Self Perception

I see myself as a positive communicator in small groups or one on one.  When faced with larger groups I become shy and unsure about myself and when I am done I critique myself being overly critical of my performance.  Those that evaluated me thought on the same lines.  They observe that when I am face to face with a patient is it evident that I am willing to help them in anyway I can.  One coworker mentioned that I have compassion for others and as long as the patient is willing to help themselves I bend over backwards.  They have also seen that  when I am faced with patients trying to pull a fast with a sob story I may have a hard time saying no I know my job and realize that unless the patient is willing to help me help them then I cannot help them. Improving on larger group will require me to work on my own feelings about myself.  Believing in myself and thinking positively about the knowledge I already possess I truly believe that I will one day have the confidence to speak to large groups and finish feeling good about myself.

Changes in Communication

Following the past few weeks and the information I have learned, I don't think I have changed my approach to communication to much.  I have become more aware to those I communicate with.  I pay attention a person personality and try to communicate in a way that the individual can understand without being condescending or demeaning.  I treat others the way I would to be treated.  Many people have a difficult time understand of their bills so it is my job to explain the basics in a logical way that make it easier for our patients to understand.  I leave each day with a feeling like I have accomplished something important and like I have done something to help my patients which can be very rewarding. 

Border Patrol

The show I choice to watch for the first time was Border Patrol although I had never seen it before within in the first few minutes even without sound it was clear what the show was about.  Watching it without sound I found myself paying close attention to the emotions exhibited by the characters.  It is amazing how much can be understood with the emotions alone.

Border Patrol without sound there were military officials that were arresting and identifying people that may be illegal immigrants.  The officials walked through desert areas searching for individuals trying to sneak across the border.  When they caught the group of four men they took them in for questioning before they fingerprinted and photographed them.  Them men sat in a cell and look very anxious and upset because they were fidgeting and their facial expressions showed their nerves.  The officers were nice and did not seem to mistreat the men in anyway.

When I turned the sound on it was evident that my assumptions were basically correct.  The officials were given a lead that there was a group of individuals trying to sneak across the border.  They then went searching the area the lead led them to believe the individuals may be.  After searching they did arrest them and took them in for questioning.  They asked them where they were from, what their family status was, and what their plan had been.  The men told the officials that they were not able to care for their families in Mexico and their hope was to come to the U.S, and find work so that they could send money back to their families.  The officials displayed sympathy for the men but since they were entering the country illegally they needed to follow the law.  They processed the required paper work and extradited the men back to Mexico.

Influential Communicator

I work at the local hospital in Patient Business Services an truly enjoy helping people everyday either understanding their bill or with options for payment including patient assistance which allows us to write off 0-100% of the patients bill based on their  income.  Our director would have to be the one person that exemplifies the communication skills I hope to utilize during my career both in the hospital and in early childhood education.  Our director maintains an open door policy with a welcoming non judgmental attitude that makes those that for her comfortable to talk, ask questions, and address issues that or causing them distress. When I personally have something I need help with are concern she makes time to speak with me and encourages honesty.  She communicates with patients in a similar manner.  She believes that we as a department need to focus on  showing for our patients and treating everyone with the same compassion and concern and never discriminating based on the patients ethnicity, background, or situation.  Her communication style is aimed at providing the information in the best form for the patient to understand.  Regularly using letters, phone calls, and face to face as the main ways of communicating with patients.  Her approach to communication is one that I want to strive for and would happily model my own based on her example.  I have seen first hand how patients warm up to her when they are approached as an individual and not just another customer or monetary addition to the organization. 

Professional Hopes and Goals

When working with children and there families my goal is to learn and grow so that my knowledge of diversity.  Learning a families background will allow me to be aware of possible beliefs and customs that could be conflicted with the lesson plans.  Caring for each child and their families is important in order for children to feel special and that being different is ok and should be thought of as a down fall rather a unique trait that makes them the special individual they are.  A goal I plan to accomplish each and everyday I am working with children is to look at each child as an individual and not judge them or their families prior to getting know them.  Assumptions can hinder the building of a strong relationship and in order to teach children that diversity is a natural part of of communities and the world around us.  A sincere thank you to my classmates for teaching me so much that I didn't know.  I truly believe that learning from another persons experience can provide knowledge that otherwise my be missed within a curriculum.   

Welcoming Families from the United Kingdom

 

Basics
Area: 243,000 sq. km. (93,000 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than Oregon.
Capital: London
Climate: Generally mild and temperate
Nationality: British
Population : 62.2 million.
Major Ethnic Groups: British, Irish, West Indian, South Asian.
Major Religions: Church of England (Anglican), Roman Catholic, Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), Muslim.
Major Languages: English, Welsh, Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic.
Education: Years compulsory--12. Attendance--nearly 100%. Literacy--99%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--4.85/1,000.
Life Expectancy --Males 76.5 yrs.; Females 81.6 yrs.; total 79.0 years.
http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/unitedkingdom/153114.htm

Based on the information retrieved from the United States Government Website.  A family moving from the United Kingdom face many challenges especially if they have children.  Moving to a country that their majority speaks English may seem familiar to some yet far from normal for others depending on their families primary language.  In regards to accommodating a families religious beliefs it is important to remember that the British population practice Anglican, Roman Catholic, or Presbyterian which are not unknown to those in the United States.  Education is very important the the British citizens and that is reflective in the high attendance and literacy rate.  There will be adjustments on the families part because it will not be familiar to them.

                                                             

Ways that we can make it easier is by
1.  Welcoming them and showing them the willingness to help them adjust
2.  Giving the children an opportunity voice their concerns and giving them adequate time to adjust. 
3.  Ask their children's' parents if there are food considerations that need to be considered when it   comes to teaching the children about holidays etc.
4.  Take the time to get to know the families
5.  Working close with families and other staff members to make the transition as smooth as possible for all involved.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

• Learning from our Countries Mistakes                                                                                                                                                                                            I was told by a classmate that one of her professors at the University of Phoenix once made a comment in the public forum that in his opinion women would never be able to compete with men in the same profession and it didn't matter what profession.  In hi opinion women should not waste the time and just stay home where they belong.  Personally it just makes me want to learn more and prove that we can anything men can do and sometimes better. As a mother it is important for my children to grow up without thinking they entitled and that it is necessary to give everyone an opportunity to learn and grow in order to better themselves and environment around them.  This made me wonder if we ever truly got past the thought that women were the lesser sex.  Even in this day in age it seems that children could grow up feeling equal.  It is going to be important that the educators teaching the children show them in the lessons we teach and by example that this is not necessary to be successful. Children follow the examples they see from their family and those in the classroom.  Teach them about our history is important but making sure that the children realize that that is what it is history.