January 23, 2009

Random Practicum Thoughts

There are so many things happening in my practicum, that I simply do not know where to begin. I have pretty much completed getting to know what the different programs are, seeing where I might fit and being involved in some small projects. Here are a few thoughts as I am finishing my third week:
  • Always look behind the curtain. How things appear are not how they are. There is so much going on that I didn't expect, and so much NOT going on that I totally expected. It's a disappointment and a surprise all rolled into one. The people that appear confident and like they're a part of something big, seem to be all talk.
  • Occupational Therapists kick ass. The OTs I've met here are excellent, combining some major social work skills with their own professions skills with a flair of down-to-earth-edness that many social workers seem to lack!
  • It's difficult deciding how the practicum should go. Do I want a broad reaching scope of everything, or do I want a focused time where I get some in depth practice experience. If I choose the latter, will I miss out on something that could be my passion? It's a difficult line.
  • It's difficult to not take the work home with you. Especially when you can count some hours that you do from home!
  • As far as I can tell so far, mental health is where I belong. Although I've come up against some difficult barriers so far, I'm not worried. I'm sticking with it and loving the opportunities that are arising for me.
  • A commute is easier with audiobooks. 
And that's it for now. Ah the weekend...after so long, I remember what it's like again.

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6 comments:

Awake and Dreaming said...

I agree OTs ROCK!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely agree! The OT's at our hospital are so wonderful and we get a lot of referrals from them!

Anonymous said...

Interesting insights. I think you need to expand on:

"Always look behind the curtain. How things appear are not how they are. There is so much going on that I didn't expect, and so much NOT going on that I totally expected."

That's probably fodder for another blog post.

Reas Kroicowl said...

You GO with your mental health aspirations!

Anonymous said...

Seems like you are getting a lot out of it!

Anonymous said...

I think you can get both breadth and depth. Get a good overview first, shadow some people in areas you're not directly working in. Then focus on a project that impassions you in your second semester. It's nice to accomplish something concrete on your field placement and it might help you when you look for a job (started a new support group...).

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