Key Learning Experience Essay

The purpose of the assignment was to interview an “elder” member of society to gain valuable information and insight into an individual’s experiences and development, and how they pertain to biosocial, cognitive, and psychosocial development. I had the pleasure of interviewing a woman aged 68, who provided a glimpse of the wisdom she has gained over her lifetime as well as her daily interactions and age-related topics.

1. List and briefly describe the two most significant distinctions or awards you have earned at university/college/CEGEP, or upper years in high school.

The knowledge that I gained from my partners and their engaged learning trips was a great resource for viewing the issues around the nation and the world in multiple points of view. A few examples include the similarities between Bethlehem House and the methods that the black community used to adapt to the diverse issues that they faced. The Bethlehem House was a community shelter for people to live in for two years in order to help the poor manage their finances and find a job. The hopes of the house were to set the people on the right path in life, which includes helping the less fortunate people their expenses. The community aid that the Mosaic Templar emphasized on most was a section of Little Rock where the black people could use their skills from their times as slaves to start their own companies. For instance, most of the black people took on roles that included: barbers and a select few (especially in the area around Nashville, Tennessee) became very popular/ successful musicians. On the other hand, the experiences that my partners and I had were very similar to the readings that we had in class and will play an important role in the ways that I will engage in various communities that will arise in my future.

I had to understand the circumstances in which people were in and how interact with residents respectfully and compassionately which provided opportunities for personal growth by practicing integrity, justice and good stewardship. Though I was a bit hesitant, my experience has been very positive. Just being a volunteer without any related experience or skills, I was unqualified to help and many ways. The few menial tasks that I was able to do seemed to be met with much enthusiasm and appreciation. Simply helping someone to their seat bringing them a cup of tea or

Provide 5 key lessons or skills that you developed or further enhanced during your work term, and briefly describe.

The conversation I had with my grandmother, validated that elders at time, just need someone to talk to. You can learn a whole lot from an older adult’s life experiences and learn to apply it to your overall life

During my time spent interacting with residents with physical and mental disabilities, I was able to gain a better understanding of what the resident experiences during everyday life. I was able to observe the everyday challenges of living with the different disabilities. I witnessed the profound effect that mental health has on the quality of life and the outlook on life for an individual. I hoped to observe positive treatment and individuals of the individuals staying there and I witnessed just that. I obtained a better understanding of the experiences and feelings of the residents living there. My knowledge of the mind/ body interaction was strengthened during my time spent volunteering.

The age group I prefer to work with is the elderly due to the fact that they are often forgotten of in our society. I favor possibly working at a nursing home facility over visiting a patients home since environments controlled and safe through organizations. Completing my service learning at a nursing home center confirmed this fact that I would be more comfortable having a consistent work place. Originally I feared my communication skills were inadequate to work a nursing home facility however, I excelled at conversing with resident at the

In this role I was able to observe interactions rather than being a part of the interactions. During a care conference the elder was asked how she felt about the food. “I like the food here.” she replied. She was then questioned on her social interactions, most notably why she spent much of her time in her room including meals.

In previous years, I have been fortunate to be included in the ASO Professional Pathways program, and found it to be an amazing source of inspiration and career guidance. Exposure to educators and musicians of the highest standard has been empowering throughout my own musical journey; being able to reflect on personal stories and advice has vastly furthered my own learning. One example of how I have benefited from ASO learning, was a recognition throughout many sessions that there is no one way for an artist’s career to unfold, and this message has recently helped me maintain my musical goals. Although I found academic success at QCGU in the commencement of my degree this year, I recognised in myself a need to embrace learning without academic,

Many people in history, as well as my mentors, have influenced my personal learning philosophy about early childhood learning.

It is very important to teach environmental stewardship to young learners. They need to develop an understanding and respect for nature. I am very proud of the work my group and I had put into our education station and the amount of success that came with it. Overall this was a great experience for the zoo visitors, children, and my group.

Identify an experience where you had to assess the needs, interests, and goals of a patient with an ethnic background, different from yours, that resulted in a positive learning experience. How did you turn the situation into a positive learning experience? Did you personally have to deal with any stereotypical beliefs?

Participations in small in-class groups which purpose was to accomplish a task assigned to us by our Professor, were the most powerful learning experiences for me. In developing common focus, as stated in Gitterman and Germain (2008), members need to establish group rules and also remember to “build on one another’s contributions, identify and focus on salient collective themes, invite expression of differences” (p. 174), as well as welcome opinions which are contradictory or different from the majority.

Throughout life I have had many memorable events. The memorable times in my life vary from being the worst times in my life and some being the best, either way they have become milestones that will be remembered forever. The best day of my life was definitely the day that I received my drivers' license. This day is one of the most memorable because of the feelings I had when I received it, the opportunities that were opened up for me and the long lasting benefits that I received from it that still exist today.