anothersignificant experience of my life..

As a requirement in the course Psychology 117, we are asked to have an off-campus practicum in two different setting: Clinical and Industrial Setting. We are required to complete a 200-hour practicum in Clinical and 100-hour practicum in Industrial. Yet, in my “very special” case, I was only asked to complete my practicum in Clinical Setting as a kind of consideration.

It was on November 10, 2009 when I first landed my feet in a mental institution in Mandaluyong, the National Center for Mental Health. This was the day when I and my fellow student Diamitsu were still accomplishing the papers needed before the practicum proper, while our other ten fellow students were already having their orientation. We were kind of late because of the changes we encountered in the first institution we applied at. Yet, when we have accomplished all the things needed for admission, we were then sent to someone and said that we will be under her, meaning that she will likewise be our clinical instructor. We were not introduced to the person that well because it was already the end of office hours and people were busy preparing to leave. Because of that, we were asked to go back the next day. But still we were provided of one kit per student, which is included in the admission fee, which then contains several psychological tests and interpretations that will surely be useful in the clinical setting.

The next day, November 11, 2009, was the official day that we started as interns in National Center for Mental Health. We were escorted to the department we were assigned which is the Women and Child Protection Unit where Miss Jenny Ebio will be our clinical instructor. She was a woman in her early thirties having long hair and who seems to be approachable. First, she familiarized us with the place and told us some background about what the department does for the society. And as the name implies, it was something intended for the protection of women and child. According to her, the very common case of the client that was referred there is being physically or sexually abused. I became was shocked with what I heard because for me those kind of cases were very sensitive.

Miss Jen also introduced us the psychological test we are about to administer to every client. The tests include Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale and Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test, Draw A Person Test and Sach’s Sentence Completion Test. She reviewed the proper ways of administering the test as well as the guidelines in asking questions for the interview proper. She even discussed the protocol that we are ought to submit before we could get our grade and evaluation.

Later that day, a client came and of course she was apt to take the psychological tests before the formal interview with the psychiatrist. We were called by our instructor and lead us in the testing room, as well as the client. She looks okay and seems finally aware of the tests she was about to take. She was also responsive that is why we haven’t had a hard time in the course of the administration of the test. She took the entire test for about four hours and through the interview we have found out that she was physically abused by someone. Yet, the client’s tests results show that she is still functioning well despite the traumatic experience she had. That one client is a good encounter for us. We felt some kind of confidence that we passed through that one case.

Day after day clients come and go. Some only for follow-up check-up which means that they don’t need the psychological tests anymore and some with the most serious cases that we were not allowed handling them. Yet there were days when the unit have no client at all and all we could do in the place is clean, sort papers, talk and take a nap.
Yet, during Christmas season, our clinical instructor required us to prepare one simple party for the selected patients. She said throwing a party was done yearly by the interns assigned there. So we did the same thing. We conducted the said party on December 11, 2009. Approximately twenty patients attended and enjoyed the program we prepared for them. We had parlor games and of course a simplified eating session.

Our instructor required us to pass three protocols before she gave us our deserving grades. That means we have to interview at least three patients and made a good psychological report about them. My second patient was a teenage girl who is very timid and rarely had eye contact while communicating. She kept her head down even when she walk or talk, which for me is a sign of her low self-esteem. In the process of the administration of the test and in-take interview, I have known that the patient is sexually abused by their neighbour who used to be a friend of her father. According to her father, they were filing a case against that man that is why they are asking for assistance in the said institution.

I was astounded of my third patient. She was six months pregnant when she came in the unit. She was almost the same as my second patient in terms of her way of communicating. She rarely had an eye contact and has a poor comprehension skill. As the interview progressed, I have known that she was raped by a neighbour who used to ask a favour to come to his house and help him wash the dishes. And unfortunately, that is where the traumatic incident happened and it even caused her pregnancy.

I also encountered several patients that I have not included in my protocol. It was enough for me to know their story and the reason behind why they are referred to the institution. They were of different cases and sadly, most of them were sexually and physically abused. Some were under aged, some were middle aged and some were adults. Each had a story to tell and surely each had a very traumatic experience that affected their whole life.

I enjoyed my stay in that institution. I have learned a lot of things that is very appropriate for my course. I believe I have encountered the right people to that showed what being disturbed or mentally retarded really meant. For me it was a good exposure to those kinds of people...and it was surely a moment to remember as long as I live.

One of the greatest books I have read...Tuesday's With Morrie...

What simply makes Tuesdays with Morrie a winner is the fact that it’s nonfiction, that it happened in real life. When I was reading about Mitch Albom’s conversations with his former professor, Morrie, I ultimately thought about how these actual situation occurred in real life. This makes the whole plot more magical, because usually, when a tearjerker comes out in the market, I always think of cheesy writing styles and melodramatic scenes that seem exaggerated and not too different from any average soap opera. And although some scenes are melodramatic, they are only rightly so, for in truth, death is a tragic affair. Albom was able to capture Morrie’s courage and strength as his body deteriorated gradually. Tuesdays with Morrie does not intend to be dramatic, it just is. Reading this book made me rethink about my priorities, and hours after closing the book for the final time, I was still pondering about its theme. Certainly, it left a deep imprint on me, as it showed how a person’s life is not measured by his age, but by the number of things he has fulfilled and done in such a transitory world. Morrie’s life, and death, showed us one thing: how a person could have a lifetime in such a short while.

The significant Characters of the Story:
Morrie Schwartz
The title character grows up in Brooklyn, the son of poor immigrants. Morrie Schwartz's mother dies when he is very young, and soon after, his younger brother develops polio. He is forced to go to work at a very young age to help support his family. His father remarries, and his stepmother fosters in him a great love of learning.
After vowing never to work in a job that exploits another or makes money off the sweat of another, Schwartz takes up research as his chosen profession. Long after, he used to be an old professor who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a brutal, unforgiving disease of the neurological system. Guided and talked to people about his life and death. Mitch would also call Morrie, coach.

Mitch Albom
A former student and close friend of Morries’. He is an open receptacle and Morrie filled his mind with new thoughts and ideas. After college Mitch’s dream to become a well know musician had failed and all was bad. Until he got a job as a sports colonist that gave him a better life. Until he again rejoin his old friend Morrie. And then met him again when he had the chance.
Albom, when in college, met with Morrie on Tuesdays. After Mitch saw his friend on Nightline, he once again started meeting with Morrie on Tuesdays. In these visits, Mitch learns a lot about life and what is really important from Morrie. He tells Mitch that in life you have to find out what is important to you, and not let society make those choices for you. Mitch realized that society puts a value on stuff that shimmers and glistens, not on the things that really matter. Mitch had been caught up in all this while trying to become a successful sports writer.

Some of MORRIE SCHWARTZ’s inspiring quotations...
“Death ends a life, not a relationship.”

 Being open to reality and to the fact that he is going to die, Morrie said this trying to uustify that it is not the relationship that death ends. Death only ends the physical self of the person but not the memories the person had bring onto someone’s life. He told this for he knew that Mitch is bothered ny the idea that he, his coach, is going to die. Because of this, Morrie then preferred to project the idea that even though he already die, still, the memories and the relationship they have shared with each other will never perish.

“Well I have to look at life uniquely now. Let’s face it. I can’t go shopping, I can’t take care of the bank accounts, I can’t take out the garbage. But I can sit here with my dwindling days and look at what I think is important in life. I have both the time----and the reason to do that.”

 Morrie used rationalization as the defense mechanism here. He tried to rationalize the fact that he is close to fully depend himself on others, especially physically. He rationalizes that he, on the other hand, should try to enjoy the process because just like what he said, he have to look uniquely at life now. It’s a reality that the disease is gradually making him stop do usual things yet he can make his remaining days fruitful by accepting the reality and spreading all the love that he has.

“When you’re in bed, you’re dead.”

 Morrie haad said this because of the fact that he doesn’t want to stay in bed while waiting for his last breathe to come. He rationalize that he won’t be spanding his dwindling days in bed for there are still certain things to be happy about his life and there are still lots of things that he can do like touch people’s lives. According to him, he’ll only stay put in bed at the moment of his final breath.

The person that inspired me once...

Having positive qualities may make you admire a person. Especially when those qualities are actually your standard of an ideal person. In most cases, these qualities may inspire you in such a way that you begin to dream of having someone like them as partner in life.

I’m talking about a man whom I will conceal in the name “Louis”. I met him in a government office where I used to work as an encoder. I was in my adolescent years that time that’s why I’m a kind of curious and observant with the people around me. Besides, that was my first time to work in such a big organization making me so amazed on how the big bosses interact with each other. In a way, I was kind of frightened with them given that they have the power to command every employee as well as to terminate them (in my mind I also thought of them as the greedy and frightening monsters in one of my nightmares). Another thing is that I have associated the term big boss as a man having a big body, large abdomen and full-grown mustache.

Going back to the man named Louis, he was actually one of the big bosses in that office. At first he was kind of snob making me think that he was also like the other big boss I have known. I was surprised to know that he’s unlike the other boss. According to the employees who have known him for long he is the best boss in that office having a long patience and a kind heart. Because of this, I began to observe the said boss.

It was one day when someone has scolded me. He was a pioneer employee of the office whom at his every word is full of boast and bragging about himself. Being a pioneer employee, he still hadn’t earned the highest item in the office, because of his boastfulness, I presume. He noticed me that day saying that I should not be in that department because I am not an engineer (because it was planning section that’s why engineers and architects are mostly found there). He told me that I should be in the kitchen washing the dishes and preparing coffee for them. I was really shocked because I know that he should not be telling me this because he is not in the position. He is not even my boss. Suddenly and to my relief, Louis came and heard what he was saying. He said that I should not listen to the dumb man and just focus on my work as an encoder for I won’t be workinginh the kitchen. I was so thankful that day that he came, because of that I became interested about his real personality and tried to get to know him better through other person and through observation.

Each day I witnessed how he industriously spends his time in his work. He was so busy being here and there for certain purposes yet you would never see him in a frown. He loves and enjoys his work, he says. He was also known as an effective adviser in that department. People come and go in his table seeking for his advice about certain things. They have trusted him with all their heart that through the experiences of this man, they may have to deal with the things that made their life difficult. He is also a good friend to his colleagues loving them, caring for them and even helping them through thick and thins. He always treats his subordinates equally just to be fair to all of them. He never took advantage of any person nor took any opportunity to leave others behind especially if he knows it’s not right. He’s also humble. You will never hear him brag or boast about his achievements. If someone strikes him something bad, he will still do something good in return… Because he believes in what the bible says: “If someone throws you a stone, throw him bread.” He’s always on the right side. He always tries his best to be right and fair.

On the other hand, outside the working place, he was a simple responsible father,a good provider to his kids and a friend and a lover to his wife. I believe they have this healthy family relationship because that’s what they used to show. He always tried to balance everything between work and family. He always makes it sure to give them the quality time they deserve.

He’s really one of a kind. He’s the ideal person a woman would always want. He has the best qualities of an extraordinary person you would surely love to meet. I was so inspired of him. Someday, I wish to have a man just like him… simple, yet extraordinary.

Reflections about life...

I believe in the simplicity of life. It’s not on the dress you wear or how much money you have in your pocket. I believe its all about how you spend your life. Spending your life well can make you feel happy and satisfied with yourself. Therefore happiness is just a matter of satisfaction and contentment of the things you have. You wont be happy unless you are satisfied what you got for the moment. Yet, that doesn’t mean that you should stop striving for something better. It is good to be simple yet it is still normal to dream and make ways to achieve those dreams. I’d say that as long as you’re happy with what you’re doing and as long as you’re doing the right thing, you need not to worry.

The question is how you would spend your life well? For me, it’s engaging on the things that you like and those that makes you happy. I mean, if you like music, go sing your heart out and explore the world of music without any hesitancy. Its your right and will forever be your right as long as you live. Besides, you will never enjoy life if you’re not happy with what you’re doing. You’ll just feel that you’re just somebody who is stocked in another person soul. Same as with the people involved in your life. Stay with those who respect you as a person and see your real value. Be with those who loved you no matter what....those who have seen the real you yet still prefer to stay. Anyway, it’s hard to pretend you’re somebody else when you’re really not. It will just bring you to a lot of trouble and criticisms.

Life, on the other hand, is definitely a gift from God. It is something that outpoured from the love of our parents to each other. And i’d say that having life is also being loved. And being loved by the people around you can also mean like you’re having a wonderful life. We got to enjoy life and let the people surrounding us enjoy it, too..and enjoying life means having someone by your side. It can be a friend or a lover or your parents or any other relatives. Any person close to your heart can be your reason of joy.

Maybe every can person can draw different meanings for something we called life, yet these are the things I have in my mind whenever I am as to reflect life in general. Life is the greatest gift from God....and nobody has the right to deprive it to anybody in this world............

my first time as a blogger!

Well, fortunately one of my subject course in school required our class this blog-thing as a project. Thanks to this professor for introducing me to the "bloggers world" that I hardly explore. Yes, I have heard enough from people who used to be what I call an "addict blogger", yet, I dunno why I did not prefer to explore this world.

Yet id say its pretty nice here..i like the idea of the freedom of writing stuffs here just like you're makin your own diary. Well, the only difference is that you have a lot of readers out there waitin to discover what you've been up to.

Hmm..before i end this post i wanna share something about my life. Well its not as interesting as a superstar's life but i guess i have enough stories to tell.

There’s this one day that i was stunned by the most astounding fact of my life. I got pregnant. It was unplanned and i felt like a crazy child that time having no idea what to do nor what to think. I know all the responsibilities and consequences it might bring and I admit I am not yet ready for those...nor even the guy who caused the pregnancy.

I was so ashamed of myself that I am guilty I did not made the expectations and plans i have for myself...so as for my parents...and for all the people around me. I admit I thought and done sort of things to abort the development of the baby in my own womb. Thank God, words of the people around me have come to understand and enlightened my mind. They gave their full support. And that’s the time i found out that i am really loved by those people.

From then on, I get back on my feet again and promised myself to face the world against all odds. People may criticize my present condition but I don’t care now. They don’t have the right to make me feel inferior about myself now just because I am pregnant. This is still me. I just had an additional part somewhere in my tummy..and its an additional part of my life as well. And he is more of a blessing from God. Maybe I am learning the hard way now, yet, I have learned to accept everything. All i have to do is go on and never go back to that road which once put my life at stake. Time to be a better person now. Someone that could be a role model to my child. Someone he will love and someone he will call a real MOTHER.