Merced, California, United States
This internship gave me the opportunity to work closely with mental health workers, peer support workers, and clinicians in Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services' Adult System of Care. I was often required to shadow workers in the previously listed positions in seeing clients of various ages and mental capacities. I often observed mental health workers practicing individual rehabilitation and case management with clients. This opportunity has offered me amazing experience in a field adjacent to my goal, extended knowledge on case management and resources provided throughout Merced County.
My research assistant duties ranged from coding participant data (in the form of videos) in tandem with other research assistants to assisting graduate students with constructive criticism on their Ph.D. program assignments. When coding, I rated each segment of a video on scales of positive and negative affect, and frequently collaborated with other RAs to reach a consensus about a specific code. This enhanced my teamwork skills. The Family Development Lab has gifted me with further experience in the psychology field, with an emphasis on adolescence, the population I hope to work with.
My job duties range from dishwashing to serving and setting up orders and food for customers. I am often required to set up and serve buffet lines, as well as wait and bus tables. As a supervisor, I managed various orders, ensuring they were completed correctly and in a timely manner. This required me to possess efficient customer service, cleaning, and leadership skills.
My research assistant duties range from tabling to gain survey participants to running laboratory sessions with study participants. I am often required to assist in literature searches and test MESH Lab surveys before their publication. The MESH Lab has offered me hands-on experience in the field I want to work in, as well as further developed my research techniques and data analysis skills
My intern duties often included shadowing victim/witness advocates to learn how to provide advocacy in times of crisis to victim/witnesses. I worked closely with victim/witness advocates to expand my knowledge of the criminal court system, emotional support strategies, suicide protocol, et cetera. Additionally, I was often required to gather and organize resources for victims/witnesses of crimes. This opportunity assisted me in sharpening my resource-locating skills.
During my final year of highschool, I had the opportunity to take an elective english class, in which I was prepared to become a teacher and/or work with children. My job duties ranged from keeping an eye on students during recess to leading craft activities with them. This opportunity furthered my interest in working with youth and taught me how to connect individually with students. I often was required to modify my teaching techniques, as I realized that every child learns differently. This means I also learned how to think on my feet.
This position required me to learn and adapt quickly as well as grow my social skills. I was required to greet, serve, and check out up to 100 guests an hour. My position made it necessary that I memorize over 30 food codes as well as gain experience in customer service.