Class of 2018

Psychology & Social Work major

My class helped me examine my own personal interactions with individuals, as well as my work within Misericordia, and the Chicago community as a whole. In the class, we analyzed various aspects of social justice, and applied social justice to our positions and communities. For example, we studied Asset Based Community Development (ABCD), a strengths-based perspective in working with communities. This project in class allowed me to look at strengths within Rogers Park (individuals, non-profits, initiatives) that address gentrification in the neighborhood. The ideas and application of ABCD carried over to my position in Misericordia, where I emphasized individual's strengths and resources in PEP, to plan various activities and lessons for residents. 

Through this program, I developed professionally, academically, and personally. I applied for this program looking to get involved in the greater Chicago community, and to learn and work with others. This being my first internship, the position required a level of professionalism I had not been familiar with before, and had to quickly adapt to meet the expectations of my supervisors, mentors, and fellow interns. Working with residents of Misericordia, I was able to experience the beautiful personalities I hadn't known before, and was able to learn and apply knowledge of various disabilities I had studied in previous psychology and social work classes. Finally, the accompanying class involved many reflections, through which I better understood myself, and was able to serve others more efficiently. 

My experience at Misericordia, and working with the other Social Justice interns, has taught me the importance of being involved and constantly learning. Learning by meeting and listening to people, and learning by working with people in new experiences. While I do not plan to work with the same population in the near future, I plan to use the same skills and attitudes of strengths-based perspectives, professionalism in the workplace, openness to conversation, and constant learning. 

Learning Portfolio: https://w.taskstream.com/ts/christian38/MyYearasaSocialJusticeIntern