Possible Mentorship! (hopefully)

so even though i already have a set mentor, it doesnt hurt to have more than one right? yesterday i was driving around pomona and actually paying attention to my surroundings, something i dont do often, and i found two possible locations where i can get mentorship at that i didnt find while searching online. theyre both literally within a fifteen minute walking distance from my house. one is a small rehabilitation center, and another is a small drug counseling center. i still havent called or anything but im planning to do so sometime this week and hopefully get another mentor or if not, at least a possible future interviewee.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

Content:

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  Why?
I plan to interview another counselor that works for S.E.A whose name is Aurora Teposte. I plan to interview her because even though she hasn't worked at the agency longer than my mentor, she has worked there for a good amount of years that qualify her to be an expert in the field. She also works with younger kids while my mentor works mainly with 16-18 year olds, so she could give me extra information that my mentor doesn't have experience with. Another pro is that her office is located in Pomona so I wouldn't have to drive all the way to Los Angeles for an interview.
2.  You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?  
-What is the best type of therapy to approach those who are dealing with addiction?
-What are some questions to avoid when dealing with a client?
-Which specific drug, in your experience, has the worst effect on the clients you've worked with and why do you think that is?
- What are some stories that your clients have gone through that have stuck with you forever?
-What is your number one priority when it comes to helping these troubled teens?
 

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

1.  List your topic here: Substance Abuse Counselor
2.  What do you plan to do this year to show growth in each of the ESLRs?  Be specific and use an example.  Examples can come from senior project, model assembly, core, and/or participation in senior class ASB or other organizations on campus (clubs etc).

• iPoly Citizen - To be completely honest I was never involved in the iPoly community my three previous years here. I think i attended maybe two dances and played in Powder Puff but that's about it. Since this is my last year at iPoly, i want to do something meaningful and memorable so I'm going to try to be involved in as much as I can. I've already signed up to be part of the Blood Drive Committee and i am planning to be part of fundraising and attending any huge events that benefit the senior class. I'm also going to ATTEMPT to be more social, because I'm naturally a reserved person. Maybe i could step out of my shell and get to know students in other grade levels and try to help them as much as i can.
• Effective Learner- I think my biggest problem is that I don't speak up and I'm afraid to ask for help when I need it, and the teachers have already mentioned that that's a habit I need to get rid of. I'm going to try my hardest to change that and to not be afraid to seek help from others. I also have a problem with organization, I guess you can say I'm not very organized, but I hope to change that. And my biggest problem has to be procrastination. I'm going to try my very best to do things way ahead of schedule but I don't really promise anything because it's going to be a hard habit to break.
• Effective User of Technology- Technology is our main way of teaching and researching in today's society and I plan to use that to my advantage. I'm not the best with computers but I know how to complete the things that are required (such as making a powerpoint, finding research, etc.) I have a computer, a smartphone and an iPod so i don't think the technology part will be a huge issue. I'll work on making my schoolwork my main priority.
• Effective Communicator- As i mentioned before, i really need to step out of my shell. For this year, I'm planning to be more social and become a better presenter because I feel like I talk too fast. Most of the problems i face with communication have to do with myself, but I don't really have a problem coming to a compromise with other people. I guess iPoly groups are beneficial afterall. But, all in all, my communication skills definitely need enhancing. Practice makes perfect right?

Summer Mentorship Component

Literal: 

1. (Know) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AndJdFec-0QydHktcE53WlBLb3R3WjRQc3ZIYXJiSGc#gid=0

2. What is the contact name & number of where you volunteered?
Isabel Godoy: 213 400 2547   

3. (Need to know) What questions were raised because of the 10 hours of experience?  List them.
How do you get your clients to cooperate?
Do you ever feel as though their problems are a burden because you have your own problems to deal with?
What are the best strategies for approaching someone in that position?

 
Interpretive

4. What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?
I learned that most people who need advice/counseling come from very troubled backgrounds. That isn't always the case, but it is the case in this situation.

Applied

5. How did what you did help you choose a topic?  Please explain.
What Isabel does is somewhat therapy/counseling/management for troubled teenagers on parole. She oversees their problems and tries to do whats best to get their lives back into a stable place. Coming into this senior year, I wanted to do my senior project revolving around psychotherapy, but after this experience I think i might head towards the Drug counseling/Alcohol Anonymous route because I've seen that it plays a major effect on someone's life and I think it would be good for awareness.