This was another one- of- those-slow-weeks. There were no new clients as such so Tuesday and Wednesday ( days we help clients with job readiness, applications and resumes) was activity free. As one of my colleagues told an employment specialist, we're open for business! So what did we do? This week we searched for schools where clients can take classes and learn new skills - I learned that you can get a degree in carpentry-. Hopefully that pans out well. A few clients also came in for the food handlers card.
Monday was a different story. I requested for some interpreters over the weekend to help with the clients that would come in on Monday. Somehow the request was not processed and so we had no interpreters for some of the clients and these clients came in by 9am. Thankfully, I was able to speak to my colleague who orders the interpreters and she saved the day. Monday's class started late but it went well and I was grateful.
Lesson learned: Follow up on your responsibilities (that's one of the first lessons you learn in school and at work) and why I did not do that last week beats me. I got lucky and I realized that I may not be that lucky next time.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
CAREER DECISION MAKING
While it is quite late in the day for me to do so, I attended the webinar on career decision making last week. Sarah was the speaker and she was really good. She listed resources available to guide career decision making and made a comment about how she changed careers about eight years ago- I was like wow-. We also did a run through of the Meyer-Briggs test on personalities and how this can guide the choice of careers.
When I did my test and got the result I was like emmmmm from what I know of myself the assessment is 6.5/10.
This brings me to an issue that I have thought about as regards assessments, self help books etc. I wonder can anyone really really tell you what what you are good at and what you are not? Does the fact that you are good in A B C make you right peg for D? -just wondering-. My real takeaway from the webinar was that Sarah changed careers to do something she's been interested in doing.
The webinar was really good and helps streamline ideas for people who are yet to know what they want to do. So if you are still thinking about what to do, there are many online tests you can take for a start and just maybe the assessment may be correct and you are set for a career.
Catch you later.
When I did my test and got the result I was like emmmmm from what I know of myself the assessment is 6.5/10.
This brings me to an issue that I have thought about as regards assessments, self help books etc. I wonder can anyone really really tell you what what you are good at and what you are not? Does the fact that you are good in A B C make you right peg for D? -just wondering-. My real takeaway from the webinar was that Sarah changed careers to do something she's been interested in doing.
The webinar was really good and helps streamline ideas for people who are yet to know what they want to do. So if you are still thinking about what to do, there are many online tests you can take for a start and just maybe the assessment may be correct and you are set for a career.
Catch you later.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
CHANGE, BENAZIR, POLITICS, COMMUNITY CINEMA
Caveat! I am about to go "political" on you all.
Growing up, I admired/admire Benazir Bhutto and other strong women like her. When she was assassinated in 2007, I blamed her. I was like "why did she go back to Pakistan?" However, I have learned that democracy comes at a price especially in countries like mine and Pakistan. The first leg of elections were held in my country today and even though lives have been lost in process, I am happy because the change we want is happening (whether it is a change that changes nothing is another matter). I am proud that people in my country voted and protected their votes!
I had an intensive class downtown and after the class, I went with my classmates to see the screening of "Bhutto" a documentary on Benazir Bhutto ( activist, two-term prime minister of Pakistan). the documentary was very touching and it highlighted the struggles developing countries face in their bid to become democratic, the politics and pain that comes with freedom; the-success today, failure-tomorrow- aspect of the process. The Bhutto family indeed gave their lives for Pakistan (their father, two brothers and Benazir were all murdered). In developing countries, the fight for democracy is also the fight for basic things like good water, electricity, good education, and infrastructure and as i mentioned earlier, people pay for these things literally with their blood. Cote D'Ivoire held an election in November where they voted out their president and the ousted president has refused to leave and there is so much violence in that country as I write.
Ok so why am I going off? The US is indeed lucky that as flawed as her systems are, people do not get killed fighting for their rights and that somehow they are able to make things work. It is indeed an attribute I admire in the American people. I really wish the politics of this country is not so acrimonious and uncivil- it takes away from the purpose of governance and is an ill-wind that blows no good. So many issues need to be addressed and so many people are hurting- they do not deserve any more pain-. I was glad there was no shutdown and I hope future discussions do not get down to the wire.
For me , hope springs eternal that we would get there. I'm proud of my country men and I hope the tide of change continues next week.
RIP Benazir, and as the quote on the National Archives building in DC states "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty". We want freedom, we'll pay the price!
P.S: Community Cinema screens documentaries on people and issues. It is very educative and informative.
The next screening is "Welcome to Shelbyville" ( a glimpse of America at crossroads) on the 14th of May, 2011 at 5.30 pm. It screens at the Civic Space Park opposite UCENT, downtown.
Have a great week.
Au revoir
Growing up, I admired/admire Benazir Bhutto and other strong women like her. When she was assassinated in 2007, I blamed her. I was like "why did she go back to Pakistan?" However, I have learned that democracy comes at a price especially in countries like mine and Pakistan. The first leg of elections were held in my country today and even though lives have been lost in process, I am happy because the change we want is happening (whether it is a change that changes nothing is another matter). I am proud that people in my country voted and protected their votes!
I had an intensive class downtown and after the class, I went with my classmates to see the screening of "Bhutto" a documentary on Benazir Bhutto ( activist, two-term prime minister of Pakistan). the documentary was very touching and it highlighted the struggles developing countries face in their bid to become democratic, the politics and pain that comes with freedom; the-success today, failure-tomorrow- aspect of the process. The Bhutto family indeed gave their lives for Pakistan (their father, two brothers and Benazir were all murdered). In developing countries, the fight for democracy is also the fight for basic things like good water, electricity, good education, and infrastructure and as i mentioned earlier, people pay for these things literally with their blood. Cote D'Ivoire held an election in November where they voted out their president and the ousted president has refused to leave and there is so much violence in that country as I write.
Ok so why am I going off? The US is indeed lucky that as flawed as her systems are, people do not get killed fighting for their rights and that somehow they are able to make things work. It is indeed an attribute I admire in the American people. I really wish the politics of this country is not so acrimonious and uncivil- it takes away from the purpose of governance and is an ill-wind that blows no good. So many issues need to be addressed and so many people are hurting- they do not deserve any more pain-. I was glad there was no shutdown and I hope future discussions do not get down to the wire.
For me , hope springs eternal that we would get there. I'm proud of my country men and I hope the tide of change continues next week.
RIP Benazir, and as the quote on the National Archives building in DC states "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty". We want freedom, we'll pay the price!
P.S: Community Cinema screens documentaries on people and issues. It is very educative and informative.
The next screening is "Welcome to Shelbyville" ( a glimpse of America at crossroads) on the 14th of May, 2011 at 5.30 pm. It screens at the Civic Space Park opposite UCENT, downtown.
Have a great week.
Au revoir
Thursday, April 7, 2011
FOOD HANDLERS CARD
I had a really great week at work.
On Tuesday some of our clients came in for the food handlers card training. In Arizona and I guess all states, you need a food handlers card to work in a restaurant or food service provider. In Arizona, you can do the training and take the test at downtown phoenix ( at the health department) or take it online- there are different certified programs such as servesafe or foodsafety. So you do the training, take the assessment, pass the test, and go downtown to get your card- that is the end of the story.
Now to the beginning. The clients came in and they began their training with an interpreter who translated the course for them and helped them take notes. I learned so much on food safety watching them take the course and I said to myself; "Damola you have been eating germs" and I prayed to God that the places I eat follow these rules. I must say the course is intense and took about three hours. The course has made me VERY aware of the importance of food safety.
Good news is the clients passed the test and hopefully they get jobs soon
Oh by the way, one of my colleagues and I got "promoted" and we were allowed to take a financial literacy class on our own- that felt really great- because usually the class is taken by some volunteers from Bank of America
Kwaheri (Swahili for bye)
On Tuesday some of our clients came in for the food handlers card training. In Arizona and I guess all states, you need a food handlers card to work in a restaurant or food service provider. In Arizona, you can do the training and take the test at downtown phoenix ( at the health department) or take it online- there are different certified programs such as servesafe or foodsafety. So you do the training, take the assessment, pass the test, and go downtown to get your card- that is the end of the story.
Now to the beginning. The clients came in and they began their training with an interpreter who translated the course for them and helped them take notes. I learned so much on food safety watching them take the course and I said to myself; "Damola you have been eating germs" and I prayed to God that the places I eat follow these rules. I must say the course is intense and took about three hours. The course has made me VERY aware of the importance of food safety.
Good news is the clients passed the test and hopefully they get jobs soon
Oh by the way, one of my colleagues and I got "promoted" and we were allowed to take a financial literacy class on our own- that felt really great- because usually the class is taken by some volunteers from Bank of America
Kwaheri (Swahili for bye)
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Squaw Peak Mountain, Matsuri Festival, Downtown Phoenix
First off, I live in the east valley and before I began my internship, the only time I spend in Phoenix is between 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. After classes I go home. Please forgive me for missing- in- action
My internship and the fact that most of my classes are now in Phoenix has opened my eyes to the beauty of the West Valley.
Last week I visited the Squaw peak mountain (No I don't hike, just went to sight-see). The feeling was just awesome and the view is just sooooo grand.
Over a month ago, I attended the Matsuri Festival, downtown and the festival was splendid and a wonderful exposure to the Japanese culture;It was just sad to see that the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan two weeks after. In between work and waiting for classes, I have been exploring downtown and all I tell myself is "you-are late and you- have-been-missing-in-action"
Indeed, Phoenix is truly beautiful and I am having a ball.
Next stop, Sedona and Grand Canyon
My internship and the fact that most of my classes are now in Phoenix has opened my eyes to the beauty of the West Valley.
Last week I visited the Squaw peak mountain (No I don't hike, just went to sight-see). The feeling was just awesome and the view is just sooooo grand.
Over a month ago, I attended the Matsuri Festival, downtown and the festival was splendid and a wonderful exposure to the Japanese culture;It was just sad to see that the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan two weeks after. In between work and waiting for classes, I have been exploring downtown and all I tell myself is "you-are late and you- have-been-missing-in-action"
Indeed, Phoenix is truly beautiful and I am having a ball.
Next stop, Sedona and Grand Canyon
Learning English is fun and another training...
Hihi,
How is everyone doing?
This week, my supervisor purchased a software that would help clients who are in ESL (English as a second language) classes enjoy learning English. ( I wish I was in elementary school again!). This is how it works, the software has games that help clients learn how to pronounce words in English. I have seen how clients respond positively to lessons that activity/fun related so I'll let you know how well class goes on Monday.
On Tuesday, there was a financial literacy training for new clients. In the class, clients learned about banking; opening and operating a bank account and budgeting.
So that is what happened this week.
See you
How is everyone doing?
This week, my supervisor purchased a software that would help clients who are in ESL (English as a second language) classes enjoy learning English. ( I wish I was in elementary school again!). This is how it works, the software has games that help clients learn how to pronounce words in English. I have seen how clients respond positively to lessons that activity/fun related so I'll let you know how well class goes on Monday.
On Tuesday, there was a financial literacy training for new clients. In the class, clients learned about banking; opening and operating a bank account and budgeting.
So that is what happened this week.
See you
Thursday, March 24, 2011
DEVELOPING YOUR PROFESSIONAL IMAGE (CAREER SERVICES WORKSHOP)
Yes,
I attended my first, no second career services workshop at the Tempe campus. I accidentally walked into the workshop and it proved to be very valuable.
Four students attended the workshop and I liked that we were a small group.
The workshop discussed how to develop your professional image (of course) as one is who about to join the labor force. I actually learnt how to create your 30 seconds commercial - I have heard about the "elevator pitch" but this was new and interesting.
I also learned how to adapt your personal life to developing your image and tips on deal makers or breakers.
The one hour I spent there was definately time well spent.
I attended my first, no second career services workshop at the Tempe campus. I accidentally walked into the workshop and it proved to be very valuable.
Four students attended the workshop and I liked that we were a small group.
The workshop discussed how to develop your professional image (of course) as one is who about to join the labor force. I actually learnt how to create your 30 seconds commercial - I have heard about the "elevator pitch" but this was new and interesting.
I also learned how to adapt your personal life to developing your image and tips on deal makers or breakers.
The one hour I spent there was definately time well spent.
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