Irish Pauline L.

Ereno

Ramon Angelo M. Asistio

Insight/Reflection

It was an incredible learning experience. Despite the long commute, I looked forward to going to work everyday. I had the chance to handle a multitude of tasks and responsibilities. The staff was great to work with, clients were very nice and willing to discuss their mental illnesses, and the supervisor was very helpful. I gained a lot: I learned medical terminology and abbreviations, gained confidence in speaking with patients and doctors/nurses, learned how to handle new situations. The atmosphere and environment here was far above my expectations. Aside from learning new skills and applying myself, this internship has been a great opportunity for me to meet other people. I gained a realistic view of working in a mental hospital. I also gained a better understanding of the psychological disorders that I have only heard about in classes Now I have experience with people with autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder everyday that I work with. I have to say that these people in the mental hospital are some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I also gained a sense of confidence through helping these people. In addition to both of these important things, I found it very helpful to my major in psychology to have this first-hand experience, to actually apply some things I have learned in class in an appropriate setting. Ramon Angelo M. Asistio

My internship experience at Estrellas allows me the opportunity to take risks, make mistakes, and learn through trial and error. Each day I see and learn something new. Being on an internsip is like watching theory "come to life." It all starts to make sense...I become more confident with each passing day. It was very valuable and enabled me to see whether or not it was something I might enjoy doing as a career. This experience has changed my life and it is really great to see all the theory we learn about actually being implemented. It is a whole new ball game when you're actually in the hospital doing things you've only read about in books. Even my practicum could not compare. This is an amazing hospital. I learn something new every day, and it is great to see how different every specialist here is. This internship has taught me how to adapt to a constantly changing environment and how to approach each patient in a respectful and understanding way. In the beginning I was nervous and shy around the patients, but as I got to know the patients more, I opened up and became more personable. I was able to engage my patients and establish a rapport of trust with. This internship also has given me the chance to develop a strong work ethic and the chance to be able to prove to myself and to those around me. After what we have done during the whole practicum, I feel more blessed compare to them yet I still pity their condition, because they feel that they are already outcasts in the society. Normal people would try to isolate them because of their different condition, not realizing that it could be the reason why these mentally-illed individuals suffer from worst conditions. It feels so good that we still have these kinds of institution who aims to help these people to cure their illness. Because of this experience, it made me want to help them more in any way I can. Irish Pauline L. Ereno