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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio
Christal BakerPsychology, 2012
Personal Statement
There is a lot more to a student than it may seem. Not only are we
sacrificing years to receive an education, we are preparing ourselves to utilize our
educational knowledge and applying it to our future, whatever path we may choose. Upon
completion of my undergraduate studies, I have sacrificed 5 years of hard work and
dedication to my studies. This experience has fulfilled my knowledge in psychology and given
me the tools necessary to sustain a successful career and lifestyle.
During this 5 year process, I had to master psychology along with having to
personally develop into an individual who set a goal to obtain a Master’s degree and become
a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In the area of psychology we learn a broad
spectrum all pertaining to the human mind and body. Along with this education, we must
gain hands on experience in order to fully understand how the human mind really works. For
example, a therapist might know all the symptoms and treatments for a mental illness, but
will not know which treatment would work the best unless an assessment was given.
I have also surrounded myself amongst people who work in either customer
service or in the mental health related fields. With their guidance, I have developed into an
individual with a passion to work with others and found a self-fulfillment in diagnosing as
well a setting treatment plans.
Personal Statement cont.
I currently work in a group home with children whom all have experienced child
abuse or neglect. This experience has been more beneficial then any education received.
Utilizing my tools and knowledge from my studies, I am able to apply them to my work field
along with gaining more practice due to the hands on experience. I believe with this
experience, I have developed more skills such as patience and effective communication over
those who just read textbooks. There is still much more to learn. I want to be able to
diagnose mental illnesses, behavioral patterns, and personality disorders as well as be able
to provide effective treatment plans for a client’s success.
Studying and working in the field of psychology, I want to pursue my graduate
studies in Counseling and obtain my license to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. I
believe that studying for 5 years along with working in a group home I have been able to
professionally develop into an individual who has a passion for those in need. Professionally,
I have developed the skills of leadership, trust, and empathy which is important in a
therapeutic setting. My client’s trust me, listen to me, follow my example, and know without
a doubt that I would do anything for their best interest. For example, when working with
children overcoming the effects of child abuse it is important to find tools to fill their cup.
This can include
Personal Statement cont.
taking them out for ice cream when good behaviors are displayed. Filling a child’s empty cup
will not only ensure their success in their treatment plans, but they will utilize those
moments when they are on their own someday. While taking my undergraduate courses, I
have learned about some of the effects of abuse as well as the behaviors associated with
them. I have also learned about mental illnesses and have applied them to my professional
experiences. I believe that with these tools I will become a successful therapist.
With time only being the essence of achieving my personal and professional
goals, I believe that I am on the right track. By obtaining my Masters degree in Counseling I
can choose to become a licensed therapist and practice in either a group home setting,
hospital, or school. I have set my standards high and have no set limits for myself. I believe
in the value of hard work, but education will get you one step further in reaching your full
potential.
Resume
Christal N. Baker1439 Valley Drive Norco, CA 92860Mobile: (951) 317-1808, Home: (951) 737-7207E-mail: [email protected] Serving as a people oriented professional with experience in:Implementing therapeutic treatment interventionsEffective communication and relationship buildingObserving and recording behavioral patternsProficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point EducationArgosy University, Inland Empire *Ontario, CAB.A. in Psychology
Work ExperienceRancho Damacitas, Temecula, CACounselor/Youth Worker February, 2011 to PresentResponsible for the guidance and mentoring of adolescents through leadership and effective
communication while building healthy relationships to promote therapeutic success in overcoming affects of abuse or neglect.
Facilitated adolescent growth and development through training, supervision, and instruction
Resume cont.
Observed and recorded behavior patterns in order to develop and implement therapeutic treatment interventions necessary for behavioral modification or reinforcement
Provided appropriate role modeling and mentoring for adolescents while helping them build trusting relationships with others
Provided a nurturance and an understanding unique to the child’s emotional needs by assisting in the overcoming affects of abuse or neglect
Supervised youth population during group outings and activities Budgeted finances necessary for staying in licensing compliance protocol or general materials
desired for in-house activitiesMaintained various records and files for the purpose of documenting or retaining information
necessary for therapeutic interventions Assisted adolescents with academic and non academic subjects through one-on-one tutoring or
small groupsProvided positive learning experiences through academic motivation, community involvement,
and team-building activitiesMaintained strict confidentiality of client informationPositively communicated instructions and trained new employees on procedures for in-house
rules and regulations along with policies amongst the agency.Dealt directly with therapists, supervisors, and social workers for therapeutic treatment success
of clients
Resume cont.
Starbucks Coffee Company, Wichita, KS and Corona, CABarista December, 2009 to February, 2011 Responsible for executing a high level of customer service while working in a fast-paced
environment and achieving daily sales goalsActed with integrity, honesty, and knowledge that promoted the values and mission of StarbucksWorked with other diligently and effectively to provide top customer serviceTrained new recruits in appropriate customer service, work performance, and sale tacticsUtilized tools to achieve operational excellence during shift despite the challenges of the
environmentContributed to a positive work environment through recognition, positive communication and
team building strategiesOpened and closed business to include responsibilities such as reconciling inventory and
preparing store for new day of businessPerforms other duties, related to the position as assigned Sterling College, Sterling, KSStudent Ambassador January, 2009 to December 2009Represented the Sterling College admissions department for recruitment and mentoring while
assisting prospective students in enrollment to ensure academic success. Recruited prospective students from local high schools and communities
Resume cont.
Mentored and advised students to help them identify their unique skills and interestsHosts community group visitations and one on one campus toursProvided guidance and assistance to perspective students on programs, requirements, policies
and proceduresUploaded student information into internet database including interests, programs, contact
information, and visitation datesProvided responses to inquiries from students, parents, high schools, community organizations,
and the general public via telephone and emailMaintained professional relationships with prospective students to meet their needs and build a
rapport for academic successFacilitated outreach informational workshopsParticipated in many campus communal activitiesMaintained a friendly, supportive atmosphere for students, staff, faculty, and the publicPerformed other duties, related to the position as assignedSterling College, Sterling, KSSummer Service Team member June 2008 to August 2009Represented Sterling College while outreach recruiting to local communities and multistate
locations by providing information on programs and requirements towards potential candidates
Served as a youth counselor at a variety of sponsored events in Kansas City, KS, Dallas, TX, Irvine, CA, and Bolivar, MS
Resume cont.
Served as a staff member for intercity youth conventions at Chapman University Built relationships amongst prospective students with effective communication, guidance, and
leadership Maintained a friendly atmosphere for students, staff, and publicPrepared outreach presentations at all recruitment locationsProvided responses to inquiries from students, parents, and the publicPerformed other duties as needed
Marie Callendars Restaurant, Corona, CAHostess, Cashier, Server January 2006 to September 2007Maintained a friendly environment for customers and employersBalance and reconcile cash registry and audit company computer transactionsTrained new recruitsMaintained Professional relationships with employers as well as customersPerformed other duties as needed CertificationsCPR/First AidPro-Act
Reflection
The last year I have spent at Argosy University I have learned how to apply my learning to my experiences. Meaning such that I have taken my knowledge from my courses and used them in my work environments. Being employed at a group home has given me a wonderful experience in the field of psychology, particularly in the mental health field. I have learned about behavior patterns, counseling theories, personality traits, mental disorders, and cognitive developments. Even though we may go through such topics in classrooms, it was a mixture of my work experience and classroom lectures that has given me the strength that I need to be successful in my career. Knowledge is important and knowing how to apply it is just as important. Especially going into a career with psychology.
Table of Contents
Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy
Research SkillsCommunication Skills: Oral and WrittenEthics and Diversity AwarenessFoundations of PsychologyApplied PsychologyInterpersonal Effectiveness**Include work samples and projects with a Title Page and organized accordingly to demonstrate each of the Program Outcomes above
Cognitive Abilities
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Click on cognitive.docx
Research Skills
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Click on Research.docx
Communication Skills
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Click on communication.docx
Ethics and Diversity Awareness
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Click on ethics.docx
Foundations of Psychology
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Click on knowledge of field.docx
Applied Psychology
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Click on knowledge of applied psych.docx
Interpersonal Effectiveness
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Click on Interpersonal.docx
My Future in Learning
As a life long learner, I envision myself having an open-mind to gain as much knowledge as possible no matter what path I choose. I know my path is within therapy, but I want to learn all different aspects of therapy. I am looking at becoming an MFT someday as well as getting my BCBA to work with autism and other behavioral disabilities. I believe that the more experience I gain in the field of therapy, the more I can apply to my practice. I know being an MFT I will be dealing with families whose children may have disabilities. Therefore BCBA will be a benefit to my future. I have a passion for learning and do not want to stop even after I achieve the degrees.
Contact Me
Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.
For further information, please contact me at the e-
mail address below. [email protected]