Hey there guys!
Today we (Atiya and I) coordinated/ran a couple of activities for the kids! It was so much fun, although I must admit the kids were a tad bit resistant to begin with but when we got the game started and began playing with them the kids got really into it and I think we all had a great time together!
The first game we played was froggy murder! (I know not very kid-friendly but tons of laughs and fun) they really enjoyed that, probably because as a part of the game tongues had to be sticked out at each other, and we all know how much fun they have with that! After what seemed to be 3 million rounds of froggy murder we turned to my game which was sharades! This is my most favorite game of all time because I love to act out things and seeing what the kids come up with and how they put their own creative spin on it. Playing sharades was definitely the loudest/chaotic game we played though because of all the screaming and shouting out guesses, but besides that I think our games were a most definite success.
After playing those two games we had to rotate kids, more and more laughter came along with them. I think that was my favorite part of today, seeing their smiling faces! But back to what I was saying, after playing those games I went with the group of kids who went to the park, we all played basketball (counselors included) it was fun but for the more competive kids it wasn't as fun, but we encouraged them and reassured them that it was just a game and they eventually got into the game and points weren't a concern to them anymore!
A couple hours later when everyone at the park was sweaty and out of breath, Laura and Mercedees prepared dinner for us! Beef Stroganof, YUM! Dinner is probably the one time out of the day where all the counselors and kids come together and actually interact with eachother, because elswhere we're all spread out and don't get to see everyone at the same time, so dinner is pretty cool, and having pretty interesting conversations with them. I can't wait to come back for more! The kids, the food, the center everything is pretty amazing, I love my internship!
As always thanks for reading, and god bless <3
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Admiration, Qualities and Leadership
Today, at 826Michigan we participated in a activity that forces new and interesting topics to blog about. Our task was to fill out a particular worksheet with two questions on it, very broad but all the same interesting topics. After answering the questions we passed them around and had our peers read and also ask questions based on our response. These new questions, would impose new sub-topics within the big picture, broadening our posts, making them not just one sentence or one paragraph posts.
Question # 1 (yes I know, not very "wow! in-your-face" type of intro but I have no idea how else to put these) "Write about a professional that you've met in your childcare work that you admire?"
I chose Mercedees (Bryant Community Center Counselor), her specific duties there include preparing and serving lunch, snack and dinner and running numerous activities. She is extremely nice, a very sweet person. Ms. Mercedees carries herself in a demeanor that demands respect as well as attention. She is very professional and is a definite authority figure. Looking past her profound authority the kids take a shine to her, they respond well to her and she loves having a good time with them all. What I admire about her most is her good heart and intelligent mind; both are attributes I strive to have and carry with me throughout life.
Question #2 "What skills do you have that make you good at your job?"
Some skills I say I acquire are my leadership, communication and organization skills. I also pride myself in my confidence, that I believe without would make dealing with kids extremely difficult. Along with that my ability to bring people together to accomplish tasks at hand, and my managerial skills. I believe myself to be a people person which is most important when having a job in the Child Care field.
An additional question, one that my fellow readers proposed: "What does it take to be a leader?"
Being a leader takes extreme confidence, and being able to talk to anyone and everyone. Leaders most definitely have to be comfortable presenting things, proposing ideas, organizing them and executing them with the most prestige. Another important trait that a leader (in my opinion) must have is willpower and motivation. Leaders exhibit (in a group format) the most if motivation of the group, if the leader does not have motivation it is most likely that the rest of the group members as well as the project will fall. Along with these, a leader should have the type of presence that demands attention (this is not a "must" trait in a leader but most definitely a profound trait). Leaders must be willing to take risks as well as always thinking ahead and always always think outside the box.
As far as internships go, mine is going excellent! The kids are great, I love the environment and everything about the community center. Especially in my neighborhood I think the center provides kids/teens and some adults positive activities to do when they have free time instead of participating in the stereotypical "ventures" they are often lead into. I am extremely excited and looking forward to working more and being more involved with the center and teaching these kids/teens and some adults a better path to take that will lead them to a brighter more rewarding future.
As always god bless, and thanks for taking your time out to read this. ♥
Question # 1 (yes I know, not very "wow! in-your-face" type of intro but I have no idea how else to put these) "Write about a professional that you've met in your childcare work that you admire?"
I chose Mercedees (Bryant Community Center Counselor), her specific duties there include preparing and serving lunch, snack and dinner and running numerous activities. She is extremely nice, a very sweet person. Ms. Mercedees carries herself in a demeanor that demands respect as well as attention. She is very professional and is a definite authority figure. Looking past her profound authority the kids take a shine to her, they respond well to her and she loves having a good time with them all. What I admire about her most is her good heart and intelligent mind; both are attributes I strive to have and carry with me throughout life.
Question #2 "What skills do you have that make you good at your job?"
Some skills I say I acquire are my leadership, communication and organization skills. I also pride myself in my confidence, that I believe without would make dealing with kids extremely difficult. Along with that my ability to bring people together to accomplish tasks at hand, and my managerial skills. I believe myself to be a people person which is most important when having a job in the Child Care field.
An additional question, one that my fellow readers proposed: "What does it take to be a leader?"
Being a leader takes extreme confidence, and being able to talk to anyone and everyone. Leaders most definitely have to be comfortable presenting things, proposing ideas, organizing them and executing them with the most prestige. Another important trait that a leader (in my opinion) must have is willpower and motivation. Leaders exhibit (in a group format) the most if motivation of the group, if the leader does not have motivation it is most likely that the rest of the group members as well as the project will fall. Along with these, a leader should have the type of presence that demands attention (this is not a "must" trait in a leader but most definitely a profound trait). Leaders must be willing to take risks as well as always thinking ahead and always always think outside the box.
As far as internships go, mine is going excellent! The kids are great, I love the environment and everything about the community center. Especially in my neighborhood I think the center provides kids/teens and some adults positive activities to do when they have free time instead of participating in the stereotypical "ventures" they are often lead into. I am extremely excited and looking forward to working more and being more involved with the center and teaching these kids/teens and some adults a better path to take that will lead them to a brighter more rewarding future.
As always god bless, and thanks for taking your time out to read this. ♥
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Work Hard, Play Hard
Hey Guys.!
Today was pretty okay.! I had tons of fun with the kids. I think they're starting to warm up to us now. :) We took them to the park and played capture the flag again, they love that game so much. Although most of the day was filled with merryment we did have a couple of injuries to take care of.! There were boomerangs thrown and little kids falling off jungle gyms.! You could say today was hectic but im sure that would be a understatement. Im absolutely beat.! But every second was worth it because I believe we all had fun in the end. I think a perfect ending to a okay-not-really-awesome-sort-of-day was when we celebrated one of our kids birthdays, he brought cupcakes and ice cream for all of us (counselors included).
Yesterday as routine goes, we had another one of our Traning Sessions. Yesterday's session was especially fun because it was when we started our own little busnissess. Our company's product is something/anything made out of beads and twine, yesterday was the day we made our prototype. Everyone in the whole program (morning shift vs. afternoon shift, inner-morning shift groups vs. themselves, inner-afternoon shif groups vs. themselves) is competing against each other and whoever comes out with the most profit wins.! I hope my team wins! We created a very "valuble" necklace. Im extremely excited to see everyone elses designs and what creative products emerge.
OH.! I almost forgot one of the greatest highlights of my week was. On wednesday I went to the bank (Chase) and opened a checking account. Those workshops with the representative from Bank Of Ann Arbor sure paid off! I actually understood everything she was saying.! Im extremely excited, I feel all grown up and responsible. Hopefully on saturday I get my debit card and once that comes in the mail: BRIARWOOD HERE I COME.! Of course I will keep a fair amount of money in my account at all times to avoid overdraft fees but theres nothing wrong with spending some cash, as long as I do it wisely and perfectly aware of the consequences. But I believe I am ready to take on that challenge. :)
Well, thats all for now. Keep reading, more to come.! :)
Today was pretty okay.! I had tons of fun with the kids. I think they're starting to warm up to us now. :) We took them to the park and played capture the flag again, they love that game so much. Although most of the day was filled with merryment we did have a couple of injuries to take care of.! There were boomerangs thrown and little kids falling off jungle gyms.! You could say today was hectic but im sure that would be a understatement. Im absolutely beat.! But every second was worth it because I believe we all had fun in the end. I think a perfect ending to a okay-not-really-awesome-sort-of-day was when we celebrated one of our kids birthdays, he brought cupcakes and ice cream for all of us (counselors included).
Yesterday as routine goes, we had another one of our Traning Sessions. Yesterday's session was especially fun because it was when we started our own little busnissess. Our company's product is something/anything made out of beads and twine, yesterday was the day we made our prototype. Everyone in the whole program (morning shift vs. afternoon shift, inner-morning shift groups vs. themselves, inner-afternoon shif groups vs. themselves) is competing against each other and whoever comes out with the most profit wins.! I hope my team wins! We created a very "valuble" necklace. Im extremely excited to see everyone elses designs and what creative products emerge.
OH.! I almost forgot one of the greatest highlights of my week was. On wednesday I went to the bank (Chase) and opened a checking account. Those workshops with the representative from Bank Of Ann Arbor sure paid off! I actually understood everything she was saying.! Im extremely excited, I feel all grown up and responsible. Hopefully on saturday I get my debit card and once that comes in the mail: BRIARWOOD HERE I COME.! Of course I will keep a fair amount of money in my account at all times to avoid overdraft fees but theres nothing wrong with spending some cash, as long as I do it wisely and perfectly aware of the consequences. But I believe I am ready to take on that challenge. :)
Well, thats all for now. Keep reading, more to come.! :)
Monday, July 13, 2009
"Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of Happiness"
It's most definitely been a while since I've posted an entry and for that I am truly sorry. But what I can do is update you guys on what's been happening since July 8th. For starters today we had workshops with Ms. MacDonald (Soft Skills Trainer) and we discussed Interviewing. Some of the topics under Interviewing that we covered were, asking questions, being prepared for possible questions asked, appearance, and speech etiquette. I found this workshop to be extremely helpful because the career fields that I plan on exploring and expanding in probably require a LOT of interviews and evaluations.
Another workshop that we had today was one about the various banks and accounts available and things like that. Basically money management and a Representative from Bank Of Ann Arbor came in as she does once every week and we discuss exactly that. Today we touched on the benefits each of the 17 branches (or at least the most common) and comparing each one and evaluating which bank we would put our money in and why. I found this workshop to be extremely important especially because we'll be getting our pay checks soon and of course we all want to be wise and money savvy about what happens to it. I'm starting to think about Chase bank, but this course opened my mind to the other banks out there that I had no idea would peak my interest as they did.
The most controversial (in my opinion) workshop we've had so far is with a representative talking to us about CPS (Child Protective Services) and (especially when dealing with kids) different scenarios that could happen while being out on the field, for example which situations should we report which ones can take time to seek out instead of taking immediate action. This whole conversation most definitely opened my eyes to a lot, like it exposed me to situations I would have never thought about or had been prepared for.
The last workshop we had was with our team leaders brother (Jarrett Smith), who talked to us about college and what it takes to get in, applications and what needs to be on there (high school test scores, having a wide range in volunteer work, etc.) and financial aid and how easy it is to get and how helpful it is, and of course tuition costs. This conversation was extremely important to me because wanting to go into these fields (cosmetology, musician, and maybe a tattoo artists :)) I most definitely need to go to college or lets say these fields don't necessarily work out I would def want to be able to fall back on my education and hopefully find a good paying job. This workshop was extremely helpful and I cannot wait for what other things these guys have to teach me. Im eager, ready and willing. New York, UCLA and maybe Xavier here I come.! :)
Another workshop that we had today was one about the various banks and accounts available and things like that. Basically money management and a Representative from Bank Of Ann Arbor came in as she does once every week and we discuss exactly that. Today we touched on the benefits each of the 17 branches (or at least the most common) and comparing each one and evaluating which bank we would put our money in and why. I found this workshop to be extremely important especially because we'll be getting our pay checks soon and of course we all want to be wise and money savvy about what happens to it. I'm starting to think about Chase bank, but this course opened my mind to the other banks out there that I had no idea would peak my interest as they did.
The most controversial (in my opinion) workshop we've had so far is with a representative talking to us about CPS (Child Protective Services) and (especially when dealing with kids) different scenarios that could happen while being out on the field, for example which situations should we report which ones can take time to seek out instead of taking immediate action. This whole conversation most definitely opened my eyes to a lot, like it exposed me to situations I would have never thought about or had been prepared for.
The last workshop we had was with our team leaders brother (Jarrett Smith), who talked to us about college and what it takes to get in, applications and what needs to be on there (high school test scores, having a wide range in volunteer work, etc.) and financial aid and how easy it is to get and how helpful it is, and of course tuition costs. This conversation was extremely important to me because wanting to go into these fields (cosmetology, musician, and maybe a tattoo artists :)) I most definitely need to go to college or lets say these fields don't necessarily work out I would def want to be able to fall back on my education and hopefully find a good paying job. This workshop was extremely helpful and I cannot wait for what other things these guys have to teach me. Im eager, ready and willing. New York, UCLA and maybe Xavier here I come.! :)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
First Impressions Are Everything [:
Hey There!
Last week was my first day at my second job. It's been great so far, I mean you get experience, build your resume and the most important but lastly we get PAID! Yesterday was our first day at our internship, I chose Child Care. This one is basically about interacting with kids and getting experience with being a camp counselor at community centers.
I guess now I should start with introductions, the names Lauren. Today is my 15th birthday! I know right im totally stoked for my dinner party tonight. It kinda sucks how i'm working but..HEY...more money for me in the long run right..?! We always talk about motivation and that right there is my number one...MONEYYY. Anyways, I currently attend Pioneerr the bestest school everr lol sike its not even close but almost there.
And of course there's always that question: "What Do I Wanna Do With My Life After High School?" LOL! I mean who doesn't get asked that about 15 million times in their lifetime...of course at one time in my life I knew what I wanted to be but over the years the list has gotten waay toooo long. At the top of my list I want to be a Musician preferably a Singer. If that doesn't work out then being in Cosmetology would be a awesome alternative. Uhmm...well I'm running out of time but don't worry there's TONS more to come soon.! Keep reading and I hope you find my strong opinions and day to day life is at least interestingg <3
God Bless. <3
Last week was my first day at my second job. It's been great so far, I mean you get experience, build your resume and the most important but lastly we get PAID! Yesterday was our first day at our internship, I chose Child Care. This one is basically about interacting with kids and getting experience with being a camp counselor at community centers.
I guess now I should start with introductions, the names Lauren. Today is my 15th birthday! I know right im totally stoked for my dinner party tonight. It kinda sucks how i'm working but..HEY...more money for me in the long run right..?! We always talk about motivation and that right there is my number one...MONEYYY. Anyways, I currently attend Pioneerr the bestest school everr lol sike its not even close but almost there.
And of course there's always that question: "What Do I Wanna Do With My Life After High School?" LOL! I mean who doesn't get asked that about 15 million times in their lifetime...of course at one time in my life I knew what I wanted to be but over the years the list has gotten waay toooo long. At the top of my list I want to be a Musician preferably a Singer. If that doesn't work out then being in Cosmetology would be a awesome alternative. Uhmm...well I'm running out of time but don't worry there's TONS more to come soon.! Keep reading and I hope you find my strong opinions and day to day life is at least interestingg <3
God Bless. <3
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