November 4, 2014

Pop Quiz: The CIS Interns Of 2014!

PencilsHave you voted today?No? Well, then, go ahead. We’ll wait… Welcome back to the POP QUIZ! This is a regular, yet totally unexpected, feature where we ask students, parents, staff, our friends, and partners to answer a few questions about what they are learning, reading, and thinking about. Today we have compiled some answers from the newest members of our CIS family: our 2014/2015 interns! We have 12 fabulous students from Western Michigan University. Nine are working on their master’s or bachelor’s degree in the School of Social Work and three are working towards their bachelor’s degree in health. Here they are, in no particular order (drum roll, please): Kendra McCarthy, Rebecca Mohney, Jessica Smith, Victoria Kiel, Alexis Maciarz, Shawn Jones, Katie Palazzolo, Gretchen Schultz, John Schneider, Edward Kamar, Luis Hernandez, and Alexis Noel.

Alright, interns: pencils out, eyes on your own paper. Good luck.

What is something interesting you’ve recently learned?

  • Recently, I’ve learned what dual assessment is; I’m still learning. I’m also learning about cultural humility.
  • I work as a phlebotomist and am also taking the class, Spanish for Health Professionals. I recently learned a phrase to use with patients: Necesito quitarle un poco sangre por favor!
  • I recently learned that schizophrenia may be caused by eight different diseases.
  • More about holistic health…successful aging regarding older people and health coaching. How to help people help themselves by giving them the tools they need.
  • The variety of services that are coordinated through CIS in the schools, like the dental van and food packs, working with Loaves & Fishes.
  • Recently, I’ve learned a lot about mindfulness.
  • I’ve learned how to change my car’s oil.
  • I recently learned some very important vocabulary words for my G.R.E. Also, learned the format of the test.
  • I learn almost every day from my co-workers different strategies while working with groups.
  • CIS is involved in 20 KPS schools.

What are you currently reading?

  • Stranger from a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
  • Textbooks
  • Who Moved My Cheese?, The Ice Cream Maker, and Successful Aging
  • Gone Girl
  • Good to Great
  • Stress Test by Timothy Geithner
  • The Fault in Our Stars
  • GRE Prep Manual
  • Grace and Grit by Lilly Ledbetter

What do you want to be when you grow up?

  • Social worker
  • Pediatric PA
  • School social worker and continue my passion of writing
  • Social worker in the schools or working with children who have developmental delays
  • Social worker in school setting
  • A great social worker
  • Still uncertain, but want to help children become independent and reach their potential
  • Physicians Assistant
  • Venturer

What is your favorite word right now?

  • Heyo! It means the same as new.
  • Travel. I have the opportunity to travel around Southeast Asia when I graduate and could not be more excited.
  • Colloquial
  • Be mindful, be present in the moment. Don’t rush. Relax.
  • Stress free
  • Conquer
  • Faith
  • Graduation
  • Yes, because it is a positive word.
  • Bazinga
  • Cat

Will you share with us something that has been on your mind lately?

  • Trying to figure out what I want to focus on within social work.
  • I am trying to decide what I will do after graduation—so many options but some involve tough choices.
  • I am worried that I will stress out too much with my job, my classes, internship, not get enough sleep. I need to learn/practice self-care techniques.
  • Many different things: school, bills, relationships, internship, being mindful throughout my day.
  • How I will feel/react when something happens in my internship that makes me upset or uncomfortable.
  • Being able to manage everything all at once.
  • Time management, as it pertains to school and my internship.
  • Cold weather is coming. Kalamazoo needs more shelters for homeless, warm clothes, and even services for stray animals.
  • How I did on my exam yesterday.
  • My nephew and niece.
  • Multi-tasking—assignments, interning, my job.

Behind every successful student is a caring adult. Who has been your caring adult?

  • My parents. They’ve supported me financially, emotionally, and spiritually throughout my life. Even now, through grad school.
  • My AmeriCorps team leader Jessi was a huge inspiration and taught me to be an independent and strong woman while maintaining relationships.
  • My mom when I was a child and my former foster mom/dad when I was a teen.
  • My mom. My mom has always pushed me to be the best I can be and encouraged me to get an education and do well for myself.
  • My mother! My mother has been there for me my whole life and is the only person that can, first-hand, lower my stress by just a phone call. She has taught me to be strong and have faith when in a bad situation.
  • My aunt. She has always supported me. She always has high hopes for me. She was one of the only positive role models in my life.
  • My mother and father. They have always been there for me and they have built me up when I feel the most alone. I can always rely on them to give me good advice. They have been shaping me ever since I was a little girl into the person I am today.
  • My aunt. After my mom disappeared, my aunt took more of a “mom” role and became more involved in my life.
  • My grandmother. I’ve lived with her my whole life and she raised me. She’s always been there for me when I needed it the most.
  • My second grade teacher, Ms. Jeski. She was a hockey fan and made me feel special since I played hockey.
  • Ms. Aleman. She taught me English.

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