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Undergraduate Studies eportfolio

Gloria E. RichardsonPsychology/Substance Abuse,

2011

Personal Statement

Helping others seems to be my life’s calling and passion, which made pursuing this educational journey that much greater. As a former domestic violence survivor, it is my belief that I am here to help others regain their life’s pathway. Therefore, it is with great pleasure and honor, that I heed the call of counseling or social work.

Working in the community and advocating awareness; education, and prevention has allowed me to further actualize my dream. I would one day hope to encourage those in power to enforce better laws for this maladaptive behavior. Further, I am determined and motivated about seeking employment in the aforementioned areas. I also intend to return to school pursuing a MPH or MSW degree.

My objective is to obtain employment in the counseling or social work field. However, my long-term goal (5-6 years); is to become an operator of a domestic violence shelter.

While attending Argosy University my main focus was on psychology; however, I also took courses in Criminal Justice, Forensics, and Substance Abuse to mention a few. Although many people are not familiar with distance learning, I found this type of educational learning a very good fit for my busy lifestyle.

During my 3½ years at Argosy University, I studied and worked hard towards excellence and good grades. Even though, I did not join any fraternal organizations, I truly enjoyed my educational experience and would highly recommend this school for distant learning!

831 HOME STREET Bronx, N.Y. 10459

718 617-6935 347 712-2829 werts4now@aol.com

Gloria Richardson

Objective To gain employment as a Counselor in the Mental Health Field

Experience 2007-Pres. Goodwill Temps, Inc. New York, NY Administrative Assistant

Assigned to Admin. For Children Services Type allegation reports and memos, assist administrators and staff Handle payroll and time for administrators and staff Answer phones, Xerox, and attend staff meetings

2005-2006 United Staffing Systems Temp New York, NY Accessioning Lab. Tech.

Assigned to private medical facility Receive and process patient specimens Report abnormal results to medical personnel Answer phones; retrieve results from reference labs.

2004-2005 Infinity Consulting Group Temp New York, NY Accessing Lab. Tech.

Assigned to private medical facility Prepared patient samples for analyzing Reported abnormal lab values to medical staff Basic clerical functions

2001-2003 Montefiore Medical Center Bronx, NY Sr. Accessioning Tech

Received and processed patient samples Reported lab results to medical personnel Basic clerical office functions

Education 2008-2011 Argosy University Chicago, Illinois Southridge, SC B.A., Psychology and Substance Abuse.

Skills and Abilities Microsoft Office (i.e., word, excel, outlook, and power point), Medical Terminology, Types 65-70 wpm, excellent interpersonal skills

Interests Music, reading, computer, and meeting new people

Resume

Reflection

My Argosy University Experience

During the three plus years I spent at Argosy University; I will be forever grateful to the instructors and students who challenged me each and every semester. Not only did I acquire strengths in: better time management skills, learning to work under pressure, and self-discipline. I developed a sense of self-actualization regarding multi-tasking, prioritization, and self-worth.

However, it must be noted that: nothing came easy; meaning I worked twice as hard to achieve and maintain good grades and GPAs. Further, I overcame weaknesses in Cognitive abilities, but significant strides were made in my cognitive skills, learning development, and communication skills, and for this I feel truly blessed, having made such progression in these areas.

I enjoyed my online learning experience, even though I am aware that this form of learning is not for everyone. Finally, I would like to thank all of the students and instructors that helped: empowered me to stay focus on the task of completing my studies and achieving my goal.

Table of Contents ResearchRunning head: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Psychological Effects of Domestic Violence on Victims and Families

Gloria E. Richardson

Argosy University

Critical Thinking

Motivational Interviewing

Although, the questions posed to the client was informational; the client was not forthright, nor willing to elaborate on his substance about problem. Therefore, the intake interview was incomplete and should be continued at a later time.

The intake stage of the counseling process was, until fairly recently, not recognized for the vast wealth of information and insight that intake makes available to the counselor (Kulewicz, 2004, p.17).

The screening tool used was the MAST; along with empathy and concern for the client’s overall well being; therefore, it was my hope that the client would have been more forthright, cooperative, and willing to help his situation regarding the pre-trial situation.

Since there were no genetic pre-disposition dependency or neurological problems, a 12-step intervention program (i.e., A/A. or N/A) would be beneficial to the client at this time. Substance Abuse: Comprises a pattern of recurrent use of substance within a period of 12 months. Generally, it results in significant impairment or distress, without developing dependency. Substance abuse is less severe than substance dependency (Argosy University, 2010).

There are no pitfalls only strengths to this intervention; and with the support of family, sponsors, and meetings, it is my belief the client will be on a road of redemption, and can rid himself of this type of deviant behavior.

ReferencesArgosy University (2010) PSY 494 XB: Module 2, Substance-Related Disorders (1 of 2), para.4, http://webuploadcontent.next.ecollege.com/pub/content/ on 3/8/10.Kulewicz, S.F., (2004) The Twelve Core Functions of a Counselor (5th Ed); Counselor Publications, Marlborough, CT.

My Future in Learning

Envisioning learning as a lifelong process, and having completed one milestone of future learning. It is with this intention and motivation that I will continue my pursuit of learning by returning to school for my MPH or MSW. I have always believed that “Knowledge is power” and that anyone can learn. Given the opportunity and the determination, I will continue my quest to further my education achieving the highest degree possible.

Therefore, in light of this statement I will not allow time to pass before returning as a student in pursuit of my Masters, I will move forward towards this educational endeavor with the same determination, mindset, and attitude. Upon completing my future learning, I would like to be able to pass this knowledge onto future generations that also have this thirst for learning!

Contact Me

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mail address below. Werts4now@aol.com