HSP302 Photovoice #1: What is Human Services? 1/13/12 Trees in the Forest As a tree stands alone in the forest, set apart from the other trees and vulnerable to a range of environmental and societal factors, it is never truly alone among the many other trees surrounding it or the living creatures that regularly go around about it. It may have to endure harsh weather conditions, being climbed or pulled on, and damaged by careless children, or it may even be peed on by dogs or scratched mercilessly by vermin, but it has a sturdy and strong trunk and deep roots and can withstand much abuse. We are each like a tree, standing alone; unique individuals with problems and needs. Sometimes we have no one to turn to when we need help; no family, friends, or social support whatsoever. We may be hurt, tired, sick, or abused; feel afraid, desperate, or isolated. We may feel that no one understands or cares about what we are going through, or assume that we are the only ones out there dealing with problems and heartache. Fortunately, we are not utterly alone, because there are Human Services Providers in the world working for the good of others, and they have our backs, can listen to us, provide us with the tools and resources we need, help us get back onto our feet, and show us just how solid our trunks can be. That is what Human Services means to me.
HSP302 Photovoice #2 "What is one skill, attitude or value of a Human Services professional?" 1/31/12 Kind Sophie This is Sophie. She is a five year old Mini Rex bunny. Sophie is the kindest bunny in the world. She never bites or runs away; instead she nudges, cuddles, and runs over happily to greet you. Sophie s brother Woodie the Guinea Pig is not as kind as she is and nips at her when she gets too close; Sophie, however, never nips back. She would like to cuddle with Woodie as she does with me and my daughters, but Woodie won t have it. No matter how many times Woodie nips at her, Sophie never bites back. Sophie is a truly kind bunny. Kindness is an important characteristic of Human Services Professionals. Without basic kindness there can be no compassion, empathy, or genuine helpfulness. There will be times in Human Services where people will not be so friendly; they may be difficult and downright mean; they may be angry, hateful, and lash out at us. As long as we have fully developed our kindness to integrate the skills of compassion and empathy, we will, like Sophie, remain kind and helpful, no matter how many times others are unkind to us; we will not allow it to harden our hearts. Eventually, if we persist, we may get through to those hurting people and they may soften to our kindness. Perhaps then healing will begin to occur. Woodie still nips at Sophie, even after four years of cohabitation. Kind and cuddly Sophie never stops trying, though.
HSP302 Photovoice #3 How does self-awareness impact your ability to be inclusive of diverse people and perspectives? 2/12/12 Wonderfully Diverse People are all different in an infinite number of ways. All people have distinct characteristics, behave differently, eat varied diets, speak in different tongues, dress in distinctive ways, have varied beliefs and values, and have unique goals, likes, fears, dreams, dislikes, and hopes. No two people are exactly alike, just as nothing in nature is quite like another. The differences in our world are what make life fascinating, beautiful, and at times exhilarating. How boring our lives would be if everyone and everything were the same. Awareness of who I am and where I come from, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, is critical to my awareness of diverse people and perspectives because the better that I know, appreciate, and accept myself, the more I can accept others. I was born in another country, but raised exclusively in the U.S. by older parents with old fashioned views that distinctly clashed with the American culture of the 70 s and 80 s. It was rather confusing at times, but also helped me to view life from multiple perspectives. I played with children of many different cultures and ethnicities growing up and was thankfully never told I ought not, allowing me to accept everyone who was different from me in appearance or behavior as just another unique individual. I have spent a great deal of time with elderly people, have learned a lot from them, and have a great deal of respect for them and their unique take on life. In my jobs and in places I have lived I have encountered people of many different nationalities, religions, cultures, and ethnicities, and I have always enjoyed getting to know about their way of life, more so than meeting people who are more or less like me, because I was able to learn novel ways of living and viewing situations. I have been fortunate to travel to a few different countries in my lifetime and have had amazing experiences getting to know the cultures and lifestyles there, making priceless memories and lifelong friendships. I am grateful for the many life-altering and diverse experiences I have had in my lifetime and I look forward to many more.
HSP302 Photovoice #4: What inspires you to become a human service professional? 2/22/12 Inspiration When I look at this photo I find two sources of inspiration; one is the breathtaking view from Artist Point at Mt. Baker and the second is in the forefront of the photo: my three amazing daughters. I am inspired once a year by the view when I visit Artist Point, however I am inspired daily by my daughters kindness, joy, graciousness, determination, and drive; they are my rock and my bliss. My children are largely the reason that I am the person I am today and I have learned so much from them; values such as patience, unconditional love, pure virtue, optimism, and strength. They are the reason that, after so many years, I decided to pursue and fulfill my dream of completing college. With all that I have learned by being blessed to be their mom, I have been led to be a Human Services Professional; it may not be the most lucrative or glamorous career, but it is a career that is honorable and meaningful, and perhaps that may be an inspiration to them someday.