Culminating Blog Reflection

Throughout my experience with the Capstone project I had to use a lot of critical thinking. I mainly used critical thinking during my hours with my support group through deciding which questions to ask them during the sessions and how. I needed to come off as understanding, so to do so I had to really analyze how I should be speaking to each of them so that they would feel comfortable sharing things with me. Communication was an important aspect during these sessions as well. All of my hours were done in communication with my fellow students so it was really important for me to understand how to communicate with them, as well as keeping my mentor updated and getting things approved by my teacher. I learned to know the appropriate times to ask for help from my mentor and communicate certain issues. Collaboration was also important. Every so often I would need to call my mentor for help on how to approach certain aspects of my groups lives, for example, before we had the family session I asked my mentor for help on how to approach this part because I knew some students would be more comfortable with sharing than others. We collaborated and came up for ways for them to open up to me. Lastly, for creativity I had to be creative in the resources I used in my essay. I was resourceful and used the psychology textbook from the psychology class I took at Skyline College two summers ago. I also had to be creative with the sessions I held with the students. I decided the topics of the sessions, as well as the questions asked, and the worksheets used. 

The Capstone project has taught me so much. Personally, I feel that my love for psychology has grown immensely and it's made my decision on majoring in psychology much easier. The sessions I had with these high school seniors was a win- win for all of us. They were talking about their problems while I was learning about psychology hands on. Socially, through my capstone hours as a leader of a support group I've learned how to communicate better with others and I've also learned to help others when it's needed and appropriate. Through these sessions, I've learned to be a helping hand for those who are facing the same fears as I am, specifically those associated with graduating and college. Intellectually, I've learned the proper way to use MLA format, especially with the Worked Cited page. Although I'm still rusty with writing thesis, I've learned a lot from this Capstone experience. 

Although I loved this experience, the Capstone Project had a couple bumps in the road. Most challenges I encountered where hour related. The beginning of my hours were really hard because the students I worked with weren't opening up as much as I expected. This taught me to ask them less broad questions that would force them to go in depth, and from there they felt more comfortable and started sharing more freely. Another challenge was when we would talk about personal, and sometimes emotional parts of their lives. For example, some students are comfortable about talking about their families because all families have faced rough things. One students was being very closed, but I suggested for him to just relax and share what he felt comfortable with. He relaxed, laid down on the bench we were sitting at, and he just poured everything out. He shared about even the hardest things, like the death of his father, and when he was done he sat up and said it felt as if a weight was lifted off his shoulders. It was a beautiful moment because he had never spoken about it. All the challenges I faced were somehow fixed, from schedule problems to uncomfortableness, they were resolved and at the end of the say the students felt relieved after the sessions, as did I.   

Confidence Part 2 (April 28, 2014)

It was really alarming for me to see how low the group's self esteem was, so to boost their self- esteem I assigned each of them someone else in the group to describe. After reading them what an anonymous member wrote about them, I could tell that they were all touched. I knew from the beginning that the four seniors are close friends, but they were surprised to see how their friends perceive them. 
Purple said, "I'm really happy! After hearing all of that I just feeling running up to whoever said that and hugging them. This really does affect my self esteem completely. I know that even people who are self confident need to be reminded through complements just how amazing they really are. It's really nice to see how others see me."
Red said, "This really did boost my self esteem, knowing that someone thinks of me this way! I'm in complete awe. It's really sweet to know someone thinks so highly of me. This is just a super nice feeling that I rarely ever feel."
Green said, "This is perfect! I'm so intrigued right now. I can't believe how sincere my person was. I don't know who wrote this, but I need to thank them from the bottom of my heart, and thank them immensely!" 
Blue said, "I would never think in a million years that someone would think of me this way. No one has ever really genuinely called me beautiful before, and I'm just so shocked. I really love this. My self esteem just sky rocketed."
I wanted these seniors to really understand how amazing and needed they really are. I know that with everything going on around them that they needed this boost to remind them how worthy of love and worship they truly are. I really think this was the perfect way to wrap up our sessions. 

Time logged: 1 hour
Total hours: 25

Confidence Part 1 (April 27, 2014)

When we did the session on self- esteem I was shocked to realize that the members in my group either had low self- esteem or average. I want to change this! I was determined to give them each a little more confidence. When I asked each of them how they see themselves, none said that they think highly of themselves. I made a worksheet and assigned each one of them to answer some questions on someone else in the group. In front of the group, I read each of them what someone else had to say of them so that they could realize that although they don't think highly of them self, others sure do. 

What red had to say about purple: Purple is friendly, unselfish, and thoughtful. He is thoughtful, and kind, and he always put others before himself. He can always find a way to make you smile, and even if he's in a bad mood, he doesn't let that affect everyone else. He enjoys making people laugh. He's a great friend to have and it's always a good time with him. Purple is funny, kindhearted, humble, and selfless. I think he'll do great in college, I don't worry about him at all because I know he will do good and always make the right choices. He takes initiative, is caring, funny, humble, happy, and trustworthy. Purple is really good at making you smile, especially when you need it, but he's best a being a friend. He will be successful in whatever he chooses to do, and he will be happy because he has friends and family that love, care, and support him. I'll remember him as a really funny guy who always had my back and would always make my day without even trying. I will remember him as a good friend that I hold very close to my heart.
What blue had to say about red: Red is a kindhearted, smart, and relatable person. She's funny, generous, weird (but the good kind), but most importantly, she's kind. Red is really good at being a good friend, she has the ability to make your day, just by being there. I know she would be there for me, through whatever. She's the kind of person who would do anything to make sure you have just what you need to be happy. Red's personality defines her big heart and humble mindset. I think red is going to perfectly fine in college, she's a smart girl who'll be okay with whatever is thrown at her. Red may not be motivated, but she'll get her stuff done. She's good at public speaking, English, being a noble friend, and lighting up someone's day. Her weird humor can make anyone laugh. I know red will be someone in life. She'll be, someday, very successful but also content with her life. Although I know she's a little scared for college, she'll be okay. I'm going to remember red as someone who's heart could take up a whole room and who's kind personality was really appreciated. 
What purple had to say about green: Green is smart, loyal, and is like family to me. I love his undying loyalty for his friends and family. He's fun to be around, he's a good person to talk to, and is trustworthy. Green is the type of guy that you want as a friend just because he brings a different dynamic. He's also someone that I would go to for support or if I needed help with anything. Based on his attitude, I would say that if he finds the thing that gives him the most happiness, he will excel immensely and will most likely be the best at it. He is smart, kind, humble, humorous, supportive, hardworking, practical, straight forward, and honest. He's good at math, being a great friend, sticking to his gut, supporting his opinions, listening, and creating the mood. He'll go all out if he needs to. He is the perfect balance of strong minded and kind hearted, and because of this, I'm sure the future holds a lot for him. He's going to meet great people and be great at whatever he intends on doing. 
What green had to say about blue: Blue is genuine, amazing, and goofy. I love her smile and her ability to light up a room. I'm friends with her for so many reasons, but mostly because I need her to lean on and although she doesn't know it, I genuinely need her. Blue is down to earth, beautiful, caring, and simply amazing. I know that in college she'll do amazing and she will succeed. I truly believe this. Blue is good at literally everything, just as long as she puts effort into it.  She'll be successful in any way she wants. She has a special ability to excel in anything she wants. I know for a fact she will be someone. Blue is the greatest friend imaginable. She is my rock. I will remember her by the way her smile could light up a room. Although she is insecure, she is the most beautiful young girl. I actually won't ever have to remember her because she will always be by my side.

I could see it in their eyes when I read them what someone else had to say about them that they got very emotional. So for part 2, I want to know exactly how they felt.

Time logged: 2 hours
Total so far 24 hours

Who you want to be (April 23, 2014)

One main priority of mine was getting to a very personal level with my group. I wanted to know who they are, what they stand for, but especially who they want to be. The topic for today is "Who you want to be" because I want to see who they dream to be and what they wish to aspire. I knew asking them these certain questions would be a little complicated, but I want to get a sense of what they wish to do with their lives.

1. What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for making an impact in people's lives because what is life if you don't make an impact in the world? 
I want to be remembered for being a good friend and a good sister/daughter/family member. I think I just want people to remember me in a positive way and remember all the good and fun times we've had. 
I want to be remembered as someone who was always there for people. I want to be a person who was there when needed.
I want to be remembered as someone who was really happy, and someone who made others happy too. I think how I'm remembered is a little irrelevant because the most important thing is how I carried myself, not how people think I carried myself.
2. What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I hope I have something strong to strive for and I have people to support me with whatever goals I have. 
I'd like to be a more independent person and less dependent and lazy. I want to be successful. I want to be doing something I actually enjoy doing and making money to support myself and just being happy with what I'm doing. 
I really want to give back. I'm not sure how, but I want to. Giving back is a broad term, but I want to. 
In 10 years, hopefully, I'm settled down and doing something that I really love doing. I don't want a job thats dreadful, I want to enjoy every day. I also hope I'm a good person, someone who stands for something beautiful. 
3. What career path have you chosen?
I have absolutely no idea yet.
I don't know exactly what I want to do, but if all else falls, I actually really enjoy film making and possibly minor in that.
Aerospace engineering. I want to build spaceships and airplanes. I just feel like I want to do something that opens the gate to new things for other people. But for all I know, I want to open up a donut shop. 
I want to be a psychologist, even if I know that math is what I'm really good at. I thinking choosing a career path at this age is something super impossible and we shouldn't feel the pressure of deciding yet. 
4. Do you see yourself having a family?
Someday, I wish to have kids and a beautiful family. 
I think that when the time comes, I would want kids. I picture myself living in a two story house with a dog, a few kids, a job that I enjoy, and I'm married to a hardworking husband. 
Kids annoy me, I'm sorry but they do. I know I say that as a kid, so I'm sure it would be nice to have them some day. 
I do not, weirdly. I just can't see myself having my own kids. Maybe I'll adopt because I feel it's my duty to give someone the opportunities my parents provided me with.
5. What do you wish to take out of life?
I dream that I can make an impact. I especially want to bring people together. I want to be more of who I am now. 
All I really want are new and good experiences. I want to take risks. I want to be happy and make others happy. Before any of these things actually happen, I'd love to travel.
Certain days I feel like the future has a lot in store for me, but other days I'm just not certain and I doubt myself sometimes. I think the stresses of high school have caused me to want to do nothing and just chill. I just don't know what I want sometimes. 
From life, all I wish is to make the absolute most of it. I know life might throw a lot of  rubbish at me, but I want to be ready. I want to be happy and make others happy, and that's all. 

With each of them, I made sure to let them know that not knowing some of these answers to these questions is okay. I told them that they don't need to plan out their entire lives, that just as long as they're content with where they end up, that it'll be okay. Another main thing we talked about was that they shouldn't feel pressured to do something that they don't want to, especially in the career aspect of their future. I know that sometimes we feel like there's a "right" answer to these questions, but they're different for everyone. For my next session I feel like it's my duty to boost up their self- esteem, especially since the end of the year is coming up meaning our lives are going to take a sharp turn. I want to let these seniors know just how special they really are.

Time logged: 4 Hours

Family (April 22, 2014)

From a personal view point, I would be nowhere without my family. So I thought that talking about their families would help me understand their point of views. Instead of me asking them structured questions, I gave them the opportunity to share what they were comfortable with sharing. Everyone has a story, I wanted to learn theirs. 

Purple: My immediate family and I are very close, probably closer than most families. We're very compacted because we're in a space where there isn't a lot of space, which makes us very close nit. The rest of my family live far away, the closet family members we have live in Seattle and even our family friends are far away. I'm the closest with my younger sister because my parents style of parenting is very old school and their knowledge on life is important, however their advice is a little out dated and not in the right culture. Their filipino rules and culture shock makes them less flexible so my sister is the one that I could relate to the most and she understands me, unlike them. She may be younger, but she has an old personality and is way smarter than I expected so because of that I am usually more comfortable with her, but also more strict because she's my baby sister, even if she's mature. My mother will forever hold a very special place in my heart. Until I was 5, she was the signature parent while we were in the Philippines because my dad worked abroad. My youngest memories are with her. But here in America, the roles were switched and I only get to see her once a week because she is a caregiver. But with that said, our relationship has never weakened, I'd argue that it's still strong. We may be close, but she's not as calm as I am. She's more aggressive and stressed, however she's also smart and down to earth and I've never seen angry without a purpose. I wish things could be different where I'd have her all the time, but that's difficult and I know she works for us. I know she can't because of her commitments, revolving around me. Because my mom isn't around as much, my dad is around a lot. I've always been pretty close to him. He's a very broken man, with a broken family and a broken past. Overall, I love my family and that's that.

Red: I'd like to consider myself very family- oriented. We're pretty close. We always do our own things, but Sundays are always family days. We're not as close as we were before, but we're still pretty close. I would never really go to my family for personal advice, but I go to my older sisters for girl advice. My family is super large! Education, to them, is important but they're too focused on the price. My 3 older siblings have all gone to community college because they didn't know what they wanted to do, but I'm different. My siblings and I have a very typical relationship. I'm close to each of them on different levels. My brother and I are close on a funny level, my sisters on a girly level, and my younger siblings on a weird level. All of them are my rocks. My family and I have gone through a lot. What brought us closer together was my little sister. She was born with congenital nevi, cancerous moles, on her head, neck, shoulders, and back. Congenital nevi has a super low survival rate and she needed years of recovery after surgery at 6 months old. We were always at the hospital and my entire family would come together, which made is very close. There was a point where all 6 kids and our parents lived together, but because my 3 older siblings are half siblings, problems were bound to happen. My older brother was kicked out of the house when I was in the 2nd grade. My oldest sister moved out her senior year and then so did my second oldest sister because they didn't get along with my mom(their step mom). By the time I was in the 5th grade, the three oldest were gone and I was left with my two younger siblings. It was rough for me because I had no one to look up to anymore but I knew for a fact that I didn't want to be like them. I saw how much they affected my parents and siblings and I would never do that to them. I am determined to finish high school and have the little ones look up to me. 

Green: My family is extremely different. We were all raised very differently. We're connected but separate all at the same time. All of us do our own things, there's no such thing as "family days". Sometimes, it kind of feels like none of them actually want me there, but we're all obligated to be there. It's rare to have everyone together even if the immediate family is small. My legal guardian is my aunt, I go  to her for money and school stuff, but I don't go to anyone else for anything. I'm pretty independent. Growing up, I always kept to myself. My brother and I moved in with my aunt when we were younger, but he was a little older which meant he understood things more. I don't remember much but I know he does. He too likes to keep to himself, sometimes I feel like he thinks he doesn't belong with us. When our dad died, we never once talked about it. We bonded for a second after it happened, but that was it. We've never had an open relationship. My family has a rough background so they really wanted us to get a good education and make something out of ourselves. Either way we'd be successful because we've made it farther than most and never affiliated ourselves with bad people. I've never felt the pressure of going to college, but I am the smartest of the family. I want to experience something new, be on my own and just be an individual. I don't consider myself to be family- oriented but I'd come back if I ever leave. I've always been like my brother, we both hate having to associate ourselves with family members. 

Blue: My immediate family is very close. My other relatives don't live close at all, and they're scattered around the world, but we still keep in touch. My dad and I are super close, practically best friends. My relationship with him is unlike most because I'm very close with him and I don't keep secrets from him. He and I are very americanized so we both see things similarly. He's a very hard worker and I respect that. Our personalities are also very similar, especially our sense of humor. On the other hand, my mom and I have a very unique relationship. It's really hard for us to see eye to eye because our personalities clash. Growing up, I felt like she played favorites with my brother so that really affected our relationship. Also, we don't spend a lot of time together because we'll get on each others nerves quickly. She's a good multitasker, yet she's not good at giving me attention. My grandmother plays the mom role usually. She's the strongest woman I know, she's been through so much and has fought everything thrown at her. She was raised very differently than the way I was raised but she, surprisingly, always understands me. My brother and I have always had a rocky relationship. We have always gone at it, like cats and dogs. Our constant arguing split the family, him and my mom vs. me and my dad while keeping all the fights a secret from my grandma. Sometimes I feel like my place in the family is irrelevant, just because everyone is always very busy. Although we have gone through a lot of problems, we seem to always resolve them. It's been a rocky road but it was worth it. Each family member is completely different, but together we make sense. 

When talking about their families I noticed that all of them got pretty uncomfortable so I told them that instead of facing me, they should lay down and just speak. Surprisingly, it worked! Purple was really comfortable with telling me anything and so was red but I felt green being a little distant because some things were harder to talk about than others and blue actually got a little emotional. I understand that talking about your past could be hard, but it's good to be open about your feelings rather than keeping them bottled in. I know that where a person has been doesn't define where they're going, so for our next session I want to know who they want to be and what they want to do with their futures. 

Time logged: 4 hours

Yourself (April 21, 2014)

A question that I absolutely hated growing up was "Describe yourself in 3 words" because I had no idea what the right answer was and I'd get so nervous. So of course I just had to ask my group this question. I'd love to get to see how they see themselves. I think this would really get us on to the next level of comfort. I knew it would be hard and time consuming for them to describe themselves to me, but the challenge was accepted. 

Purple described himself as caring, hopeful, and approachable. He thinks others see him as quiet, awkward, and uninteresting but he wishes others would see him as friendly, fun, and smart. I asked him to name a quality he has and he said "I have a burning love for the arts". Academically, he strong in English and History but not Math. He thinks he's a moral person with good values. As for his little sister, he wishes he was a better role model for her. Although he wants her to be like him, he knows that she'll set the bar higher for herself. Purple described his childhood as very happy. He was oblivious to many things, never paying attention to negative things until around middle school where he became pessimistic. "Freshman year I got tired of being negative and decided to live happily." 

Red from the beginning said that she couldn't really describe herself because she doesn't know herself yet but she said she is awkward, honest, and friendly. She thinks others see her as awkward, isolated, and antisocial but she wished others would see her as kindhearted, easy to talk to, and noble. Red says she's a good person, although sometimes she makes bad decisions. "I don't think I'm a good role model for my younger siblings because I'm not there enough for them." She also said that she isn't a motivated person and she wants her siblings to have the leadership qualities that she doesn't. A quality she said she has is that she is a patient person. Red thinks her biggest flaw is that she is easily influenced. Academically, "I think I'm an okay student, I could be better but I could also be worse." I asked red how she see's herself and she said, "I don't think highly of myself. I can, but most of the time I'm lying to myself to get things done. It's in the moment when I need motivation that I could lie to myself and think 'I can do this!' when deep down I know that I can't. 

Green described himself as layered, sarcastic, and lost. He thinks others see him as inconsiderate, isolated, and short but he wishes they'd see him as nice, generous, and respectful. Academically, "I could be a better student. I have the smarts for it, but I'm not motivated. I don't do all my work but I understand mostly everything." As for his younger siblings he is a good role model, but there are certain things that he has done that he wouldn't want them to do. But also, in his family, he says "I'm as good as they get" so he would want them to follow his footsteps instead of others. "For the most part I'm a good person with good values. I have the human morals that everyone should have." I asked him how he thinks of himself and he responded with, "I have no reason to think highly of myself. I'm just an average person doing average things." Green's description of his childhood is: "I feel like mine was very different from others, I didn't have my parents around and it wasn't a nice childhood. Sometimes I wish I could have had a normal childhood but I know it could have been worse. As a child, I feel like I had to overcome a lot, but the happy memories I remember make it okay."

Blue absolutely hated the question, but she described herself as ambitious, benevolent, and fun. She thinks others see her as immature, weird, and apprehensive but she wishes they'd see her as smart, prepared, and generous. Academically, blue thinks she's a good student with good habits but she spends a lot of her time comparing herself to better students which she thinks is really bad for her self esteem. "I think I'm a good person who constantly makes bad decisions. I regret some things that I've done, but those things have molded me to be the person I am today." Blue thinks she's a good role model school wise and big- hearted wise, "I would want my nephew to give back to our community the way I have, but I don't want him to be exactly like me." Blue describes her childhood as completely normal. She had a loving family, "Although we went through a lot, I like to remember just the good memories."

I asked each of them to list all of the things they love and everything that makes them happy:

purple said playing the guitar, movies, taking naps, and food; red said smoothies, her family, cats, and biking; green said rainy days, memories, puzzles, and laughing; blue said climbing trees, cheese, my family, and weird jokes. I had them list everything just to see how long it would take for them to say that they love themselves. None of them got to that point. One thing I noticed about all of them is that it was really hard for them to talk about themselves, as if they'd never done it before. It was nice to see them put in the effort to describe themselves truthfully. I was surprised to see them to dig deep into themselves, they had to mention their families so for the next session I'd like to know more about their families. I want to see where they come from. 

Time logged: 5 hours (an hour and 15 min on each)

College (April 15, 2014)

From personal experience, I know that college is a very complicated matter that most seniors don't like talking about. Seniors, I feel, are constantly interrogated on what they're going to do after high school, so I want to know why. I wanted to dig a little deeper and ask them why they're going to that certain school and if they're content with their decisions. For this session I asked each of the four seniors four essential questions for me to understand their next step after high school and why. 

1. What are your plans for college?

Purple absolutely hated the question! He feels "stressed out" by this question but answered anyways. He is going to attend Skyline College and is undeclared. He knew he'd always stay local. BUT above all he needs to "cross the Capstone bridge". 

Red will be attending San Francisco State University and is also undeclared. Red is clearly very scared for college!

Green will be attending Cañada College then is planning to transfer to a college out of state. He is planning on studying aerospace engineering. 

Blue will be attending Dominican University, possibly majoring in psychology or mathematics. She is very anxious to see what college has in store for her.

2. Do you feel like you are ready for college?

Purple expressed himself as very ready. "I feel like I've been doing well in school already and I'm use to the structure and I'm ready to move on to the next level." 

Red seemed uncertain. She feels as if college is going to be a very scary experience that she just might not be ready for. "My main worry is that I won't be successful." 

Green is for the most part ready. He has no idea what to expect, but is ready to face it. "I'm going to do what I need to do to get out of community college quickly and transfer out!"

Blue is not ready at all. She feels like the transitions from high school to college is going to be very difficult for her. Her biggest fear, though, is that she won't make the most out of her experience. 

3. What does your family have to say about your decision?

To purple's family, college is very important. They have clearly stated that they will support him, regardless of what he majors in, just as long as he stays focused.

Red's family is very happy with her decision of going to San Francisco State University. They dream of her having a successful career.

Green said that in he doesn't have many family members that have made it far after high school so his family is happy that he's even going to college. He has impressed his family because not very much was expected of him. 

As for blue, she says that she has overheard her father say that she is his pride and joy. College is a very big thing for them and they are beyond proud of her decision for college! Her parents brag about her all the time, which clearly lets her know how excited they are. 

4. Are you satisfied with your choice for college?

Purple describes that he'll know if he's satisfied or not once he gets there. "It's all about the teachers and your approach on education." He says that for now he's not completely satisfied, but then again, he wasn't expecting much. 

Red is not completely satisfied. She feels as if other people's opinions have really influenced her attitude towards her decision, like the way one of her older sisters frowns upon the school red chose. Red is content but doesn't want to regret her decision later one. 

Green, "NO!" He says that he expected much more from himself. Freshman and sophomore year he didn't do very well but he got his act together junior year, but sadly that wasn't enough. "Now, I guess it's kind of whatever." 

Blue is also not satisfied. "I got into the college of my dreams but I can't afford it. Sometimes, although I know Dominican is a good school, I feel like I'm selling myself short." Occasionally, blue feels like she's making the wrong decision. 

With each of them I discussed how amazingly important it is to be content with the decisions you make, especially big ones! We discussed that it's completely normal to be scared about college, and that it's okay to not know what to expect. They each gave me very vivid details of how they feel about the subject of college and their choices. Purple seems really okay with the choice he made. Red is very scared but I think the school she choose is a good fit for her. Green is just happy he's going to school, I know that there were times where he wanted to take a break after high school but him going to Cañada college is a very smart move. Although blue isn't going to the school of her dreams, she's happy with her choice and will try to make the most of it. Something that all four seniors had in common was their apprehensive views towards college. When we were discussing the topic of college, the mood totally shifted and the anxiety was ridiculous. Everyone seems to be very scared for the next step that they're about to take. It's clear that regardless of the students' experiences and readiness, all four of them are very nervous for college. They're all hoping for the best, but mentally preparing themselves for the worse. Because they all seem so tense about this subject, for my next session I just want to get a sense of who they are.

Time logged: 4 Hours

Anxiety and Self Esteem (April 14, 2014)

(Because these interviews and sessions are completely confidential, to share their experiences I am giving my four group members fake names- those of a color to be exact. You will be reading about purple, red, green, and blue. I spend an hour with each for every session.)

My very first session! To be completely honest, I was very nervous! But I wanted to make sure that they felt comfortable and I needed to be sure that they felt like they were in a safe place where they wouldn't be judged. Because it was my first session it started off a little slow with each of them. The main focus of this session was on anxiety. I had each of them answer some questions from a worksheet my mentor, Dr. Rosemary, gave me. These questions would help me understand their feelings and actually calculate his level of anxiety. Purple scored a considerably normal amount of anxiety. The symptoms he occasionally feels are ups and downs that the Beck Anxiety Inventory thinks to be normal. Red, on the other hand, scored to have mild anxiety disturbances. In red's situation, some symptoms she feel increase when she is under a lot of pressure, leaving her very anxious in uncomfortable situations. Green also scored to have mild anxiety disturbances. One thing that he feels stands out the most is his inability to relax which is very interesting. Lastly, blue scored to have borderline clinical anxiety, mainly from her shakiness. She also claimed to be a "nervous" person. Another main focus of this session was on their self esteem. With another worksheet provided by my mentor, I had them answer certain questions about themselves, this gave them the chance to really analyze how they sees themselves. Purple's self- esteem score was very normal. Although there is always room for improvement, his self- esteem is in a healthy state. Red, on the other hand scored a very low self- esteem, unfortunately. I told her that an important thing for her to learn to do is to give herself compliments every once and awhile to remind herself how great she is and how worthy she is of being loved by herself. Green scored on okay level for his self- esteem. We discussed that he also needs to remind himself of how talented he is, not only as a student but as a person as well. Blue scored a low self- esteem. Her biggest issue is with her body, which is normal in a female teenager. We discussed that it's okay to be different but it's important to accept yourself for just the way you are. A main thing mentioned all around is the importance of a good self-esteem and weighed the pros and cons. I feel like we could definitely work on all of their self-esteem! For our next session, I'd like to learn more about their next move, as in what they plan on doing after high school because I know thinking and planning out our futures can create a lot of anxiety for some people.

Time logged: 4 Hours

First get-together

Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Today, I had my very first sit down meeting with my mentor Dr. Rosemary Vega. I was a little nervous at the beginning because I wasn't sure how our first meeting would go, but it went great! It has been finalized that I will accumulate my hours by running a support group of about 5-7 high school seniors. In the support group we'll be discussing the stresses of senior year and how we could cope with such stresses. Dr. Vega's role as a mentor will be helping me run these groups through the helpful handouts she has given me. These handouts are very helpful because they'll help us understand how to express our feelings and they give us an inside on how we're reacting to the changes we're facing this year. Dr. Vega and I also discussed how successful we think this support group will go, I'm excited to start!

One hour down, twenty-four to go!