Why are you in school?
[I am in school pursuing a degree in Psychology. I chose this field of
study because I wanted to understand why we make the decisions
that we do. With me being a survivor of domestic violence, I needed
the knowledge to understand myself better and to assist individuals
who are currently experiencing the abuse through my outreach
program.]
What are your strengths?
[The strengths that I have is the ability to care and to listen
intentionally while paying attention to detail. When I was living in my
trauma, all I wanted was for someone to listen without judgment and
to believe me. These are the skills that were built as a result of my
own pain.]
How do you learn best?
[I learn best when reading and studying at night. The material I read at
night seems to stick with me longer and I remember it the next day.
Experiences is also a way that I learn best. To me, it's credible.]
What are your skills?
[The skills that I have are excellent phone skills, problem solving
techniques, the ability to negotiate and communicate effectively,
handle irate clients professionally, data entry, and effective typing
(50wpm).]
What skills do you want to improve upon or learn?
[The skills that I want to improve upon is my problem solving
techniques. I would like to learn more on how to be more persuasive
when addressing a client with something that could be life changing
or provide them safety.]
What are your interests and hobbies?
[My hobbies and interests are skating, cooking, enjoying time with my
family, and volunteering at our local domestic violence center.]
What problems would you like to address in the world?
[The problem that I would like to address in this world is lessening
abuse within the family structure. I also would like to address some of
the issues around affordable housing for women raising their
children.]
Where do you envision yourself in five years?
[In five years, I envision myself running my safe haven for battered
women where a program will be in place for their success. On the
opposite side, I would like to push for
1
1
more extensive treatment for the abusers through the courts.]
Which of the programmatic course themes is most relevant to your
career or goals for personal growth?
Self-care
Social justice
Emotional intelligence
Career connections
Ethics
[The programmatic course themes that are most relevant to my
career and goals for personal growth are self-care and emotional
intelligence. Self-care is going to be extremely important. I must take
care of myself so that I can be fully present in those moments when
assisting the victims. Self-care is also essential for the victims to
possess themselves in order to break the cycle of attracting the same
types. Emotional intelligence is what I will need when dealing with
each individual victim. Everyone's situation is different and will
require a unique way to deliver the appropriate assistance.]
You're probably wondering why I chose this photo, or maybe you're
asking why would she show this? Well, it's my history. If I don't try to
understand it or talk about it (without shame), I will repeat it. This is a
part of me that I will use to help the victims I come in contact with. It's
my proof that wounds do heal. I am a survivor
