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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Marine G NelsonPsychology, 2010

Personal Statement

I am a 29 year old, divorced single parent, student, employee, and friend from a large close knit family. I am the eldest of two girls to parents who have been married for 30 years. I was raised in a Christian home where two important values taught to me were the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you; and anything in life that is worth having is worth working for.

I was born in Chicago, but moved to the suburbs when I was younger. My parents wanted to provide better opportunities for my sister and I than what we had accessible in the Chicago public school system. I ended up moving back to Chicago when I was older for college and to be closer to many of my friends and family. I decided during my second year of college that I needed to answer the call to duty and joined the U.S. Army Reserves. Little did I know, just over a year and a half later, the 9/11 tragedy would occur and I would soon go through a chain of life changing events.

I was placed on active duty multiple times along with maintaining my education and spending as much time with my family as possible. I was finally deployed to Iraq in 2004 where I served as a mental health specialist. It was very hard to adjust to the environment, but needless to say, I made it through. The experience has taught me that patience is necessary in many situations. I also learned to appreciate life every second, minute, and hour that I am alive. I also learned that I have a great support system and a lot of individuals in my corner when it comes to pursuing personal goals.

Personal Statement, cont.

A life goal of mine is to open a youth center in the Chicago area emphasizing on making positive choices to enhance the quality of life. I plan to have the program state funded and accessible to all. Tutoring will be offered as well as classes on various subjects to include: career planning, college applications for entry and student loans, coping skills, and many more topics. Classes will be open to the community as well. I believe if people were more informed of their resources, they will have the tendency to do better in life. The longer the inner city communities go without the proper information and guidance, they will continue to kill, steal and destroy each other. I would eventually like for the youth center to provide counseling as well as other family crisis services.

I also will pursue a career in psychiatric nursing within the year. I am currently looking for a program at a local college that will fit around my work schedule as well as taking care of my daughter. I have been in the mental health field for quite some time and feel that I have paid my dues as a hands-on mental health tech. It is time for me to move up or move on.

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Argosy and also appreciative of the great instructors and students I have come into contact with. I am very excited about my future graduation and look forward to achieving my lifetime goals. I believe that I am destined for greatness and that I will be blessed through my long love of helping others. I look forward to the future and strive to accomplish all I set out for. I hope that I am able to inspire others to do the same in my journey.

Resume (1 of 5)

Marine G Nelson205 S Orchard Dr Bolingbrook, IL 60440(630)-974-7739brooksmom80@gmail.comProfile Life-long love for helping others People friendly; ability to instantly develop rapport with

individuals.Extensive background in mental health and social

services.Highlights of Qualifications and Experience Education Argosy University Major: Psychology, BA Graduation: August 2010

Resume (2 of 5)

Military U.S. Army Reserves January 2000-January 2008 801st Combat Support Hospital 55th Combat Stress Control Mental Health Specialist Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005 Experience Skilled in providing support to individuals in 28 day drug

and alcohol inpatient treatment programMonitoring patients to observe for any changes in mood

or behaviorDaily assessment for progressIntake assessmentsMonitoring vital signs

Resume (3 of 5)

Group classes and sessionsIndividual counselingMaintaining records and charts on a daily basisExercising independent judgment, decision making

abilities and high level of confidentialityMaintaining a safe environment for clients as well as

coworkersCreate and following schedules to include recreation,

activities of daily living, meals, and classesAddressing conflicts with clientsPhysical restraint training used properly and when

necessary to ensure safety of all involvedSupervisory experience to include schedules, staff

briefings, performance reviews, problem solving, and team building

Front desk operations to include answering phones, scheduling appointments and crisis intervention for those in need of immediate assistance

Resume (4 of 5)

Skilled in performing and/or assisting with procedures including:

-Multi-tasking -Filing -Microsoft Office -Charting -Front Desk Reception -Typing 40wpm

Experienced in operating the following selected equipment:

-Computers -Fax -Phones -Blood Pressure Cuffs-Scales -Blood Alcohol Level Testers -Thermometers -Urinalysis

Resume (5 of 5)

Employment History Maryville Academy Scott Nolan Center Des Plaines, IL

2010-PresentCedar Springs Behavioral Health  Colorado Springs, CO

2008 - 2009Medical Staffing Network  Warrenville, IL 2008-2008Cook County Juvenile Detention Chicago, IL 2004-2008Military experience: Rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) achieved

in 6 years; section sergeant for 3 years, deployment to Iraq for 13 months

Reflection

In my experience with Argosy, I have realized that I am a lot more knowledgeable in more aspects of Psychology than I though, yet have much to learn in others. Psychology is one of those fields that is continuously evolving and there is always some new research or technology that can be applied.

One of the greatest things I have learned about myself in attending Argosy is that I am dedicated more than I though. Taking classes online is very hard for someone who does not stay on top of the requirements, assignments and deadlines. I have been able to maintain a 3.86 GPA, am a full time parent and employee. I am very proud of myself for such a great accomplishments.

Student Self-Appraisal of Learning

Cognitive AbilitiesCritical Thinking• Able to choose from and appraise a wide range of

psychological perspectives and theories within written and oral presentations.

• When presenting (in written work or orally), can illustrate multiple perspectives on a given topic.

• Able to analyze the complexities of a given issue Information Literacy• Able to collect and arrange information from a variety

of sources pertinent to the chosen topic, integrating reasoned appraisals of such information into the work of a project in psychology.

Research Skills• Able to correctly summarize the research design,

statistical and other evaluative tools, and findings of the article.

Student Self-Appraisal of Learning

Communication SkillsOral• Possesses extensive ability in creating, organizing and delivering oral

presentations.• Exhibits the ability to design, develop, and defend appropriate levels

of organizations and clarity of presentation, thus allowing the listener to following the line of reasoning.

• Exhibits the ability to design, develop, and defend appropriate level of presentation for audience, correct use of grammar, word choice for precise meaning.

Written• Able to recognize and apply higher levels of organization and clarity,

able to identify, select, and apply appropriate levels of written work for specific audience(s), and/or is versed in correct usage of language, grammar, and organization.

• Possesses significant ability in formal academic writing with clarity in content, language use, grammar organization, and sentence structure using APA formatting.

• Exhibits the ability to identify, discuss, and apply psychological concepts in written work

Student Self-Appraisal of Learning

Ethics and Diversity Awareness• Effectively engages in ethical thinking and action, evidenced

by the ability to articulate best-practices pertaining to case examples and/or other specific problems associated with the field.

• Recognizes more subtle breaches in ethical practices in psychology and can construct alternative analyses and choices of behaviors.

• Claims ownership over the prescribed ethical principles for the field, and works to promote ethical decision-making and activity accordingly.

• Effectively engages in multiculturally-sensitive thought and action, evidenced by the ability to articulate best-practices pertaining to case examples and/or other specific diversity issues and populations associated with the field.

• Recognizes more subtle forms of discrimination and prejudice within and around psychology and can construct alternative analyses and choices of behaviors.

• Claims ownership over personal biases, and works to increase awareness and respect for diverse populations

Student Self-Appraisal of Learning

Foundations of Psychology• Able to recognize and comprehend the major concepts,

theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, applications and historical trends in psychology or within a specific area of study in the field.

Applied Psychology• Demonstrates a consistent understanding of how

psychological principles apply to issues and situations at a personal, social, and/or organizational level.

• Consistently applies psychological principles in his/her everyday decision-making and interactions with others, in the news, and in organizations s/he comes into contact with such as schools, workplaces, and places of worship and recreation.

Student Self-Appraisal of Learning

Interpersonal Effectiveness• Able to consistently and effectively apply active listening

communication skills in interpersonal and organizational scenarios to establish empathetic, collegial relationships that facilitate consensus building in working toward common goals and is appreciative of diversity and culture.

• Able to consistently analyze the importance of effective nonverbal communication skills in developing strong interpersonal and organizational relationships that are culturally sensitive and respectful of diversity.

• Actively solicits and utilizes feedback to develop adaptable strategies of facilitating dynamic interpersonal and organizational relationships.

• Consistently & actively demonstrates an understanding of the impact of technological advances on communication within interpersonal and organizational relationships.

• Consistently demonstrates strong utilization of effective communication and relationship skills in order to promote the growth of others and effect change

Critical Thinking

The final paper that I wrote for the Advanced Psychology 492 class was a great example of critical thinking. The subject was Gun Violence amongst the Youth of Chicago. My focus was more on the mental state of today’s youth that commit gun crimes, are victim to gun crimes and witness killings. It is very sad to say that over 200 people have lost their lives to gun violence in the city of Chicago since the beginning of this summer.

Something has to change and I believe it starts with our children. Programs should be put in place for outreach, to give them something more positive to occupy their time with and also ensure that our children can safely be children without the possibility of being shot and

loosing their lives at any given time.

My Future in Learning

I always say that I learn something new everyday. The last two years at Argosy has made that even more evident to me. I enjoy working with others, learning of their experiences and sharing mine with them. I look forward to continuing to work with those that need help in whatever way I can do so.

In the future, I plan to pursue a career in psychiatric nursing as well as counseling. I want to continue to be an inspiration, motivational presence and positive influence to others in their time of need. I have always had a strong desire to help others and I plan to do so forever.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. brooksmom80@gmail.com