Chapter 10: My Summer Goals

Please answer the following questions when creating your journal entry.  Feel free to use references, share links, media, pics, and other items that you feel would help your teammates.

• What are your professional goals for the summer semester?
• Is there anything you are building on from the previous (2) semesters?
• Which skills from your generalist year, are transferrable to your clinical year?
• How will you keep your morale positive and your energy levels up?

Alicia Henry- Health Central Hospital

 What are your professional goals for the summer semester?

Goals are significant because they represent the outcomes or accomplishments toward which efforts are directed. I enjoy challenging myself, setting goals helps me keep focused and on track. Every night, I plan the next day by creating a to-do list that also serves as my goals for the day. I am also realistic and realize that I may not be able to achieve all of my goals because I have no control over how my day unfolds.

My summertime professional goals include working with a therapist as a mentor to expand my knowledge and experience in cognitive behavioral therapy. I’ll have to conduct group and one-on-one assessments as part of my clinical internship.

Is there anything you are building on from the previous (2) semesters?

To be more knowledgeable when assessing patients for discharge, one thing I am expanding on from prior semesters is to keep learning about the various insurance plans and what they do and do not cover.

Which skills from your generalist year, are transferrable to your clinical year?

Interviewing skills, time management, and organization, adaptability, being proactive, being adaptable and flexible to rapid change, and the ability to work as part of a team are all transferable skills from my generalist years to my clinical years.

How will you keep your morale positive and your energy levels up?

I would have to say I am an optimistic person. Although life happens, and I allow myself to feel whatever emotion I am experiencing at the time, I process it, work through it, and then move on. I don’t let yesterday’s problems interfere with my plans for today. I’ve re-committed to working out at least four days per week. Working out helps me keep my energy level up and sleep better. I also do not allow other people’s negative energy into my space. The most important thing is to remind myself of my blessings and maintain a mindset of gratitude.

We are getting close to the finish line and knowing that keeps me motivated. Despite the challenges of working full-time, interning, and attending graduate school, I have made it this far and am proud of myself for doing so.

Elizabeth Prophete

REACH – Orlando Health

• What are your professional goals for the summer semester?

Goals are really important, and I do take them seriously. I like to make a list of goals that I have and love to cross them out when completed. I get satisfaction when I see that I have accomplished something that I set out to do. When it comes to my professional summer goals, one of them has already been accomplished and that is getting a placement in the VA. I had a list of a few placements that I wanted, and the VA was on the top of the list. This summer, I also made a goal to familiarize and educate myself on maternal mental health from a set of three books that purchased personally for myself.

• Is there anything you are building on from the previous (2) semesters?

One thing I am building on from my previous 2 semesters would be being an advocate for myself. During my placement, I have come across some challenges, such as not feeling challenged enough and wanting to gain more experience in a particular population group that aligns to my career focus. Because I advocated for myself and made some requests, I was able to get some of the experience that I wanted.

• Which skills from your generalist year, are transferrable to your clinical year?

As far as transferable skills, I would say everything that I have gained from my generalist year, I will be able to use during my clinicals. Skills needed to be a sufficient case manager such as decision making, advocacy, good communication, information processing, analyzation and information gathering. Team building, leadership, PAITIENCE, networking, being able to adapt, time management and organization, critical thinking, customer service, and more.

• How will you keep your morale positive and your energy levels up?

Staying positive and maintaining a good energy level isn’t done alone. For me, I would say the friendships and bonds that I have created during my last two semesters have played a tremendous role in how I maintain a positive attitude.  Not only that, but also being consistent with my selfcare routine (going to the gym, going for a run, speaking to my therapist and family and friends and going out). Having a balance between work, school and internship helps keep me moving. Lastly, I am looking forward to completing my MSW and getting my LCSW. Having a vision as to what I want to do and what I can accomplish once I’ve completed my MSW and when I obtain my LCSW, brings me so much joy and keeps me going.

Here is a video link on the importance of setting goals.

5 Reasons You Need To Start Setting Goals | Brian Tracy – YouTube

@Elizabeth: I am so happy that you were selected to complete your clinical internship at the VA. I know you will do well and learn a lot, hopefully this can become a fulltime employment opportunity after graduation. As DCF employes in leadership, we definitely have to balance work, school and life as we are challenged in many ways.

Name: Polly Smith

Agency: Seminole County Public Schools, Pine Crest Elementary School