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Foster Care’s Impact on Educational Achievements

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Foster Care’s Impact on Educational Achievements

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The Mirror, Microscope, and Binoculars 6328 (AutoRecovered)

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In this assignment I was assigned to identify a marginalized population and the effects it has on their educational goals and the barriers that they face. This assignment allowed me to gain a deeper understanding on how foster care youth face barriers that their peers usually don’t. I was able to identify the causes and effects that this population endures. This presentation will aide me as an academic advisor since I will be aware of the increased barriers foster care youth face. This will allow me to better assist them and create solutions to increase the odds of not completing their education goals.

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I thoroughly enjoyed creating this project. I was tasked to create a needs assessment and develop an approach to resolving one issue that my community currently faces. I learned how to create a public service announcement and website that could be utilized to advertise and educate the public. Each step in the process provided information on how the community can affect a student’s learning outcome. With that being said, it helped me understand the importance of taking all factors into account when attempting to create solutions to the issues I face in the workplace.

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In this assignment I was asked to compile all of the work I completed throughout the course. This padlet showcases the progression of knowledge I obtained on the topic of crisis and trauma. The purpose of this assignment was to create a one stop shop that I can utilize in the future as it contains pertinent information that would help me in the event of a crisis. This will be a great tool to use as I interact with others in the education field. You can never plan a crisis, but you can be prepared for one.

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The developmental autobiography’s purpose was to apply learned theories to my own upbringing. By making connections with lifespan theorists and my experiences it was a great way to practice applying the theory into action. The assignment allowed me to self-reflect on my past, present, and future. In addition, I was able to gain a better understanding on how a person’s actions all stem from somewhere. Being able to identify the connections will be beneficial as I interact with future students as a helping professional in the education field.

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In the Personal Theory assignment, I identified a theory that I least and most agreed with and discussed whether humans are capable of changing. Thereafter, I was asked to identify a personal issue and how the person-centered theory could be applicable. I outlined the approach I would utilize to help myself by utilizing the tenants of this theory. Carl Roger’s person-centered theory taught me that a holistic approach to care is possible. I plan to utilize components of the theory to my practice as a helping professional. As an academic advisor I will be there to assist students with identifying their goals and guiding them towards it. This theory focuses on assisting others with building a sense of self.

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In this assignment, I was asked to conduct a self-reflection on my professional identity as a helping professional. The essay consisted of three parts, the mirror, the microscope, and the binoculars. The mirrors section’s purpose was to identify what my professional identity consisted of and what I hope it develops into. In the microscope section I identified which assignments and information I learned that would assist me in my future career goal as an academic advisor. Last, the binocular section was a reflection of how the course provided me with the information and tools needed to continue developing my professional identity. The information I gained from the course and by conducting this essay will assist me in my future career goals as I learned my legal limitations as a non-licensed counselor, the importance of interacting with other professionals, and how to provide effective referrals for students.

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The attached site includes every aspect in creating a group session for students. Fun-damentals was created for first-generation college students. Throughout the course I was able to create a group session from beginning to end. On the padlet it will include consents, group rules, and the other elements needed to create a functional group session. This assignment will be very beneficial as I enter the education field as an academic advisor. Understanding how to create a group session for a specific issue or population will be vastly utilized to ensure I provide the tools and support my future students need to meet their education and career goals.

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The self-reflection assignment challenged me to self-reflect on what life events have shaped who I am and how I interact with others. Through the assignment I also identified my limitations as a helping professional. I believe that being self-aware of our own influences when interacting with others. As a helping professional my goal is to provide the best services to my students. Therefore, I must be aware of my personal limitations to not impose any biases to them. I am glad that this assignment pushed me outside of my comfort zone so I could reflect on my own issues and prepare for any future interactions that I would need to refer out for.

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The most helpful assignment thus far in this course has been creating a resume. The resume is one of the most important elements when job seeking. As a soon to be graduate, having this completed and ready to send to employers allows me to actively seek new gainful employment in my desired field.

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In this presentation for action research, I was asked to provide the background, elements of the research type, and how to apply action research in my chosen career field. I gained more knowledge on the steps needed to conduct this type of research and the pros/cons of utilizing this approach. As a future academic advisor, I can envision myself utilizing components of this research type to develop improved practices in my field.

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When I began this program, I knew limited information on the topics I was exposed to. As someone that did not come from a professional education background, most courses pushed me outside of my comfort level. Hindsight, I am glad they did. I was able to develop a better sense of my professional identity and what that consists of. As I come to the end of the Mental Health and Wellness Counseling program, I feel prepared to provide services within my legal limitations. I have a thorough understanding of what my future job role entails of. I am now capable of creating programs that would better assist students in reaching their goals. In addition, I know how to create websites and public service announcements to advertise and communicate with the public. I have gained a vast amount of skills that would be beneficial to any future employer. Overall, I believe that my newfound knowledge has prepared me to provide the best services I can in assisting students reach their education and career goals. As issues arise, I am prepared to problem solve by referring and connecting students to the appropriate professionals.

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Hello, my name is April Hernandez. Currently I am enrolled in the Mental Health and Wellness Counseling Master’s program at Angelo State University. My expected graduation date is December 2021. My portfolio provides a brief overview of the projects I have completed during my tenure in the graduate program. The purpose of this is to showcase the wide range of skills and knowledge that I have obtained.