My Mini Vacation, Essay Example

When I returned from my mini vacation, my return was an interesting and exciting experience. The welcome alone made me feel important. Furthermore, I felt accomplished for doing a good job during my first practicum. I was welcomed with gifts, and even though I attempted to reject them, my “welcomers” insisted I take them. Gifts act as a good way to thank someone or reward them for doing something well, so the gifts I was given will likely have a good use in the future. A significant thing that I realized today was that, after a brief meeting the staff had with the consumers, they were motivated to take action and to do things independently. This meeting allowed them to take responsibility for themselves by living independently and not needing the staff to take them places all the time. Right after the mini meeting, three out of the five residents decided to do their own thing instead of going to the picnic with the rest of the houses. One resident went to the Ford dealership on route 10 and then continued to the mall, using the bus. The rest of the residents went to the park during socialization group. It was fun to see them all participating in these various activities.

Staff members have dedicated every Wednesday morning to educate the residents about living independently. One of the psychiatric rehabilitation values I saw them use was the ability to instill self-determination and empowerment. This empowerment came from within these three residents through motivation and want to do new things. Overall, this strategy promoted empowerment by using resources that help these individuals make informed choices.