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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Elizamar DavisPsychology 2012

Personal Statement

My name is Elizamar and was born in Brazil, in the North Amazon Region city of Belem. I see myself as a loving, caring, and compassionate person with a high respect for all humans. Growing up I learned from my father, good family values, a respect for nature, and an extreme respect for animals.

Personal Statement (con’t)

In my early life I was introduced to books, I love non-fiction, reading being a favorite activity of mine. I learn about people from various cultures, religions, and political backgrounds, which is essential to learn about peoples individuality.

Personal Statement (con’t)

As a third world learner, I can speak two languages fluently, Portuguese and English while being able to communicate in several other languages, such as Spanish, Italian and various Portuguese languages which are spoke in the African region.

Personal Statement (con’t)

My long term career goals are to continue to study psychology in mental health. I am extremely sensitive about people who suffer from mental disorders. I view that the mental health field needs to be studied more precisely to provide accurate diagnosis and helpful treatment plans. I would like to work in mental health hospitals or clinics and work with a diverse population.

Resume

 OBJECTIVE

My career objective is to work with people within the healthcare system who suffer from Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). As Certified Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide, I found that in order to be of greater assistance to my clients, I must increase my knowledge base in various counseling treatments techniques, so that I can support those who need personal care on more sensitive level.

 

EDUCATION

Argosy University, 1005 Atlantic Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501 2012

Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo CA, 94806,

Certificate Medical Terminology and Advance Medical Terminology West Contra Costa Unified District (west Contra Costa Adult Education 2006)

Certificate Community Care License State of California Department Of social Services 1995

Certified Nurse Assistance and Home Health Aide, Oakland Unified School District (Pleasant Valley School District, 1995  

WORK EXPERIENCE

- Present

Home Health Care Aid – Corte Madera, CA 94025

Assisting patients who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I am responsible for taking vital signs, apply cough later and suctioning, transferring patients using the Hoyer lift, and administering Enterogastric tube (feeding tube). 

 

 

Resume (con.t)

SKILLS

 

Very ambitious and able to take on any responsibility

Excellent communications

Strong interpersonal skills

Able to work independently and as a part of team

Able to multitask and complete projects within given deadlines

Works well under pressure 

ACHIEVEMENTS

Fall 2005 received from Marin Community Foundation “Thanks for Caring Award” Honoring Marin’s caregivers and services provides for seniors and the disabled.

AFFILIATIONS

Marin Center for Independent Living, 710 4th Street San Rafael, CA 94901-3213

Reflection

I use everyday to learn something new. My continuous education will help me help others as they face the tribulations of life. I especially want to help those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. I hope to apply my learned skills towards everyday problems of those suffering and help them learn ways to move from a life of substance abuse that could isolate them and lead them to a life a crime, that would find them deep into the Criminal Justice System. To work with client’s to help them understand the various triggers and environmental influences that can make it difficult, if not impossible to recover and become substance free. To provide alternative lifestyles that will promote a life free of substances.

Those with mental health issues deserve compassion, understanding, and sensitivity without prejudice. I want to move forward to increase awareness and explore positive treatment plans that will deal with those suffering with mental illness. To understand the uniqueness of each clients story and relate that to the distinction between the person’s thoughts and ideations. To use effective counseling grounded in a theoretical framework that will assist the client to live a fulfilling life.

Table of Contents

Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy

Research SkillsCommunication Skills: Oral and WrittenEthics and Diversity AwarenessFoundations of PsychologyApplied PsychologyInterpersonal Effectiveness

Cognitive Abilities

Critical thinkingOne of my weaknesses in understanding cognitive abilities and using critical thinking is that

I take longer to understand and respond to ideas of critical thought processes. I am still learning about how to understand the various psychological perspective and theories are limited.

One of my strengths in relating to critical thinking is that I approach ideas from a diverse perspective. With my Brazilian background, and having connections with others of diverse backgrounds, can related to ideas from a perspective not seen by others. I can relate to cultural difference as I have worked through cultural biases throughout my educational and professional career.

https://www.box.net/s/oykqsqxy5mxmeydcz8x0

Information LiteracyThis idea takes me longer to read, research due to my understanding of English language

concepts. I take extra time in finding key word for research to find the idea that fits into the concept I am researching and accessing information. A strength is that once I have chosen a topic and found information, I can arrange and describe how my research applies to my topic.

I use my experience from educational and professional sources to help me gain better understanding of the subject and make connections to projects.

https://www.box.net/s/oykqsqxy5mxmeydcz8x0

Research Skills

Research: Understanding research Methods

From previous classes, I have learned a great deal about research methodology. I have had several courses that have asked me to use qualitative and quantities research to evaluate statistical results. I have evaluated several journal articles that have researched various psychology questions and evaluated the data and analyzed the results of the studies.

There are many additional tools involved in understanding the various research methods available for gaining information on research questions. I hope to gain more experience in learning about other methods for studying, identifying and interpreting psychological journals articles.

https://www.box.net/shared/likq54h1tyrxo7jty4eo

elizamard@yahoo.com

Communication Skills: Oral and Written

Communication skills: OralI have become more comfortable in relating psychological concepts orally to an audience. I

excel when the subject matter is one that I am passionate about and am excited to present my knowledge to others. In some cases, where my interest levels are less than desire able, I struggle with creating and organizing my thoughts around the topic, thus I have a harder time conveying the subject matter to others. It is at this time my command of the English is less clear and my ability to communicate is harder for others to understand. I work everyday on increasing my English skills to allow me to communicate better with others regarding psychological and social issues.

https://www.box.net/shared/791fgifdro3huqehbpvp

Communication Skills: WrittenMy understanding of using computer software has helped me be an effective writer. In my

general Psychology studies I became aware of APA formatting and have been getting better with using those skills with every paper I write. I can identify general levels of organization and content when constructing papers. I can identify and discuss various psychological concepts, yet still struggle with putting my thoughts on paper using correct English grammar and sentence structure. I understand that this is an area that I need improvement on and use resources available to assist me in being a better written communicator.

https://www.box.net/shared/0t4zjuk0hnfdm2duud74

Ethics

Ethics:

I approach all my studies with an eye on ethical standards. I strive to be an ethical person in both my professional and personal life. I continually study ethical concepts and relate them to the project at hand. I ask myself as I complete projects, if the paths towards the outcomes have been reached via the best of ethical standards. I study the subtle breaches in psychology ethical practices to assure I have presented myself with the best of my abilities to maintain high personal ethical standards for the work I do for myself and others. I point out flaws in ethical thinking and practices to my classmates when I feel they are walking a thin line of ethical thinking or actions. My goal is to continue the study of ethics across other professions and use their standards to increase my understanding and commitment to higher ethical thinking.

https://www.box.net/shared/fop432urfvpztj5mrjcr

Diversity Awareness

Diversity:

Diversity is a major issue for me within the field of psychology. As a person who comes from a diverse background, I see first hand the biases others show towards me and other people who are outside the “norm”. I understand and can recognize how diversity can affect outcomes when dealing with psychological theories, thoughts, and beliefs. This is a world of multi-cultural diversity and that diversity has an impact on how someone relates to situations. It is in that diversity that we must learn and grow as psychologist to have a better understanding of people and their relationship to psychological outcomes. Everyday, I analysis my responses and how I might approach a subject with my own biases and work hard to allow others to show me how their individuality affects their decisions and respect their diversity as a part of what makes them who they are.

https://www.box.net/shared/6ibdo9pqucb2pj17xjqm

Foundations of Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology Foundation:

I have grown in my recognition of psychological concepts, theories, and analytical findings that have provided me with the ability to apply that understanding to everyday events and experiences. I can relate psychological theories to behaviors around me and analysis how those behaviors can be used within the study of psychological study. I continue to grow and learn about historical trends in psychology but will use my next phase educational to expand my knowledge of psychological history that spans the various fathers of psychological theory and application.

https://www.box.net/shared/5lcjvhvhbehhol9qpp2q

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal Effectiveness:

I pride myself in my effective listening skills, where I take the time to understand what is being said to me. I relay back to the speaker my understanding of what was said, so as to communicate that I understood what they said and then provide my answer in and empathetic and respective manner. I ask for feedback that will develop interpersonal relationships that will promote growth and effective change in those I work with. I use what I have learned from a technical aspect that will help others continue their personal growth.

https://www.box.net/shared/24vgv1p2z7ytvca1cul1

My Future in Learning

I plan on continuing my education by completing my Bachelors degree in Psychology at Argosy University. I am exploring other educational options of improving my English language skills in both oral and writing presentations. I am fast tracking through other courses that interest me, such as world religions, via Dante Testing.

My future is bright and I look forward to using my knowledge in the country of my birth, Brazil. There I hope to help my people with the opportunity to get better mental health care. I want to help people have better lives both in Brazil and the U.S., thus my degree will help me attain that goal.

People around the world deserve the best in mental health care and I want to be a part of this growing profession. I look forward to the time when I will be an asset to my community and a psychologist that help people live a more fulfilling life.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address

below. elizamard@yahoo.com