Revision [1449]
Last edited on 2007-08-05 19:20:07 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
In the last couple of weeks, I have not seen Heather much, however, we have been talking on the phone. She has been spending a lot of time with her father, which is very important to her. She cancelled a couple of our outings because she wanted to spend time with him, which I completely understand. Heather seems to be going through a something at home, so I am just trying to be supportive and keep in touch on the phone. I wasn't able to reach Heather for about a week and a half, and I started to get nervouse because she wasn't returning my calls. To my relief, she called me and apologized because she had been in Florida and did not have her phone with her. Hopefully, I will see her soon!
Revision [1448]
Edited on 2007-08-05 19:14:20 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**July 11- 3hrs**
Today, Heather and I went to see a movie. We saw //Room 1408//, which is a scary movie because Heather enjoys scary movies. I, of course, was jumping in my seat the whole movie, and Heather just laughed at me. She liked the movie, and was very talkative on the way home. Heather talked a lot about her family and other personal things in her life. I think it feels good for her to be able to talk to someone without feeling judged. The afternoon was very fun!
Today, Heather and I went to see a movie. We saw //Room 1408//, which is a scary movie because Heather enjoys scary movies. I, of course, was jumping in my seat the whole movie, and Heather just laughed at me. She liked the movie, and was very talkative on the way home. Heather talked a lot about her family and other personal things in her life. I think it feels good for her to be able to talk to someone without feeling judged. The afternoon was very fun!
Revision [1410]
Edited on 2007-07-04 06:18:37 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**July 3- 5 hrs**
Today was a very fun day for Heather and me. Heather and I were supposed to get together on Saturday and go to a carnival, but she forgot about it. I could tell she felt really horrible, but I assured her it was fine, and that I forget things all of the time. Heather and I were supposed to go to a Bison's game a couple weeks ago, but it was rained out. Instead we got tickets for the 3rd. I'm really glad we did because it was such a fun night. I knew Heather would like the game because she is very interested in sports. However, at this game, the BPO was playing, along with the firework show. The music was beautiful, and it was an experience Heather had never had. She had never heard of the BPO before. During the show, The BPO played patriotic music while troops were introduced and carried the flag. I could tell Heather really enjoyed this part of the night. Afterwards, she told me it was her favorite part. I was so glad Heather and I got to experience such a special night together. I was able to introduce her to something new that she really enjoyed!
Today was a very fun day for Heather and me. Heather and I were supposed to get together on Saturday and go to a carnival, but she forgot about it. I could tell she felt really horrible, but I assured her it was fine, and that I forget things all of the time. Heather and I were supposed to go to a Bison's game a couple weeks ago, but it was rained out. Instead we got tickets for the 3rd. I'm really glad we did because it was such a fun night. I knew Heather would like the game because she is very interested in sports. However, at this game, the BPO was playing, along with the firework show. The music was beautiful, and it was an experience Heather had never had. She had never heard of the BPO before. During the show, The BPO played patriotic music while troops were introduced and carried the flag. I could tell Heather really enjoyed this part of the night. Afterwards, she told me it was her favorite part. I was so glad Heather and I got to experience such a special night together. I was able to introduce her to something new that she really enjoyed!
Revision [1405]
Edited on 2007-06-23 07:04:51 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**June 11- 3 hrs**
Heather and I went to see a movie today. Before we got to the movies, we talked about school and the exams she had coming up. Heather really wants to pass the eighth grade so she can move on to high school. Heather has been studying for her exams, so I am confident she will do a good job. I have been trying to help her study, and she seems very focused. Math is her only worry, and I don't blame her because math was never my subject either. When Heather and I first started meeting, school seemed like a huge stressor in her life. She rarely talked about it, and she seemed unmotivated. However, I think she just needed a little encouragement. She is a very smart girl, and I think she needed to hear that. Now she is doing great with studying and completing her homework.
**June 19- 2 hrs**
Heather and I were going to go to a Bison's baseball game, but the game was canceled because of the weather. She seemed to be looking forward to the game, so I told we could go another time. We went out to eat instead. Dinner was very fun, and we talked about all sorts of different things. I asked her how her exams went, and she happily told me she passed. I was so excited for Heather because I know how hard she has been working. I was even more excited when she asked me to come to her graduation. Heather was in a great mood, and I could tell she was very proud of her accomplishment.
**June 21- 2 hrs**
Today was Heather's graduation from eighth grade. The ceremony was at her school in Kenmore. The ceremony was very nice, and I could tell all of the kids were really excited. Heather looked so nice, and had a huge smile on her face the whole time. After the ceremony, Heather introduced me to all of her teachers and her counselor. I spoke with her counselor, and she told me she was very glad that I was able to come to her graduation. Although Heather's cousins and grandmother were present, her mother and father were not able to attend. Her counselor told me that Heather talks about me all the time, and that she was very excited that I was coming to the graduation. I was glad I could be there for Heather today. It was very touching to see Heather with her teachers today. Heather told me she had some problems in the past with some of the teachers, but today she hugged every single one of them. She was very grateful for their help and encouragement throughout the years. Heather is an outstanding young woman, and I am so happy that she graduated because she really deserves it!
Heather and I went to see a movie today. Before we got to the movies, we talked about school and the exams she had coming up. Heather really wants to pass the eighth grade so she can move on to high school. Heather has been studying for her exams, so I am confident she will do a good job. I have been trying to help her study, and she seems very focused. Math is her only worry, and I don't blame her because math was never my subject either. When Heather and I first started meeting, school seemed like a huge stressor in her life. She rarely talked about it, and she seemed unmotivated. However, I think she just needed a little encouragement. She is a very smart girl, and I think she needed to hear that. Now she is doing great with studying and completing her homework.
**June 19- 2 hrs**
Heather and I were going to go to a Bison's baseball game, but the game was canceled because of the weather. She seemed to be looking forward to the game, so I told we could go another time. We went out to eat instead. Dinner was very fun, and we talked about all sorts of different things. I asked her how her exams went, and she happily told me she passed. I was so excited for Heather because I know how hard she has been working. I was even more excited when she asked me to come to her graduation. Heather was in a great mood, and I could tell she was very proud of her accomplishment.
**June 21- 2 hrs**
Today was Heather's graduation from eighth grade. The ceremony was at her school in Kenmore. The ceremony was very nice, and I could tell all of the kids were really excited. Heather looked so nice, and had a huge smile on her face the whole time. After the ceremony, Heather introduced me to all of her teachers and her counselor. I spoke with her counselor, and she told me she was very glad that I was able to come to her graduation. Although Heather's cousins and grandmother were present, her mother and father were not able to attend. Her counselor told me that Heather talks about me all the time, and that she was very excited that I was coming to the graduation. I was glad I could be there for Heather today. It was very touching to see Heather with her teachers today. Heather told me she had some problems in the past with some of the teachers, but today she hugged every single one of them. She was very grateful for their help and encouragement throughout the years. Heather is an outstanding young woman, and I am so happy that she graduated because she really deserves it!
Revision [1393]
Edited on 2007-06-06 11:29:41 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**June 4-2.5hrs**
Today, Heather brought more homework to do. She brought math homework and some more health definitions so that I could quiz her. Before we got started with the homework, Heather and I decided to take a walk and do some talking. She told me about a talent show that she was auditioning for at her school, and asked me if I would like to come see her. She seemed really excited about the show, and I was very glad she asked me to come and see her. Her talent is basketball, which I thought was a very creative idea because most of the other kids were singing or dancing. I know Heather loves basketball, and she says she is very good at it. I told her she would have to give me some lessons because I'm not very good with a basketball! After talking for awhile, Heather and I sat down at a cafe and she worked on her homework. I checked over her math problems, and then quized her on her health definitions. I'm really excited that Heather has asked me to help with her homework. I can tell she is putting a lot of effort into school. Previously, she told me she didn't care about school, but I can notice a difference in her attitude now. She really wants to pass her grade, and she is taking the necessary steps to do so! I think she is doing an awesome job!
Today, Heather brought more homework to do. She brought math homework and some more health definitions so that I could quiz her. Before we got started with the homework, Heather and I decided to take a walk and do some talking. She told me about a talent show that she was auditioning for at her school, and asked me if I would like to come see her. She seemed really excited about the show, and I was very glad she asked me to come and see her. Her talent is basketball, which I thought was a very creative idea because most of the other kids were singing or dancing. I know Heather loves basketball, and she says she is very good at it. I told her she would have to give me some lessons because I'm not very good with a basketball! After talking for awhile, Heather and I sat down at a cafe and she worked on her homework. I checked over her math problems, and then quized her on her health definitions. I'm really excited that Heather has asked me to help with her homework. I can tell she is putting a lot of effort into school. Previously, she told me she didn't care about school, but I can notice a difference in her attitude now. She really wants to pass her grade, and she is taking the necessary steps to do so! I think she is doing an awesome job!
Revision [1385]
Edited on 2007-06-03 11:10:29 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**May 21-2.5hrs**
Deletions:
Revision [1384]
Edited on 2007-06-03 11:09:26 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**May21-2.5hrs**
Today, it was a beautiful day! I took Heather to the Waterfront and we walked around for awhile and talked. She was very talkative, which was great because sometimes she can be very quiet. We talked about school and about a camping trip that was coming up. The eighth grade was going on a two day camping trip, and Heather seemed really excited about it. For once, she was looking forward to going to school. Heather has been doing very well and going to school every day, which I was very glad to hear. After walking around and looking at the boats, we got ice-cream and left. We still had some time left, so we decided to go to the mall and walk around there. While at the mall, Heather told me she had taken a test that she was not very prepared for that day. I offered to help her study, and encouraged her to tell me when she was having tests so I could help her prepare. She said she would so I was pleased! After the mall I took Heather home.
**May 30- 2hrs**
Today I picked up Heather and took her out to eat. I was thrilled because she actually brought her folder from school and wanted to study. The week before I had offered to help her study, but she didn't seem too interested. However, there she was with her green folder and ready to study for her health test. While we were waiting for our food, I quizzed Heather on different health facts. She was studying about nutrition and the food pyramid. I tried to give her helpful hints to remember difficult material, and it seemed to work. Heather also brought her math homework. I got a little nervous there for a second because I haven't taken a math course in about 4 years, but I didn't let Heather know. She had already done the homework, and wanted me to check it. Luckily, my math skills came back to me, and I was able to help her out. After dinner, I took the scenic route home to give Heather and me a chance to talk about something other than school for awhile. I asked her about her camping trip, and she told me all about it. She talked about the different games they played, and activities they did. She also mentioned that she got upset on the trip because a teacher made a comment that was inappropriate after Heather had accidentally thrown a water balloon at her (everyone was throwing water balloons, even the teachers!). Heather became very angry and needed to be alone for awhile. After she calmed down, she wrote her a sorry note. I thought that was a really sweet and positive move on Heather's part, and I told it was really cool! Heather and I had so much fun today, even though we were studying!
Today, it was a beautiful day! I took Heather to the Waterfront and we walked around for awhile and talked. She was very talkative, which was great because sometimes she can be very quiet. We talked about school and about a camping trip that was coming up. The eighth grade was going on a two day camping trip, and Heather seemed really excited about it. For once, she was looking forward to going to school. Heather has been doing very well and going to school every day, which I was very glad to hear. After walking around and looking at the boats, we got ice-cream and left. We still had some time left, so we decided to go to the mall and walk around there. While at the mall, Heather told me she had taken a test that she was not very prepared for that day. I offered to help her study, and encouraged her to tell me when she was having tests so I could help her prepare. She said she would so I was pleased! After the mall I took Heather home.
**May 30- 2hrs**
Today I picked up Heather and took her out to eat. I was thrilled because she actually brought her folder from school and wanted to study. The week before I had offered to help her study, but she didn't seem too interested. However, there she was with her green folder and ready to study for her health test. While we were waiting for our food, I quizzed Heather on different health facts. She was studying about nutrition and the food pyramid. I tried to give her helpful hints to remember difficult material, and it seemed to work. Heather also brought her math homework. I got a little nervous there for a second because I haven't taken a math course in about 4 years, but I didn't let Heather know. She had already done the homework, and wanted me to check it. Luckily, my math skills came back to me, and I was able to help her out. After dinner, I took the scenic route home to give Heather and me a chance to talk about something other than school for awhile. I asked her about her camping trip, and she told me all about it. She talked about the different games they played, and activities they did. She also mentioned that she got upset on the trip because a teacher made a comment that was inappropriate after Heather had accidentally thrown a water balloon at her (everyone was throwing water balloons, even the teachers!). Heather became very angry and needed to be alone for awhile. After she calmed down, she wrote her a sorry note. I thought that was a really sweet and positive move on Heather's part, and I told it was really cool! Heather and I had so much fun today, even though we were studying!
Revision [1371]
Edited on 2007-05-20 11:29:52 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**May 7-2hrs**
Today Heather and I went for pizza. She was in a very good mood, and had a lot to talk to me about. In school, she was still without her privileges, but we talked about ways she could get them back. She was excited because her school may be getting a basketball team the following year. Heather likes basketball, but she hasn't played in awhile because her school did not have a basketball team. In order to be eligible to play on the team, a student must have a certain GPA. Heather was a little worried because she hasn't been doing as well as she would like in school. I know basketball would be a great activity for her to take part in because it would give her something to do outside of school, and allow her to be more social with other kids. I told Heather that I would be more than happy to help her study and work to get her grades up so she could play on the team. She seemed pleased by that idea!
**May 14- 2.5hrs**
I picked Heather up after school around 3:30, and we went for a walk in Delaware Park. It seemed like she had something on her mind that was bothering her, so I ask if she cared to talk about it. Although Heather has all the potential to be a great student, she quite frequently misses school. If she misses one more day of school, she may have to repeat the grade. I could see why she was upset, and I tried to cheer her up a bit. Like most adolescent girls (and boys!), Heather does not like going to school. She feels the teachers give her a hard time after she misses a day and then returns. Personally, I think giving Heather a hard time when she returns from school only makes her dislike school even more. When she returns to school, she anticipates what the teachers will say to her. Heather only has a few weeks left of school, so I told her the best thing to do is believe in herself and stick it out. Next year, she will most likely have different teachers and she can start clean. Heather also told be about a book report that she had coming up that she was not looking forward to doing. I can remember being in middle school and feeling the same way! I told her, "Just wait until you’re my age and all you do is read." At least she gets to pick her book out! She laughed and seemed to be in a better mood. I told her the next time we met, I would bring some interesting books for her to consider reading; books that I enjoyed when I was her age. After our walk, we went to Starbucks for a Frappachino. I thought I would lighten the mood and give her a break from talking about school. We talked about many things, and we both had a great time.
Today Heather and I went for pizza. She was in a very good mood, and had a lot to talk to me about. In school, she was still without her privileges, but we talked about ways she could get them back. She was excited because her school may be getting a basketball team the following year. Heather likes basketball, but she hasn't played in awhile because her school did not have a basketball team. In order to be eligible to play on the team, a student must have a certain GPA. Heather was a little worried because she hasn't been doing as well as she would like in school. I know basketball would be a great activity for her to take part in because it would give her something to do outside of school, and allow her to be more social with other kids. I told Heather that I would be more than happy to help her study and work to get her grades up so she could play on the team. She seemed pleased by that idea!
**May 14- 2.5hrs**
I picked Heather up after school around 3:30, and we went for a walk in Delaware Park. It seemed like she had something on her mind that was bothering her, so I ask if she cared to talk about it. Although Heather has all the potential to be a great student, she quite frequently misses school. If she misses one more day of school, she may have to repeat the grade. I could see why she was upset, and I tried to cheer her up a bit. Like most adolescent girls (and boys!), Heather does not like going to school. She feels the teachers give her a hard time after she misses a day and then returns. Personally, I think giving Heather a hard time when she returns from school only makes her dislike school even more. When she returns to school, she anticipates what the teachers will say to her. Heather only has a few weeks left of school, so I told her the best thing to do is believe in herself and stick it out. Next year, she will most likely have different teachers and she can start clean. Heather also told be about a book report that she had coming up that she was not looking forward to doing. I can remember being in middle school and feeling the same way! I told her, "Just wait until you’re my age and all you do is read." At least she gets to pick her book out! She laughed and seemed to be in a better mood. I told her the next time we met, I would bring some interesting books for her to consider reading; books that I enjoyed when I was her age. After our walk, we went to Starbucks for a Frappachino. I thought I would lighten the mood and give her a break from talking about school. We talked about many things, and we both had a great time.
Revision [1362]
Edited on 2007-05-05 11:59:41 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**May 3- 2hrs**
It was a beautiful day, so Heather and I decided to take a walk in the park. We didn't get to speak much last week because we went to the movies. At first, Heather was very quiet, and didn't say much. I asked her is there was something she wanted to talk about, but she said there wasn't. We saw a couple friends of mine walking, and I told her a funny story about them. It seemed to lighten the mood a little, and Heather became more relaxed. She then started telling me about her week, and what she did on the weekend. We walked for over an hour, and Heather finally told what was bothering her. Heather was upset because she lost her privileges at school. Because she forgot to bring her point sheet in school, she lost points and could now not interact with the other kids. She isn't allowed to do group activities, and she has to eat alone at lunch. Personally, I don't think it is a good idea to use this type of punishment. Heather is a quiet girl, and not allowing her to interact with the other students makes her even quieter. In order to improve her social skills, it would benefit Heather to do group projects, and socialize with other kids in her class. It seems like her school does not reward Heather for the positive things she does, which would be better than punishing her for the negative things. Heather and I talked about what she could to earn the points back, and I think she appreciated my advice. Hopefully, her punishment will not last too long!
It was a beautiful day, so Heather and I decided to take a walk in the park. We didn't get to speak much last week because we went to the movies. At first, Heather was very quiet, and didn't say much. I asked her is there was something she wanted to talk about, but she said there wasn't. We saw a couple friends of mine walking, and I told her a funny story about them. It seemed to lighten the mood a little, and Heather became more relaxed. She then started telling me about her week, and what she did on the weekend. We walked for over an hour, and Heather finally told what was bothering her. Heather was upset because she lost her privileges at school. Because she forgot to bring her point sheet in school, she lost points and could now not interact with the other kids. She isn't allowed to do group activities, and she has to eat alone at lunch. Personally, I don't think it is a good idea to use this type of punishment. Heather is a quiet girl, and not allowing her to interact with the other students makes her even quieter. In order to improve her social skills, it would benefit Heather to do group projects, and socialize with other kids in her class. It seems like her school does not reward Heather for the positive things she does, which would be better than punishing her for the negative things. Heather and I talked about what she could to earn the points back, and I think she appreciated my advice. Hopefully, her punishment will not last too long!
Revision [1361]
Edited on 2007-05-05 11:43:46 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**April 23-3.5 hrs**
Today Heather and I went to the movies. I picked her up around 3:30, and we went to a 4:15 show. She seemed to enjoy the movie, and I was glad to get her out of the house for awhile. She was having a difficult week at school, and it seemed like she had a lot of things on her mind. She didn't really feel like talking about anything today, so I decided to take her to the movies to get her mind off things. She and I had a good time, and on the way home from the movies, she opened up a little bit about what had happened at school.
Today Heather and I went to the movies. I picked her up around 3:30, and we went to a 4:15 show. She seemed to enjoy the movie, and I was glad to get her out of the house for awhile. She was having a difficult week at school, and it seemed like she had a lot of things on her mind. She didn't really feel like talking about anything today, so I decided to take her to the movies to get her mind off things. She and I had a good time, and on the way home from the movies, she opened up a little bit about what had happened at school.
Revision [1342]
Edited on 2007-04-18 14:27:06 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**April 16-2hrs**
Today is a very cold and rainy day. I picked Heather up at 3:30 and we decided to go for some coffee at Spot. Heather was very talkative today, and we talked a lot about school and her friendships. In the past, Heather has had some problems in school. She talked about behavioral problems and emotional problems that she faced. However, she feels like she is doing much better now, and she likes her teacher better this year. Heather told be about a type of point system that was used in her school. The point system was interesting to me, especially because I just finished token economies in behavior modification this week in class. Instead of rewarding the kids with points for good behavior, the students are given points for bad behavior. They are allowed a maximum of 25 points a day, and if they exceed that number, they lose privileges. I found this to be rather odd, and more of a punishment than anything. I think the school may need to revise this point system.
Today is a very cold and rainy day. I picked Heather up at 3:30 and we decided to go for some coffee at Spot. Heather was very talkative today, and we talked a lot about school and her friendships. In the past, Heather has had some problems in school. She talked about behavioral problems and emotional problems that she faced. However, she feels like she is doing much better now, and she likes her teacher better this year. Heather told be about a type of point system that was used in her school. The point system was interesting to me, especially because I just finished token economies in behavior modification this week in class. Instead of rewarding the kids with points for good behavior, the students are given points for bad behavior. They are allowed a maximum of 25 points a day, and if they exceed that number, they lose privileges. I found this to be rather odd, and more of a punishment than anything. I think the school may need to revise this point system.
Revision [1341]
Edited on 2007-04-18 14:16:59 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**April 10- 3hrs**
Today, I took Heather out to eat for her birthday. Her Birthday was the previous week, but she was visiting her aunt in Olean. We had a nice time at dinner, and Heather had alot to tell me about her previous week. We talked about what she did, and where she went, as well as many other things. I feel like each time we get together, she feels more nad more comfortable around me. Today she told me many personal things about her life and her family. She feels like I am somone she can trust, and I am happy she feels this way. Heather is a typical teenager with the same issues any 15 yr.old would have. However, she has been through many things a typical teenager has not, and I think she just needs someone to talk to. That is why I am happy to be there for her.
Today, I took Heather out to eat for her birthday. Her Birthday was the previous week, but she was visiting her aunt in Olean. We had a nice time at dinner, and Heather had alot to tell me about her previous week. We talked about what she did, and where she went, as well as many other things. I feel like each time we get together, she feels more nad more comfortable around me. Today she told me many personal things about her life and her family. She feels like I am somone she can trust, and I am happy she feels this way. Heather is a typical teenager with the same issues any 15 yr.old would have. However, she has been through many things a typical teenager has not, and I think she just needs someone to talk to. That is why I am happy to be there for her.
Revision [1336]
Edited on 2007-04-15 19:55:57 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**March 26- 2.5 hrs**
This was the first time I picked Heather up to spend time with her. It was a beautiful day, so I suggested that we take a walk in the park and just get to know each other. The meeting went better than I thought it would. Heather was still quiet, but had no problem opening up to me. She told me all about her family and some of the difficulites she was having in her life. She also talked a little bit about her past. She asked me questions about my myself, and I felt like we really bonded.
This was the first time I picked Heather up to spend time with her. It was a beautiful day, so I suggested that we take a walk in the park and just get to know each other. The meeting went better than I thought it would. Heather was still quiet, but had no problem opening up to me. She told me all about her family and some of the difficulites she was having in her life. She also talked a little bit about her past. She asked me questions about my myself, and I felt like we really bonded.
Revision [1335]
Edited on 2007-04-15 19:50:13 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
On March 14, about a month after my training, I was finally called in to hear some of the profiles for some girls I could possibly be paired with. As a volunteer, I had the choice to pick who I wanted to be matched with. During my interview, several questions were asked about what kind of child I was interested in working with. My only request was that the person be a child, rather than an adult or and elder. I also requested that the child be somewhat close (30min max driving). When I went in on the 14th, I was read about 15-20 profiles of young girls. The girls ranged from age 8 to 16, and were different races and ethnicities. Most lived in the South Buffalo area which is close to where I live in West Seneca. The profiles that were read were very brief and didn't give a whole lot of detail. Brief descriptions of mental illness or emotional problems were provided, as well as, some of the things that each girl was interested in. Some included a page written by the girl herself about what her interests were. Others had forms filled out by counselors or psychologists. Physical disabilities were listed, as well as any medications taken, or allergies to foods. It was very difficult for me to choose just one girl. Each girl sounded unique, and I felt like I could be matched to any one of them. I finally decided on three girls, and ranked them by 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice. The three girls were very different in almost all aspects, but for some reason each one caught my attention. I was finally paired with a girl named Heather. Heather is fifteen, and has been on the waiting list since she was 13. I was glad to finally be the one to be her friend!
**March 21- 1hr**
This was the day I was going to meet Heather for the first time. Sabriyah, my supervisor, Sabriyah's supervisor, and I went to Heather's house at 3:30 to meet Heather and her family. On the first meeting, Sabriyah was there to lay out the "rules" and answer any questions Heather or her mother may have had. She was also there to make my first meeting a little more comfortable. Heather was a little shy at first, but that is only natural when meeting someone for the first time. I briefly talked abut myself and why I was doing the program. I also asked her what kind of activities she was interested in, and let her know some of my interests. We then exchanged numbers and scheduled a time the following week to meet just the two of us. I figured that she would be a little more open with me when it was just her and me. Although she was shy, she seemed like a very nice and sweet girl, and her mother was also very nice too!
**March 21- 1hr**
This was the day I was going to meet Heather for the first time. Sabriyah, my supervisor, Sabriyah's supervisor, and I went to Heather's house at 3:30 to meet Heather and her family. On the first meeting, Sabriyah was there to lay out the "rules" and answer any questions Heather or her mother may have had. She was also there to make my first meeting a little more comfortable. Heather was a little shy at first, but that is only natural when meeting someone for the first time. I briefly talked abut myself and why I was doing the program. I also asked her what kind of activities she was interested in, and let her know some of my interests. We then exchanged numbers and scheduled a time the following week to meet just the two of us. I figured that she would be a little more open with me when it was just her and me. Although she was shy, she seemed like a very nice and sweet girl, and her mother was also very nice too!
Deletions:
Revision [1334]
Edited on 2007-04-15 19:39:31 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**March 14- 1hr**
On March 14, about a month after my training, I was finally called in to hear some of the profiles for some gilrs I could possibly be paired with. As a volunteer, I had the choice to pick who I wanted to be matched with. During my interview, several questions were asked about what kind of child I was interested in working with. My only request was that the person be a child, rather than an adult or and elder. I also requested that the child be somewhat close (30min max driving). When I went in on the 14th, I was read about 15-20 profiles of young girls. The gilrs ranged from age 8 to 16, and were different races and ethniciites. Most lived in the South Buffalo area which is close to where I live in West Seneca. The profiles that were read were very brief and didn't give a whole lot of detail. Brief descriptions of mental illness or emotional problems were provided, as well as, some of the things that each girl was interested in. Some included a page written by the girl herself about what her interests were. Others had forms filled out by counselors or psychologists. Physical disabilities were listed, as well as any medications taken, or allergies to foods. It was very difficult for me to chose just one girl. Each girl sounded unique, and I felt like I could matched to any one of them. I finally decided on three girls, and ranked them by 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice. The three girls were very different in almost all aspects, but for some reason each one caught my attention. I was finally paired with a girl named Heather. Heather is fiftteen, and has been on the waiting list since she was 13. I was glad to finally be the one to be her friend!
On March 14, about a month after my training, I was finally called in to hear some of the profiles for some gilrs I could possibly be paired with. As a volunteer, I had the choice to pick who I wanted to be matched with. During my interview, several questions were asked about what kind of child I was interested in working with. My only request was that the person be a child, rather than an adult or and elder. I also requested that the child be somewhat close (30min max driving). When I went in on the 14th, I was read about 15-20 profiles of young girls. The gilrs ranged from age 8 to 16, and were different races and ethniciites. Most lived in the South Buffalo area which is close to where I live in West Seneca. The profiles that were read were very brief and didn't give a whole lot of detail. Brief descriptions of mental illness or emotional problems were provided, as well as, some of the things that each girl was interested in. Some included a page written by the girl herself about what her interests were. Others had forms filled out by counselors or psychologists. Physical disabilities were listed, as well as any medications taken, or allergies to foods. It was very difficult for me to chose just one girl. Each girl sounded unique, and I felt like I could matched to any one of them. I finally decided on three girls, and ranked them by 1st, 2nd, 3rd choice. The three girls were very different in almost all aspects, but for some reason each one caught my attention. I was finally paired with a girl named Heather. Heather is fiftteen, and has been on the waiting list since she was 13. I was glad to finally be the one to be her friend!
Revision [1333]
Edited on 2007-04-15 19:20:20 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**Training- Feb 12- 3hrs**
Initially, I was going to do training with a group of others who were going to be mentors; however, training was canceled because Compeer recently moved to a new office building. Instead, I did training alone with a supervisor named Jesse. I enjoyed doing one on one training because it was more personal, and I was able to ask all the questions I wanted. At training, I received a folder with a volunteer handbook and some other information on mental health in it. The handbook was very long, but because I am a major in psychology, it didn't take a very long time to go through. Much of the handbook talked about mental health and Illness. I was very familiar with most of the information, so Jesse and I spent more time going over different scenarios that I may encounter with my Compeer friend. The handbook also gave information on different medications a person may be on, my role as a volunteer and mentor, and tips on how to build a strong relationship with my friend and her family. Overall, I found training to be very helpful and informative.
Initially, I was going to do training with a group of others who were going to be mentors; however, training was canceled because Compeer recently moved to a new office building. Instead, I did training alone with a supervisor named Jesse. I enjoyed doing one on one training because it was more personal, and I was able to ask all the questions I wanted. At training, I received a folder with a volunteer handbook and some other information on mental health in it. The handbook was very long, but because I am a major in psychology, it didn't take a very long time to go through. Much of the handbook talked about mental health and Illness. I was very familiar with most of the information, so Jesse and I spent more time going over different scenarios that I may encounter with my Compeer friend. The handbook also gave information on different medications a person may be on, my role as a volunteer and mentor, and tips on how to build a strong relationship with my friend and her family. Overall, I found training to be very helpful and informative.
Revision [1332]
Edited on 2007-04-15 19:07:11 by AllisonDombekAdditions:
**Internship Process**
After doing some research on different practicum sites during the fall semester, I decided to call both Compeer and Gateway-Longview. I called these sites in the beginning of December, and received a call back immediately from both places. However, Compeer scheduled an interview right away, while Gateway-Longview took a little longer. At the end of December, I had an interview with Sabriyah from Compeer. The interview was long and somewhat extensive, but Sabriyah was very nice and made me feel very comfortable. After answering numerous questions, Sabriyah informed me that I did a great job with the interview, and I would be accepted as a mentor after a thorough background check was done. As part of the background check, I had to get fingerprinted, which was a little scary, but nothing to worry about because I haven't done anything illegal! About three weeks later I went to a three hour training session. About another three to four weeks after training, I was matched with a girl named Heather. Overall, the process took much longer than I expected. However, I do understand the need for a thorough background check, and was overjoyed when I finally got to start my internship!
After doing some research on different practicum sites during the fall semester, I decided to call both Compeer and Gateway-Longview. I called these sites in the beginning of December, and received a call back immediately from both places. However, Compeer scheduled an interview right away, while Gateway-Longview took a little longer. At the end of December, I had an interview with Sabriyah from Compeer. The interview was long and somewhat extensive, but Sabriyah was very nice and made me feel very comfortable. After answering numerous questions, Sabriyah informed me that I did a great job with the interview, and I would be accepted as a mentor after a thorough background check was done. As part of the background check, I had to get fingerprinted, which was a little scary, but nothing to worry about because I haven't done anything illegal! About three weeks later I went to a three hour training session. About another three to four weeks after training, I was matched with a girl named Heather. Overall, the process took much longer than I expected. However, I do understand the need for a thorough background check, and was overjoyed when I finally got to start my internship!
