters, and engage in friendly conversations. The person I met with was Katriana Barr, unfornately she is not the founder but Ms. Barr gave me her contact inforamtion. So besides giving me the history and purpose of the agency which is now a corporation she answered all my questions and promise to notify me when an open position is available. I look forward to contacting the founder of the corporation and the current director. WISH ME LUCK!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Buddy System!!

The buddy I chose is my best friend.....the person who knows me the best in this world, my twin sister Nakita Perdue!! The weekly business meeting was wonderful! I got a chance to express all my emotions and frustrations and she totally understood me!


Step One: I discussed with her all the steps I have accomplished towards my goal. I not only discussed the goals I have accomplished this passed week, but all the steps and actions I have taken towards my goals.

Step Two: I showed her her my flow chart and planning wall and explained where I am now on the chart. I also mentioned where I am currently stuck and not moving in the whole process. I am currently stuck trying to find a GRE prep class so I can start preparing for the examination. Not being able to take the examination pushes back the following steps on the planning wall. To explain, not being able to take the test prohibits me from filling out my graduate school applications before the deadline which is December 1. SO THIS MEANS I WILL NOT BE ATTENDING GRADUATE SCHOOL UNTIL 2011......(SAD FACE). After explaining this issue to my sister she suggested that a take the practice exam and see which area I need to study more in and buy study materials and self study for the exam. She also mentioned that she would talk to her internship to see if they (Kaplin) have any opening for the summer. This is a good opportunity because if students intern with Kaplin for a semester then they will pay for you to take a preparatory course for FREE!!! So I am definitely keeping my fingers crossed for that privilege. So if things do not work out the way I want them to then I will be pressing back the dates on my flow chart/planning wall. So until I go to graduate school I will be volunteering at different agencies and gaining awesome relative work experience to take with me to whatever graduate program I attend.

Step Three: I have not come up with any news ideas or neccessary steps to add to the flow chart/plaaning wall....

Step Four: The problem that I came across that is holding up my whole process is finding a GRE prep score.....I have talked to advisors, friends, different departments on campus and still no luck in finding a class. So maybe I need to get the study materials and practice on my own possibly with a study friends.

Step Five: Next week's plan is to continue searching for a GRE prep course, continuing contacting more role models, and research more graduate programs.


I would not neccessarily call her my role models but I spoke with my psychology advisor about graduate school and she was givng me advise about different Master programs and sharing her graduate school experience. It turned out to be a good conversation and she gave me some material to read about all the graduate programs in the states.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Assignment on Fear!!

My steps I had planned for the week are to continue searching for GRE courses that are affordable and that can fit into my tight schedule. Unfortunately, I am still unsuccessful in finding the course, but I will not give up. While trying to complete the steps on my planning wall thus far I have not been experiencing fear. If anyone know of any GRE courses I could take please let me know!! I NEED HELP. I AM STUCK.......

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

FIRST STEP!!

My first step was to research graduate programs and learn the requirements needed for each program before completing the application. This was a very interesting process to complete!!

The first graduate program I am interested in is Depaul University!! They had a very interesting website to navigate and interesting details to read. The requires for this institution is completing the application before December 1, GRE score of at least a 1200, and B grade point average. I read the programs that might be of interest to me which were clinical child track and the clinical community track. I am still comparing the two programs to see which one best fits my goals.

The second school was Roosevelt University. Besides completing the application the only requirements was including a personal statement along with application and a G.P.A of 3.0. I like this program because they require no GRE score!! HOW EXCITING!!

The third school was Northwestern. I looked into this school because one of my role models suggested that I study marriage and family because the curriculum teaches social systems and different types of relationships and this is the only I know of that offers a program like this. The only issue is that they do not offer this training at the a Master's level only PH.D. The requirements for this GRE score, 3 recommendations from actually psychologists, transcripts, and personal statement.

The fourth school was UIC. The requirements were 3.2 G.P.A, GRE recommended but not required, 3 recommendations from actually psychologists, and a personal statement. I am going look further into this program because I am very interested.

The fifth programs in researched was the Professional school of psychology. This program was MOST interesting!! The requirements for this program are 3.0 G.P.A, GRE NOT REQUIRED, 3 letters of recommendations, and an essay. This program stuck out more because all their programs cater to the different interests of psychologists.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

2 more interviews!!!!

Even though I blogged that I interviewed Connie Vitale last week we final met this past weekend. During our emails we only scratched the surface of the conversation, but we really got into depth and interesting conversation in our meeting. We met this past Sunday at Ann Sather's which turned out to be a pretty nice place to have coffee and chat. I was a little nervous because I did not know what to expect....lol. Once she arrived the conversatioon started. Connie started by asking me a few questions about myself and my career that she did not undertand through our email. She asked my what was my purpose for my private practice and I stated that I wanted to own my own business counseling and create programs that help individuals cope after a traumatic event specifically domestic violence and sexual assault. After my answer, Connie stated "you don't want a private practive you want your own agency". And after I thought about it the idea made more sense to me. I dont want to counsel only I want to hire staff members that assist me in couseling and create programs within the agency. I definitely learned something new about myself that was very exciting. After we got to the bottom of my dreams Connie suggested that I start volunteering with as many agencies as possible to gain expertise experience about agencies, how they are established and how they operate. I was so excited after our meeting.

She also mentioned looking into a master's in social work because my dreams can also be achieved through a master's in social work as well as psychology!! Connie said that a master's in social work gives me more a variety when it comes to the things I can pursue with the degree. She said that she would be keeping her eyes open for anything and anybody that would help me in my plans. So, now I am waiting on her email with contact information about someone who hosts domestic violence workshops!!! Meeting with people is most beneficial then email the interpersonal communication is exciting and you really build your social networks more in person not through email as much. Connie is such a wonderful person I look forward to seeing your again in the future.


Unfortunately my second interview was through email because she resides in San Diego, California. Even though Tracey is many miles away she made some suggestions that I am really taking into consideration. Tracey is a therapist that specializes in marriage and family. She suggested that I consider a master's in marriage and family because it teaches you systems, context, and about our social relationships. Often times people fail to recognize that our problems exist through our relationships with other people. When it comes to domestic violence and sexual assault our social world is very important. Because these issues usual exist within relationships that already existed in our lives such as family members, friends, marriages, partners, and aquaintances. Not only do these issues exist in existing relationships, but after the traumatc event has taken place its become difficult for the victim/survivor to trust individuals in their social world again and cope in society. I really apprecriate this suggestions that Tracey made. And Connie mentioned that Northwestern has a great Marriage and Family Institition. Me and Tracey are still comunicating!!


These women has made a tremendous impact in my future goals that I do not think I would have thought about these ideas without them. My interviews were amazing. It feels wonderful to see my plans change and grow into avenues that I could not have done alone!! I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT MY PLANS!!

I am currently trying to contact Beth Richie because she is very involved in the domestic violence movement. So, wish me luck!!!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Assignment Eight!!

I know we were suppose to interview 2 role models, but my role models are very busy and our schedules conflicted a lot. However, we were conversing through email and one of my role models have yet to respond. So, I have been conversing with Connie Vitale and she has been a therapist for 18 years!! She has her license as a clinical professional counselor. The questions I asked her to get the conversion rolling were:
  • How long were you a therpist?
  • What kinds of workshops does you host?
  • What graduate program did you attend?
  • What kind of advise would you give a young women like myself interested in this field?
  • Do you have any regrets?
  • Would you change anything about your career?
  • Would you suggest I do into social worker or psychology since both fields are very similar?
  • What are some challenges you face in private practice?
She was wonderful and very helpful. She received her MA in pastoral counseling at Loyola where she currently teaches and run group therapy sessions as well as online discussions. She started counseling really late and it was her second career. She told me that its good to see young women interested in the field because we are underrepresented especially as minorities. She also told me that private practice is a bit isolated from other types of therapy. She stated that of she can do it over she would form a group practice with some colleagues. They were a few things that she would like to change about her career. Unfortunately, we only scratched the surface of the conversation there are still millions of questions I would love to ask like is it really necessary to get a Ph.D or PsyD? Also I still waiting on two other therapist to responds. However, I am definitely going to meet with Connie in the near future to continue our conversation.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Interviews!

The first person I interviewed was Vicky Sides. I know her through my independent study instructor. We had a conversation over the phone. A couple years ago she was an advocate for domestic violence. Her job was to educate and counsel individuals that were seeking knowledge about or have experienced some form of domestic violence in their lives. During our conversation she was mostly providing me with advise and good tips while working in the domestic violence movement.

Her suggestions were to try to stay as positive as I can because sometimes the job and be very overwhelming. Listening to stories of abuse can sometimes cause you to feel down and depressed for other people. So, staying positive and engaging myself in fun and uplifting activities can sometimes keep my mind off my work.

She encouraged me to think about getting a Ph.D or a PsyD in clinical psychology to better equip myself for owning my own private practice. As our conversation continued we started to discuss discrimination and prejudices that exist at the systematic (macro) level when it comes to assisting people that have experienced some form of domestic violence. To explain, safe places such as shelters are not easily accessible in minority communities. Sometimes it can get extremely difficult when serving minorities. Their needs are greater and different from other individuals.

My second interview was from Andria L. who works for RVA (rape victim advocate) in the downtown area. I know her through my internship that I was offered for this coming summer. The internship entails being a crisis intervention advocate for victims of sexual assault. Our conversation was very similar to my first interview. We discussed the emotional aspects for working with individuals that have experienced sexual assault. How heavy the position can be in my life. She was saying how I need to be emotionally ready for a career like this. Our conversation forced me to think about if I am ready for this type of commitment. I must be very sensitive and non-judgmental regarding issues like sexual assault and domestic violence. This internship will definitely show me if this field is really for me and provide me with the appropriate skills necessary for the job. My passion to help and educate are motivators I need to give me a strong drive.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Assignment 6!!

The Goal is to become a mental health therapist for abused men, women, and children. Not only a therapist but an educator the teaches people the unconscious stereotypes we hold about people that had experienced sexual abuse and/or domestic violence. There are several things I need to do in preparation of my goal!

Preparation #1
  • take a GRE prep class to prepare for the exam
  • study for the GRE
  • take the exam
Preparation #2
  • draft a personal statement
  • have someone look over my personal statement
  • finalize my personal statement
Preparation #3
  • Research Graduate Program the interest me
  • visit the school's open house
  • take to an adviser in the program I am interested
  • fill out the applications
  • get accepted
  • find a fill-time internship
  • find a counseling position somewhere that will give me experience in my area of interest preferably a hospital
  • Volunteer somewhere that will allow me to educate others about domestic violence issues and sexual assault

FIVE CONTACTS
  1. Heather Imrie (312.413.1025)
  2. Andria L. (volunteer@rapeadvocates.org)
  3. Sarah's Inn (volunteer@sarahsinn.org)
  4. Stephanie Roger (312.413.2300)
  5. Bette Botttoms (312.413.2635)

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Assignment Four!!!

Exercise One
My dreams have been to always help others in a life changing through experiences individuals will never forget. A long time ago my dream was to become a pediatrician, but as time progressed and different courses at the university made for more opened minded and exposed me to various issues that are MORE than important in today's society. I become to learn more about myself and things I want to do and how I want to make a difference in this world. Once I changed my major from biology to psychology ( the best decision I ever made) everything about my began to change from the way I was thinking to my interests. Now mu dream is to become a mental health therapist for abused men, women, and children. A counselor and advocate for all kinds of individuals, couples, and relationships. Not only to I dream about becoming a mental health therapist, but an educator that teaches people the stereotypes, schemas, and prejudices about domestic violence especially in the African American community.

Exercise Two
According to the personality test my type is INTJ. Which was described as a MASTERMIND! I am a rare individual that likes to plan ahead and be prepared for various situations. I am a person that stays behind until I notice that the leader in incapable to lead then I step up. Not easily drawn to authoritative individuals. Very self-confident. I really did not agree with the career opportunities they provided. The list included occupation such as computer programming, engineering, management, entrepreneurship, and a librarian. Others see me as arrogant and less decisive.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

AssignmentnThree!

Exercise 4

I am YELLOW!! Yellow stands out and get noticed really easy. I have a bright and lovable personality that catches the attention of many people. I am very bold, outgoing, outspoken, and and have a great sense of humor.

Exercise 5

As I am snooping around my dorm room I noticed that the person that lives here is very creativity and likes bright colors. It does not seem like she has a favorite color because I see all different kinds of colors. As I looking on the desk I see that the person likes to read novel......mostly about historic events and real life issues. The person is very organized because I see planners and to do lists all over the place. I can see that the person like to work out as well because I see a fitness schedule and the desk. I get the impression that the person like to help others and is interested in particular helping abused individuals because of the books I see and the brochure of different agencies lying around.

Exercise 6

Mother: The qualities I see are: strong minded, kind, willing to try new things, good taste, like to learn, and interesting. These are the qualities I believe my mother sees in me her first born.

Father: Shy, worries a lot, organized, professional, talkative, old school, beautiful, warm-hearted. These are the qualities I believe my father sees in me.

Sister: Professional, unsure, open-minded, explorer, lively, outgoing, social butterfly. These are the qualities I believe my sister would say.

Brother: Unfair, closed minded, aggressive. I do not believe my brother has a lot to say about me but if he did I believe these are his thoughts and feelings.

Exercise 7:

Twenty things I like to do is:
  • Watch television
  • Listen to music
  • Read
  • Go to new restaurants
  • Spend time with family and friends
  • Travel
  • Facebook
  • Shop
  • Relax
  • talk on the phone
  • event planning
  • work out
  • take walks in nice weather
  • play spider solitary
  • decorate
  • surf the web
  • Watch movies
  • Play board games
  • get pedicures and manicures
  • take pictures
Exercise 8:

I would like to be in an environment where there are no rules or expectations from others. A world were no one judges you for your actions or you being worries about what others think of you. This environment would be good because we would live our lives exactly the way we want things and totally be happy. Often times individuals hold back and allow society to shape our minds and our way of living. Doing this totally suppresses who we really are and what we can become.

Exercise 9:

Once I wake up I prepared to take a beautiful walk around the neighborhood to start my day. Working out gives me energy and makes me feel good. Its a great way to start your day. Once I am done, I make a beautiful breakfast that consist of bacon, eggs, toast, orange juice and a few pieces of pineapple. While eating breakfast I am watching the news and looking at my planner to review the things I needed to do for the day. Once breakfast is done a take a warm shower and listen to some jazz to relax and clear my mind. Then, I get dressed in professional attire to prepare for work. Once, I am dressed I hop in the car and drove to the office to work. I own a private practice counseling abused women, men and children. On lunch I met my twin sister at nearby coffee shop to chat about my day and whats new in our lives. After lunch, I headed back to the office to finish up some paperwork. I decided to leave early because I had no appointments booked during the afternoon. Once I left work I went to the market to grab a few things I needed in the house and some take out from a nearby Mexican place for dinner. Once I got home I unloaded the bags, checked my voicemails, and popped in a movie to watch while eating my dinner. After the movie a cleaned the dishes and read one of my favorite novels by the fire place until I fell asleep.

Fantasy Analysis:
1.) The elements that are absolutely indispensable from my day is my sister, and my career.
2.)Elements that are optional but still desirable is the exercising.
3.) Elements that are pure frills, but I can do with out them is cooking. I would not mind having a maid or butler.
4.) If I walk through the day with only the indispensable elements my day would still be filled with happiness.
5.) The elements of the day I already have is my wonderful relationship with my sister.
6.) The elements that are absent from my life now is my career and my own place.
7.) What stands between me and my ideal day is the fact that I have not stable in my career yet.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Assignment Two!

I interviewed my parents over the weekend and asked them a few questions. Not only did they answer the questions but they had video tapes to show me so I could see myself in action. According to their responses, the first five years of my life I was REALLY active and talkative (once I was of age to start talking....lol) . I love to talk......to anybody....lol. I was polite, eager to learn and explore new things!! I loved to play with my baby dolls, jump rope with my twin sister and my mother. My unique characteristics was my enthusiasm. While growing up they really did not know what I was going to grow up to be but they said whatever career I chose I would be very good at it!!


INTERVIEWED FIVE FRIENDS!!

1.) Friend #1 said that my strengths were helping other people.
2.) Friend #2 said that my strengths were reading and writing.
3.) Friend #3 said that my strengths were solving problems and helping others.
4.) Friend #4 said that my strengths were listening and being compassionate as well as caring.
5.) Friend #5 said that my strengths were being courageous.

My friends are very nice!!! LOL...

The thing I love doing the most is reading. I enjoy reading autobios, historic events, and surviving stories. I am very interesting in reading as well as learning things related to the domestic violence movement and sexual assaults issues. The most recent novel I read regarding these issues is titled the Surviving the Silence written by Charlotte Pierce-Baker. This novel included the stories of survivors and how they dealt with their emotions, families, friends, and even themselves after traumatic events. Reading books like these helps me understand and gives my a sensitive looks and perspective for these individuals. It also makes me want to be involved. In place of reading I watched videos on you tube that discussed these same issues and this gave me that exact same feeling.

Here are just a couples of videos I watched........please take a look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9MShGb2fGw&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7oQmSlSaG8&feature=related

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Assignment One

I am taking this course leadership for change in hope to learn tips, ideas, and other inspirations that will help me be a young leader in today's society. Learn how to be a leader and inspiration among my peers. Along with being a leader, I hope to learn more about myself.

As a child learning and experiencing new things has always fascinated me in many environments such as schools, spending time with friends and family members, and religious services.

I enjoyed all my senses equally. Seeing new places and people was always exciting. Hearing new music was enjoyable. Tasting touching and smelling new foods was something I always enjoy and still do......lol....

I love to read especially autobios, real historic events, love stories, and literature that inspires and empowers their readers. I also love to watch movies mostly comedy......lol. Besides, these things there is nothing like spending quality time with the people in my life I love and cherish the most........MY FAMILY.

Well I do not have any dreams or fantasies I never told anybody about.......but I always dreamed of traveling all over the world not having an agenda just living, traveling and having fun. Not even knowing where the next new place will be or where I'll end up. Just living life to the fullest with no worries.

Yes there is a HUGE part of me that still loves those things.

I am unsure about where these interests and abilities I have may point to hopefully by the end of this course I learn figure that out.