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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
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*
Posted by Dinah on July 15, 2006, at 9:16:41
In reply to Volunteering!, posted by Deneb on July 15, 2006, at 3:11:21
Volunteering is an excellent way to develop skills, and it looks terrific on a resume!
I never thought to look for a website like that. It certainly makes sense.
Good luck! It's a wonderful feeling to know you're helping others, and an added bonus to learn skills.
Don't worry overmuch about your parents. I know you want to please them, but remember that they have to allow themselves to be pleased in order for that to happen. Your mother isn't happy about your staying around the house. Theoretically she should be happy to see you out and about and learning skills. There's nothing wrong with what you propose to do. It's a good healthy decision. In the end, it's your life and you have to do what's best for you. And in the end, if you're happy and productive, most parents come around to the how of it.
Posted by TexasChic on July 15, 2006, at 9:22:00
In reply to Volunteering!, posted by Deneb on July 15, 2006, at 3:11:21
Wow! That is fantastic! Its not being selfish to want to get some experience from this, its just practical. And when it comes to communicating with people, its really all about practice. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll feel. Everybody is scared at first, but eventually you realize, "These are simply people just like me, no more no less". I remember the first day of my first job I told almost every customer, "This is my first day of my first job and I'm really nervous so please be patient with me". I realize now that wasn't necessary, but it just goes to show how terrified I was.
As for your parents, I understand the difficulty. They just don't understand is all. Maybe tell them as little as possible? Then stick to your guns. This would be a wonderful experience for you. And if you don't get this one just keep trying. Few people get the first job they apply for, so keep that in mind.
It also wouldn't hurt to look into the ones that don't sound quite right for you. The actual job could be very different from how it sounds. And actually meeting with the hiring person can make a world of difference on how you view the job.
However you go this is a really good thing. I'm proud of you for making this first step. Keep up the good work.
-T
Posted by Phillipa on July 15, 2006, at 11:52:15
In reply to Re: Volunteering! » Deneb, posted by TexasChic on July 15, 2006, at 9:22:00
Deneb I knew you would find the right thing for you. Congratulations you will get the job. Love Phillipa
Posted by madeline on July 15, 2006, at 13:34:20
In reply to Volunteering!, posted by Deneb on July 15, 2006, at 3:11:21
This does sound like a wonderful opportunity for you. I think that you would really enjoy getting out and being with people.
One caveat however, don't expect too much from the position as far as patients are concerned. With the advent of HIPAA (god bless it) most institutions are pretty stingy with what volunteers can and can't do.
HOWEVER, volunteering is a fabulous thing to put on a resume.
Go for it and enjoy!
Maddie
Posted by Declan on July 15, 2006, at 18:58:38
In reply to Re: Volunteering! » Deneb, posted by TexasChic on July 15, 2006, at 9:22:00
G'day
I do an afternoon a week at our community radio station where everyone is strange enough and kind and good to each other. It's been really good for me.
Posted by Phillipa on July 15, 2006, at 19:01:03
In reply to Re: Volunteering!, posted by Declan on July 15, 2006, at 18:58:38
Declan don't you have to work? You're not that old. You know I know you're age. Love Phillipa So the Aussies are up now?
Posted by Declan on July 15, 2006, at 19:19:56
In reply to Re: Volunteering! » Declan, posted by Phillipa on July 15, 2006, at 19:01:03
The Work Board is safe from me, PJ. I have very little to contribute there.
This is the end of the thread.
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