mission statement

I will wake up each day and put on a smile.
I will keep an open-mind.
I may not be big and powerful, but I will make the world a better place by small and simple acts of kindness.
I will always try.
I will remember that there are little eyes out there that are looking for a role model - and I will be a good one.
I will always counteract the bad with twice as much goodness.
I will not turn away from a person in need.
I will be quick to right my wrongs.

I will manage my temper.
I will always remember to count my blessings.
I will strive to be kind to myself, to others, and to Earth.
When I fall, I will pick myself back up and keep climbing.
I will remember always that life is a gift, and there is simply no room to forget that.


Thursday, June 24, 2010

SWOT Analysis

CHOSEN MAJOR: Behavioral Science (AS)

COURSES TAKEN:
  • Introduction to Writing
  • Intermediate Writing
  • American National Government
  • Ethics & Values
  • Personal Health & Wellness
  • Intro to Eastern Religions
  • Photography I
  • General Psychology
  • General Biology
  • Intro to Meteorology
  • Social & Cultural Anthropology
  • Intro to Sociology
  • Social & Cultural Anthropology
  • Intro to Sociology
  • Human Sexuality
  • Marriage Relationship Skills
  • Intro to Interior Design
  • Stress Management Hardiness
  • 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
  • Foundation of Human Nutrition
  • Humanities Through the Arts
  • Sociology of the Family
  • Foundations for Algebra ( MAT 0950)
  • Introductory Algebra (MAT 0990)
COURSE LEFT TO TAKE:
  • Math 1040 (Fall Semester 2010)
  • Introduction to Geology (Summer Semester 2010)
  • Interpersonal Communication (In Progress)
  • Career & Major Exploration (In Progress)
STRENGTHS:
  • I have a strong desire to assist others in finding peace with themselves.
  • I enjoy studying behavior and the mind.
  • I have a personal connection to this area of study including addictions in the family, and mental illness.
  • Advantages of this degree would be helping others find hope in recovery and fulfilling my need to share what I have learned.
  • This has been a lifetime goal of mine, and I know I possess the personality, passion and talent to succeed in this area of study.
  • I sincerely care about those who are struggling with addiction, mental illness, and relationship issues.
  • With this degree, I can not only use it for income, but in my everyday life experiences as well.
WEAKNESSES:
  • Although I would love helping others, I am introverted, fear public speaking, large groups, and leading.
  • I do not like complicated research, and would dislike writing professional research papers.
  • I am afraid a lot of the courses that require research, internships, community hours, presentations, etc., will intimidate me so much that I will get discouraged.
  • I am a stay-at-home mother now and do not seriously see myself applying this degree until later years when parenting does not take up all of my time.
  • I am almost done with my AS degree. However, most careers in this area require a BS or higher which will take more time and money. I can see myself postponing my BS until I have more free time.
  • I am committed to completing this degree (and eventually a BS or Masters) but I would rather be a mother for now if I had to choose.
  • Although I have had personal experiences, I fear my introversion and lack of assertiveness will possibly keep me from achieving my ultimate dream of really applying my degree.
OPPORTUNITIES:
  • By getting this degree, I will be able to work in a wide variety of settings working with those affected with mental illness, behavioral disorders and addictions. Entry-level positions will easily come with an AS. I will need to achieve my BS for more opportunities.
  • I hope to gain a wide variety of tools that I can use in my day-to-day encounters with others, my family, and eventually with the people I will work with professionally. I hope to learn how to better persuade, mediate, solve conflict, and socialize with others comfortably.
  • Because of my related personal experience, I know several people who are successful therapists, social workers, and counselors who have helped me. This opens up many doors for professional guidance with my career goals.
  • I will receive my Associates of Science degree the end of the Fall 2010 semester if I make passing grades in my courses.
THREATS:
  • Lack of motivation to further my education because motherhood is more fun.
  • Not knowing where my husband’s career will take us (relocation).
  • As our family grows, time will grow more scarce.
  • The needs of my children are placed before mine.
  • Lack of financial support.
  • Low self-esteem.

Resources

  1. http://www.onet.org/ - Database of every career imaginable. Includes skills, tasks, salary, education, etc.
  2. http://www.bls.gov/ - Same as above.
  3. http://www.careeronestop.org/ - Research any career. Includes career videos.
  4. http://www.linkedin.com/ - Career networking site.
  5. http://www.daystared.com/html/continuinged.htm - Oregon Substance Abuse Certificate info.
  6. http://www.accbo.com/certifications.php - Oregon Substance Abuse Counseling Certification info.
  7. http://www.lifeworksnw.org/Careers/Default.aspx - Treatment & Counseling Careers

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Elevator Speech

Hi. My name is Erin Robinson. I'm a Behavioral Science major at Utah Valley University. I want to help those who are struggling with addictions, and mental/behavioral disorders. Both my personal and professional experience have given me a solid understanding of the complexity and depth of these issues. I have an undying love for individuals and their loved ones who are affected by addictions and mental disorders. I keep a firm committment to those I am helping, and I genuinely love bringing hope to others. My overall goal in life is to help others UNDERSTAND addictions and mental disorders, and to help those affected recover.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Personality/Interest Assessment

MBTI Report

1. List your reported type.

ISFJ

2. According to your report, what are some of the characteristics that best describe your personality type?

Introverted
Sensible
Practical
Organized
Efficient
Loyal
Caring/Supportive
Personable
People Pleaser
Patient
Dependable

3. Refer to the list of the 50 most popular occupations page. Read the list of occupations, circle the ones that you would like to explore, and list them below.

I actually do not think I would enjoy any of the occupations on my list. If I really had to choose, it would be Home Health Aide, Dietician/Nutritionist, or Preschool/Kindergarten Teacher.


4. How do you believe the occupations you have chosen to explore fit with your personality preferences? Explain how these occupations allow you to work in your preferred work environment.

The above occupations are not at all ones that I would further explore, although they may meet my "type's" preferred work environment. The occupations I believe would suit me well seem to line up perfectly with my preferred work environment. Of course, there are always a few downers to everything. I love supporting others, and am more comfortable working on a one-to-one basis with small intimate groups. I know the professions I am interested in do not always allow the setting I would be most comfortable in.

SII Report

1. List your general occupational theme code.

SA

2. List your 5 Basic Interests Scales and determine what type of interest they represent from the following: vocational, educational, leisure activities, personal interest. (Examples might include: religion-personal interest, teaching-leisure, healthcare-vocational)

1. Counseling & Helping (vocational)
2. Social Sciences (vocational, educational)
3. Healthcare Services (vocational)
4. Visual Arts (personal interest, leisure)
5. Writing & Mass Communication (leisure, personal interest, educational)

3. Refer to pages 5, 6, and 7 of your SII profile. Look at all the occupational scales you scored highest in (generally 40 or above), or that have a combination of your theme code. List the occupations from the scales that you might like to research.

1. Occupational Therapist
2. Social Worker
3. Recreational Therapist
4. Rehabilitation Counselor
5. Photographer
6. Artist
7. Graphic Designer
8. Florist

4. For the following questions refer to Personal Style Scales on page 8 of your SII profile.

A. Look at your “Work Style” rating. What does your score suggest to you in relation to the occupations you listed above?

It is clear that I like working with others, and enjoy helping them. Although I enjoy my alone time, I believe I would love a work environment working with others as the top 4 occupations would require.

B. Look at your “Learning Environment” rating. How do the educational requirements of the occupations you listed fit with your interest to pursue additional training?

Most of the occupations only require a Bachelors degree. This is more practical for me being a mother. However, a few require graduate school. I am willing to put in the time. I love learning, but at the same time I like the idea of taking the quickest route.

C. Look at your “Leadership Style” rating. How do these occupations fit your personal style?

Some of the occupations would allow me to stay in my comfort zone (Introverted), but the ones that require working with others on a day-to-day basis still appeal to me because I would most likely be working in small groups or one-on-one, which is less intimidating and more suitable for my personality.

D. Look at your “Risk Taking/Adventure” rating. Explain how the occupations do or do not match your risk taking style.

The occupations listed are generally low-risk and quiet. I am not a bold person who seeks adrenaline and risk. I like to play it safe and play according to rules, so I believe the listed occupations match well.

5. What college majors are suggested for your theme code that you find interesting?

1. Counseling
2. Family Studies
3. Home Economics
4. Occupational Therapy
5. Social Work
6. Substance Abuse Counseling
7. Women's Studies
8. Creative Writing
9. Journalism
10. Photography

6. Of your top 10 occupations, list 3 you are most interested in and the educational preparation required for each.

1. Occupational Therapist (BA or MA in Occupational Therapy)
2. Photographer (High school diploma, AA or BA)
3. Licensed Practical Nurse (Vocational/technical certificate or AA)

Occupations not listed on MBTI or SII

1. List any occupations you are interested in that were not listed on your MBTI or SII reports.

1. Substance Abuse Counselor
2. Art Therapist
3. Freelance Writer
4. Freelance Photographer

Meet with a Career Counselor at CACC

List any comments or suggestions made by the counselor regarding selection of a career or major and/or your assessment results.

I was advised to do more in-depth research on the careers I am most interested in. Learn about education requirements. Possibly return to meet with a counselor and explore another MBTI type. Return for internship opportunities when time comes.

3. Write the name of the counselor you met with and the date of your appointment.

Name: Clint Moser
Date: 6/4/10