Posted by Deneb on July 15, 2006, at 3:11:21
I started doing some research on volunteering. I found this great site for my city. You can search for opportunities by location, or subject.
There are hundreds of opportunities. I searched administrative jobs, but then decided it wasn't for me. I searched for arts and crafts jobs but then decided that I'm not that great with children. There weren't a lot of jobs working with animals either.
There were some hospital opportunities. I didn't think I could handle dealing with people in an ER and I didn't want to work as a cashier at the flower shop. I don't know if I'm any good one-on-one with patients.
I searched for research jobs. Some required writing a report. I didn't feel like doing that for fun. None had anything to do with science.
I searched for library jobs. Some were for selling books, didn't want to do that. Then I found one that seems like something I could do.
It's a job as an information assistant at a hospital. I would be helping patients, family and the public find information on...guess what?...mental illness! Hey, I know some things about mental illness! I've done reading on it. I could probably help those people out. I *want* to help those people out. The job is on Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. It requires a minimum commitment of 6 months. I just checked my class schedule and I'm free!
Should I do it? Should I inquire? Do you think I would get it? Do I need a resume? My resume isn't that great. Do you think I could do it? Can I talk to people? I need lots of practice communicating with people, would I be able to do it? Will there be a job interview?
There is a possible problem: letting my parents know. You see, the job is at the psychiatric hospital and I think my parents might not look favorably on me working with psychiatric patients. It sounds horrible, I know.
There is a selfish element in my wanting to volunteer. I want experience and I want to develop skills I can put on a resume! This job would give me research, interpersonal, and computer skills. (At least that's what it said on the ad!) It'll be a long term job, so I will have time to develop my skills. I'll also be helping people. I've never really done anything to help people before. I think it would feel good to help others. I feel like I want to help all those people educate themselves about mental illness. I think that would be an important thing to do.
I'm really excited about this. Wish me luck!
Deneb*
poster:Deneb
thread:667212
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060709/msgs/667212.html