Internship

The senior that I chose to interview was Devon Smith also known "Mouse". Devon is a graduate of Laurel High School and is currently attending Bowie State University. He is a student athlete and a member of the Pedology program. In this interview I will ask questions in regards to his field placement to better understand how and why things work when entering the field. I feel as though I am prepared for my internship, but hopefully after interviewing Devon I won't be as nervous about my field placement. I realize that the information he presents is imperative to me starting my internship.

Q: What was the hardest part of the field practicum?

A: The hardest part of my field practicum was basically learning all the procedures of your field studies and learning all the policies and procedures once you get there.

Q: How did you feel entering the agency?

A: I felt cool because there wasn't any stress put on my back because they knew my situation me being an athlete and dealing with academia as well. The school was flexible with my hours as long as I completed whatever they asked me to do.

Q: What was the hardest task you had to perform at your site?

A: The hardest task was getting accustomed to the children to make sure that I follow the procedures when faced with certain situations, like counseling a student, or restraining a student who is out of hand, learning how to encourage a student about academics and how to deal with a student who has behavioral problems.

Q: What weakness did you have that has now become strength since working in the field?

A: The weakness that I had was being sort of like closed off, I mean not totally but it takes me awhile to open up to people but I think that I am more efficient at talking to the kids. They are kind of shy when they first meet you so in order for them to open up I had to let myself go and let them know that it was ok for them to open up. With some one my age it is easier to you know break the ice, but with kids if they don't come to know or trust you than they hold things back and wont tell you certain things.

Q: What would you like to see different from a policy standpoint?

A: as far as the student suspensions I would rather see them find an alternative to suspending students. If they are suspended then nine times out of ten they miss out on school work and end up falling behind.

Q: What was the most important thing that you have learned from field seminar thus far?

A: Basically to document all of your work and to follow all the policies of your field studies because if an altercation should arise and its not documented then parents or guardians may attempt to pursue legal actions against the school.

Q: How do you handle stress?

A: Chill, relax, workout, just things I like to do to get my mind of whatever it is that is troubling me.

Q: Have encountered any safety risks while working in the field?

A: I cannot really say that I have.

Q: Do you still believe Pedology: Child Studies is your chosen field?

A: Yes, because I love to work with kids and I am currently working in a middle school environment.

Q: How did process recordings and competencies help you develop your writing skills and at the same time show you the importance of documentation? Did you learn more about the problems that the client was experiencing? Did you use the problem solving method or the integrative model?

A: Process recordings and competencies made it easier for documentation and to record incidents that happen. I learned more when the kids started to open up. I let the kids speak about there opinions on things, I don't force my opinions on them I just assist them in finding what it is they need to understand. I used the problem solving method. To be honest I can't remember the integrated method.

Q: Which do you prefer working with micro, macro or mezzo populations?

A: I prefer micro or macro. If you can interact and maintain the attention of a larger group then you should have no problem working with a group smaller in size. It is always good to be able to work one on one with the students as well.

Q: Do you feel as if you are ready to work with the same population or a different population?

A: With the same population.

Q: What advice could you pass on to me as an upcoming senior entering the field?

A: Follow all your rules and policies. Remember that what happens in the work place stays in the work place and what happens outside stays outside. You should already have keen sense of right from wrong stick to the right path and don't be sidetracked.

Q: Did you use your field manual as a guide with the information provided?

A: Not really, because at the job they have there own policies