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Review Paper Notes Page 1

Review Paper - Notes

Michelle Wilder

PSY 492 – Advanced General Psychology

Argosy University Online

February 25, 2011


Personal Statement

When I was considering going back to school, I wanted to go into a field that I felt I had some

experience in. I choose psychology because when I was in college right after highschool in 1993-1994,

I was in an abusive relationship that literally almost killed me. My boyfriend at the time had beaten me

with a wire brush that is meant to brush horses with while I was asleep. My roommate took me to the

emergency room because the wounds left from the brush looked like I had been shot. While in the

emergency room, the doctors and nurses asked me if I would like to talk to someone because of the

seriousness of the situation that had occurred. Fortunately I said yes. I say fortunately because the

counselor they contacted to come to speak with me was amazing. Even though I was not really in the

mood to talk all that much because I was in a great deal of pain, he was extremely patient with me.

Over the course of my week stay in the hospital, he met with me every day, two times a day, to counsel

me on my grieving process and to come to terms with my ordeal.

After my week stay in the hospital, I saw him three times a week for eight weeks after to work

my self-esteem issues and mental wounds while my physical wounds healed. He left our discussions

up to me and always made me feel welcome. He never once made me feel rushed, like I was taking up

his time, and he even encouraged me to cry when he could tell that was what I wanted to do. He helped

me through the darkest point in my life. I was then and still am grateful to him for all of his help. I do

still remain in contact with him as we touch base yearly through Christmas cards to keep in touch so he

knows how my life has continued to move forward since that dark time in my life.

Another reason I chose psychology is my sister has been in a domestic violence marriage for the

past 15 years (since the day she got married). My two nieces live in this environment, ages 14 and 10.

My sister's husband, my niece's father, is very abusive towards my sister. Although he has gotten better

since the my father has intervened some three years ago, it still continues to go on. For the longest

time, I was the only one my sister would tell and still mostly does tell when something bad happens.


Now my nieces tell me when things get bad and they know to call me. I will come over, take them out

of the house and bring them to my house. Then if things are way out of control, I call my father and

have my sister sit inside of my car while we wait for our father to arrive. My parents and I have tried to

get my sister to leave her husband many times but she feels she can not live financially without him. I

have tried to explain to her the programs that are available for her should she choose to accept them,

even coming to stay with me with her girls is also an option as is going to stay with our parents but she

is just not ready to leave yet because she has not made the move yet. We keep being there for her

because we hope that one of these days she will and we want to be there for her and her two daughters

when she does. My parents and I take her two daughters with us as often as we can to get them out of

the house as much as we can for their own good and safety.

So between my personal abusive relationship and my sister's abusive marriage for the past 15

years, I have a strong desire to work with people in domestic violence situations. I feel a real

connection to this field, not only from the experience I have but also because of the compassion I was

shown when I experienced it myself. I feel everyone should have that same experience and know that

the person they are talking to is there to listen to them, no matter what they are experiencing without

fear of being judged. That's a great feeling to have and a sense of peace that I wish to share with others

in a similar but yet terrifying situation.

Since I have worked briefly at my local County's Department of Social Services and I currently

have worked other local organizations in my County that have programs available to assist people in

bad situations, I already have connections and know of people to contact in order to do all I can to

assist people to get back on their feet when they are ready.


MICHELLE A. WILDER

6422 Number Four Road, Lowville, NY 13367Home - (315) 376-9388

Cell - (315) [email protected]

OBJECTIVESearching for a position within a firm where I can use my education along with my experience to make a difference.

WORK HISTORYRehabilitation Coordinator. Snow Belt Housing Company Inc., 7500 S. State Street, Lowville, NY 13367. December 2009 – Present. Supervisor: Cheryl Shenkle-O’Neill.

Secretary/Receptionist, Snow Belt Housing Company Inc., 7500 S. State Street, Lowville, NY 13367. December 2003 – December 2009. Supervisor: Cheryl Shenkle-O’Neill.

Activity Assistant, Lewis County General Hospital, 7785 N. State Street, Lowville, NY 13367. August 1996 – December 2003. Supervisor: Irene Williams.

EDUCATIONArgosy University Online Program, Bachelor of Arts, General Psychology, March 2011

SUNY Jefferson Community College, Associate in Applied Science, Office Technology, December 1999

Utica School of Commerce, Transferred to SUNY Jefferson Community College in September 1994

Howard G. Sackett Technical Center, Certificate in Office Technology, June 1993

Lowville Academy and Central School, High School Diploma, June 1993

SKILLS Records Management MicroSoft Word MicroSoft Outlook Confidentiality MindedTelephone Techniques Grant Writing MicroSoft Excel MicroSoft PowerPoint

AWARDS RECEIVED Lewis County General Hospital Pat on the Back AwardsLewis County General Hospital Employee of the Month NomineeWalter S. Keen Memorial ScholarshipJennie Barbara Cummings Memorial PrizeLowville Academy School Educational Secretaries PrizeLowville Academy School FFA Awards & Certificates

CONFERENCES/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS ATTENDEDMicroSoft Excel Basics workshop, June 200631st Annual Affordable Housing & Community Development Conference, Auburn NY, October 2010

INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIESSpending Time with Family & Friends NFL Football (Dallas Cowboys Fan)Domestic Violence Assistance & Psychology AIDS/HIV Research, Prevention & EducationHistory of the Titanic Medical Information

mailto:[email protected]


MICHELLE A. WILDER References Page

6422 Number Four Road, Lowville, NY 13367Home - (315) 376-9388

Cell - (315) [email protected]

REFERENCESMCB Construction Bailey Construction of NNYOwner - Joseph Beyer President - Gene Bailey4861 Peebles Road P O Box 5Lowville, NY 13367 Glenfield, NY 13343Home - (315) 376-5564 Home - (315) 376-6836Cell - (315) 771-1403 Cell - (315) [email protected] [email protected]

Innovations Hair Salon Raymond Ricard ConstructionOwner - Cheri McGrath Owner - Ray RicardGlendale Road 7174 Popple LaneMartinsburg, NY 13404 Port Leyden, NY 13433Home - (315) 376-7878 Home - (315) 348-4140Work - (315) 376-9344 Cell - (315) [email protected] [email protected]







Reflection

As a full time Mother, a full time Rehabilitation Coordinator for a not for profit organization

called Snow Belt Housing Company, Inc., in a very rural Upstate New York region and returning to

college after eight years, I found the Argosy University Online BA Psychology Program to be

informative, interesting, fast paced, and challenging at times yet manageable to complete. The program

helped me to discover and acknowledge some strengths and weaknesses about myself. It made me take

a long look at my personality traits to see which have been influenced by genetics or environment. The

psychology program gave me a good introduction to theories, psychology cases, APA, and the

realization that there is no absolute in the psychology field.

Although I found several things about Argosy University Online Program to be convenient and

extremely structured, at times I felt disconnected from the professors when emails or phone calls would

not be returned when I had questions regarding an assignment coming due but it did not affect my

ability to overcome the challenge or adjust to the program. My professors, classmates, and admissions

agent's assistance to make my transition back to college life was less complicated and very pleasant.

The small classes helped to make it possible to have open and honest discussions which allowed

teachers and students to get to know and understand each other on a different level. I found having

professors who also worked in the psychology field a plus in my overall learning experience as it made

the classes more interesting and the discussion topics were more real which made them more open for

questions and answers from the whole class.

Some of my strengths have been the areas of mental illness and substance abuse along with

domestic violence. I also have a real strength in grammar and spelling which has helped a great deal

when it has come to writing papers for my psychology courses.

Some weaknesses I have is that I sometimes know what it is that I want to say but often have a

hard time putting it into written format. Verbally I can explain it but it is difficult to put into writing. I


also have a weakness in being a patient person.

I enjoyed all of my psychology courses and experiences for many reasons. Mainly the

professors and classmates, the skills I have acquired and developed, and the knowledge I have gained

throughout my time with the Argosy University Online Program. I am better prepared to enter the

work force in the psychology field or should I choose to do so, enter graduate school later on to obtain

my Master Degree in Mental Health Counseling.

Documents that Represent Cognitive Abilities, Research Skills, Communication Skills,

Ethics and Diversity Awareness, Foundations of Psychology, Applied Psychology,

and Interpersonal Effectiveness

Group Observation

Following is a description of a recent observation of a group at a local fast food restaurant one night

when I was there having dinner. The observation was a very interesting experience that I truly enjoyed.

November 23, 2008

Michelle Wilder

Sociology 110: Professor Leap

Introduction

The group that was observed was a group of two elderly couples having dinner. They were very

engrossed in their conversation and not only took their time eating but truly seemed to enjoy each

others company. It was a very interesting experience to watch. I was at a local fast food restaurant

around 7:30 pm for dinner and left around 10:45 pm after my observation group left. After obtaining

this groups permission, the following answers to the questions are related to what I observed.


Findings

1. What are you observing?

The group I observed were some elderly adults at a local fast food restaurant. This group I was

observing consisted of two elderly couples. I noticed the two couples getting out of the same car

outside in the parking lot. The two gentlemen were sitting in the front as one of them drove and the

two women were sitting in the back seat. They came into the restaurant very quietly and talking

amongst each other, one of the gentlemen opened the door for the rest of the party they all thanked him

politely as they went through the door. They also seemed to dress nice and neat but yet casual. The

men both had on tan pants with button up long sleeved shirts. One gentleman had a white undershirt

under their shirt while the other one did not. One woman was wearing a dress due to a cast on her leg

and the other woman wore a leisure suite. One of the couples, the gentleman was using a quad cane

(cane with four prongs on the base for more stability) and his partner was walking slowly with him as

to make sure he did not trip or fall as he walked. The other couple, the woman hobbled some as she

walked as she had a walking cast on her leg from recently breaking it (I assume). Before they ordered,

each couple stood back a bit to discuss what they both wanted and while the women were getting the

napkins and utensils, the gentlemen each ordered for all of them. Once they got their food, they went

to sit down. The two women sat on the inside of the booth and the gentlemen sat next to their own

partners and were across from each other. As people walked by them, they would look up at the people

walking by and smile at them or sometimes greeting them with a polite hello. They talked a great deal

more than they ate their food. The conversation was about a recent visit from one of the couples

children and grandchildren. The same couple were discussing plans they had to move closer to their

children as all of their children and grandchildren lived near each other in West Virginia while they

were still here in Upstate New York. The other couple said they could relate to them as their children


have all moved away and they don't get to see their children or grandchildren as often as they would

like. They would like to move closer to be with their children but are afraid to move as they have lived

in Upstate New York their whole lives. They are afraid of starting over somewhere they are unfamiliar

with. The couple that were considering moving replied how they could relate to the other couples

feelings and situation but they felt that since they had the opportunity to move while they were able to

do so, then they wanted to seriously consider it before one of them gets seriously ill and travel or

moving is out of the question. Both couples felt sad that they were not closer to their children and

grandchildren and felt they were all missing so much when it came to their grandchildren. The couples

shared with each other how they go visit their children and how their children come to visit them, but it

just is not the same as being closer to see them more than seeing them just a few times a year. Both

couples agreed that was getting to be even harder to deal with as they were all getting older. While the

conversation went on, I noticed that all talked about the same thing. Both couples were engrossed with

the same topic of conversation. There was no separate conversation between the women and the men,

all were participating in the same conversation. Later on during the conversation, one of the gentlemen

made a comment to the group that his french fries had gotten cool cause they were talking so much.

They just laughed about the comment and continued to talk more as they ate. When they were finished

eating, both of the gentlemen took the trays and garbage to the designated area. Then they came back

to the table and asked the women if they wanted some desert. The women were not sure and one of the

gentlemen suggested they get two ice cream sundaes and each couple could share their own. Then the

gentlemen went and got the ice cream sundaes for desert and each couple shared their own sundae.

Again, they all talked more while they ate their desert together. A few minutes later, they had

continued to talk so much that their ice cream was more like a milkshake but they did not seem to care

at all. One of the women in the group pointed out that both sundaes had turned into ice cream

milkshakes, as she called it, and they all laughed a little bit over it. One of the gentlemen went and got


them all a straw so they could finish their desert. After they finished their desert, one of the gentlemen

took their remaining trash to the designated area and came back to sit at the table so they could both

finish their beverages. Once they finished, the same gentleman took the remaining trash to the

appropriate areas. Then the group left in the same manner they arrived. They were quiet but on their

way out they thanked the employees behind the counter for their time and friendly service. Once they

got to the car, the members of the party sat in the same seats as when they drove up initially. When

everyone had their seat belts on and were ready to go, the gentleman driving started up the car and

pulled out of the parking lot. They waved at me through the windows of the restaurant as they were

backing up the car to leave. They truly seemed to enjoy the experience of being out together. Over all,

I believe it took this group approximately a little over an hour and half from start to finish to eat their

entire meal and leave.

2. Briefly discuss how this experience is different than your regular, daily interactions.

This experience was different than a regular daily interaction for me as I'm sitting alone in a fast

food restaurant and I am observing strangers in a social group setting. Plus I'm not talking to them

(other than getting their permission for this assignment), I'm not asking them any questions, and I don't

know anything about them.

3. Describe the power structure that was observable. (Ex: Describe the power structure the children

engaged in play. Describe the leader;, self appointed or designated. Describe how outsiders were

welcomed or shunned even though it was open to the public. Who was in a subservient role? Did

someone not follow the group?

The only power structure I observed was how the one gentleman seemed self appointed as he

continued to clean up the trash left by the other members in the group. The group was welcoming to


others around them. When people were walking towards them or past them, they would have the

courteousness to look up at the other people and sometimes they would even say hello to them. I don't

think they knew the people they greeted as all they said to them was hello. Everyone seemed to follow

the group even during the conversation. Everyone in the group was involved in the same conversation.

There was no separate conversation between the women and one between the men, they were all

participating in the same conversation.

4. What were the group norms? (What were the things taken for granted in the interaction? People in a

restaurant are being served. How would people know to serve them? All of this is a social construct

that is easily taken for granted.) Describe these kinds of "taken for granted" experiences.

The group norms showed their casual interaction with each other. They typically seemed to

have similar interests and both couples could relate to no longer living near their children and

grandchildren. They also seemed to dress nice and neat but casual since it was a fast food restaurant

they were at.

5. What are some of the core values of the group? (Why are people members of the group? What is the

activity that surrounds the gathering of the group like playing and having fun, the Torah, freedom from

societal constraints, etc.?)

Both of the couples had similar values when it came to family. They all felt sad that they were

not closer to their children and grandchildren and felt they were missing so much when it came to the

grandchildren. They mentioned how they go visit their children and how their children come to visit

them, but it just is not the same as being closer to see them more than just a few times a year. They

agreed that was getting to be even more difficult as they were getting older.


6. How did these people become a member of this group? (Some of this can entail speculation. How do

you suspect people became interested in this group?) What additional information would you need to

know to answer this question?

I assume these people became members of this group as they appeared to be friends. The

additional information I would need to answer this question would be to basically know how long they

have been friends and if they share some of the same interests or how often they go out to eat like this.

Perhaps this is a weekly or monthly gathering and they just go to different restaurants in the area

together.

7. What were your personal reactions to this group? (It is important to be honest about your perception

of the group because your biases – and we all have them – place a kind of lens over the experience.)

Someone else’s observation would not be exactly the same as your observation even if the two people

saw every event at the same time.

My personal reaction to this group was one of happiness. These people seemed very content

with each other and happy they were together having dinner. They seemed to be very friendly, polite,

courteous, and still seemed to have a good time. I truly enjoyed observing this group and seeing how

much they enjoyed each others company. It made me think of how my husband and I are with some of

our friends when we go out to dinner with other couples. Hopefully we will still be having that much

fun with our friends at their ages. This was truly a fun experience.

Reference

Macionis, J. Society: The Basics, 9th Edition. (2007). Pearson Prentice Hall.


Conclusion

The four questions I have about the group that I could not have answered by this one observation are as follows:

Will the elderly couple with children in West Virginia end up moving there like they talked about?

How often do these two couples get together to go out to dinner like this?

How long have these two couples known each other?

How will the one couple feel should the other couple move to West Virginia?


SCI 115 – The Ecological Perspective

Overpopulation: Is There Truly A Need For Concern?


Michelle Wilder

Mod 6 Assignment 2

June 20, 2010

OVERPOPULATION: IS THERE TRULY A NEED FOR CONCERN?

OUTLINE

I. Thesis statement.

II. Definition of overpopulation.

III. Research question.

IV. General ideas about the world population growth.

V. Natural resources concerns.

VI. Demographic facts of life in the United States.

VII. What is overpopulation?

VIII. How does one determine when a nation is overpopulated?

IX. Is poverty related to population size or to rapid population growth?

X. How much land does it take to hold 6 billion people?

XI. The process of illegal immigration that helped population growth.

XII. Risks to the planet Earth from overpopulation.

XIII. Timeline showing population increase.

XIV. What can be done.

XV. Opposing argument.


XVI. Conclusion.

XVI. References.

OVERPOPULATION: IS THERE TRULY A NEED FOR CONCERN?

THESIS STATEMENT

With the current increase of population growth, the world will reach a point where its natural

resources are not enough to provide an exponentially increasing population. Not only will the natural

resources be scarce, but environmental, social, and economic problems will also be at rise. The concern

is that the earth has a limited supply of resources, which will be used up eventually. Once awareness

spreads, people will be able to understand the problems that they will face due to overpopulation thus

aiding them in taking important decisions to limit the growth. If overpopulation is not examined, its

consequences can permanently damage and change people’s lives, thus shattering the social and

economic development of many countries.

DEFINITION OF OVERPOPULATION

Overpopulation is defined as excessive population of an area to the point of overcrowding,

depletion of natural resources, or environmental deterioration (Deery, 2010).

RESEARCH QUESTION

Overpopulation, is there truly a need for concern? This paper will support the notion that there

truly is an overpopulation concern. It will reflect the different aspects of the current population and

express the writer's opinions regarding this issue. There will be some facts from many different sources

to make the paper complete. Should we really be concerned about overpopulation?

GENERAL IDEAS ABOUT THE WORLD POPULATION GROWTH

The world's population did not reach 1 billion until 1830. It is believed that improvements in

health care, sanitation, and nutrition have significantly improved the overall health of people and that

people are living longer than they used to. The United States is the third most populated country in the


world following China and India. The United States population, currently more than 265 million, is

growing by about 2.5 million people each year, making the United States one of the world's fastest

growing nations. In 1994, there were about 3.95 million births and 2.29 million deaths in the United

States, resulting in a net natural increase of nearly 1.7 million more people. Net immigration added

approximately 816,000 people (Brown, n.d.). The Census Bureau projects that in the year 2000, the

United States population will exceed 275 million, more than double the 1940 population. It also

predicts that the world's population will reach 9 billion people by 2042 (Busam, 1995).

NATURAL RESOURCES CONCERNS

Since American's eat a diet heavy in beef and other animal products, the United States per capita

grain consumption is four times higher than that of developing countries. Americans constitute five

percent of the world's population but consume 25 percent of the world's energy. On average, one

American consumes as much energy as two Japanese, six Mexicans, 13 Chinese, 31 Indians, 128

Bangladeshis, 307 Tanzanians, or 370 Ethiopians (National Geographic, 2009). It is believed that the

United States is responsible for 22 percent of the world's industrial carbon dioxide emissions, a leading

cause of global warming (Shiles, n.d.). In the last 200 years, the United States has lost 50 percent of its

wetlands, 90 percent of its northwestern old growth forests, and 99 percent of its tall grass prairie

(Shiles, n.d.). Every day, it is estimated that nine square miles of United States rural land is lost to

development (Brown, n.d.).

DEMOGRAPHIC FACTS OF LIFE IN THE UNITED STATES

Many countries have high population growth rates but lower total fertility rates because high

population growth in the past skewed the age demographic toward a young age so the population still

rises as the more numerous younger generation approaches maturity. For the world as a whole, the

number of children born per woman decreased from 5.02 to 2.65 between 1950 and 2005 (History,

n.d.). A breakdown by continent is as follows:


Europe - 2.66 to 1.41

North America - 3.47 to 1.99

Oceania - 3.87 to 2.30

Central America - 6.38 to 2.66

South America - 5.75 to 2.49

Asia - 5.85 to 2.43

Middle East & North Africa - 6.99 to 3.37

Sub-Saharan Africa - 6.70 to 5.53

Excluding the observed reversal in fertility decrease for high development, the projected world

number of children born per woman for 2050 would be around 2.05. Only the Middle East and North

Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa would then have numbers greater than 2.05 (Kasun, 2002).

WHAT IS OVERPOPULATION

Overpopulation is a condition where an organism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its

habitat. The term often refers to the relationship between the human population and its environment,

the Earth.

HOW DOES ONE DETERMINE WHEN A NATION IS OVERPOPULATED

Overpopulation does not depend only on the size or density of the population but on the ratio of

population to available sustainable resources. It also depends on the way resources are used and

distributed throughout the population. If a given environment has a population of 10 individuals but

there is food and drinking water enough for only 7, then in a closed system where no trade is possible,

that environment is overpopulated. The resources to be considered when evaluating whether there is

overpopulation include clean water, clean air, food, shelter, warmth, and other resources necessary to

maintain life. If the quality of human life is addressed, there may be additional resources considered

such as medical care, education, proper sewage treatment, and waste disposal. Overpopulation places


competitive stress on the basic life sustaining resources, leading to a diminished quality of life (Eby,

2010).

IS POVERTY RELATED TO POPULATION SIZE OR TO RAPID

POPULATION GROWTH

It is believed that lower population growth may reduce the pressure on national resources and

the need for social investments. Over the longer term, smaller families change the age structures of

both families and countries in which they live. The greater number of people in the work force

compared to the number of dependents allows for greater savings and investments. In Brazil, the effect

at the household level is estimated to account for as much as a third of recent poverty reduction. Rapid

population growth contributes to an increase of inequality and rising out of poverty is more difficult for

larger families. As most developing countries recognize, committed and focused policies and programs

are urgently needed to moderate population growth as soon as possible. This will enhance economic

growth and easing demands on social services (Peron, 1995).

HOW MUCH LAND DOES IT TAKE TO HOLD 6 BILLION PEOPLE

Many people believe that we are at or near the capacity for what the Earth can handle for human

population. Others believe the Earth can support far more people. It's far to complicated to determine

what the real limit would be and even if it was possible to make that determination, the real limit would

be meaningless without proper context. Our planet can support many more people if we were living in

near starvation mode and consuming as little energy as possible, than if we were all living at North

American levels of consumption. Throughout human history, technology has had major affects on

lifestyles and agriculture. So how many people can the earth truthfully support? No one truly knows

for sure. If we all become vegan, never bathe, and never drive we will be better off. If we continue as

we are, we will definitely be in trouble. The planet is running out of energy and that will create a

problem that we might not even get to if we run out of water and the ability to grow food (Center for


biological diversity, n.d.).

THE PROCESS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION THAT HELPED

POPULATION GROWTH

Illegal immigration peaked in the late 70's and 80's as the United States admitted a large number

of Southeast Asian, Cuban, and Russian immigrants. Many individuals in these categories have

become citizens which has enabled them to sponsor admission for their parents without any limitation.

A large number of illegal immigrants continue to enter and stay in the country. The increase in the total

illegal immigrant population has been dramatic over the last 15 years. A report issued in 2005 based on

census data estimates that undocumented immigrants constitute almost 30% of all foreign born

residents. The Department of Labor determined that in 2001, undocumented immigrants constituted

over one half of all agricultural workers (National Geographic, 2009).

RISKS TO THE PLANET EARTH FROM OVERPOULATION

In both rich and poor countries, local environmental problems arise from direct pollution from

energy use and other industrial activities, inappropriate agricultural practices, population concentration,

inadequate environmental management, and inattention to environmental goals. When current

economic production has been the overriding priority and inadequate attention has been given to

environmental protection, local environmental damage has led to serious negative impacts on health

and major impediments to future economic growth. Restoring the environment, even where still

possible, is far more expensive and time consuming than managing it wisely in the first place. Even

rich countries have difficulty in affording extensive environmental remediation efforts. Both developed

and developing countries face a great dilemma in reorienting their productive activities in the direction

of a more harmonious interaction with nature. This challenge is accentuated by the uneven stages of

development. If all people of the world consumed fossil fuels and other natural resources at the rate

now characteristic of developed countries (and with current technologies), this would greatly intensify


our already unsustainable demands on the biosphere. Yet development is a legitimate expectation of

less developed and transitional countries (Elsis, 2000).

TIMELINE SHOWING POPULATION INCREASE

(Timeline courtesy of History.com, n.d.)

1830 - The planet's population reaches 1 billion people.

1915 - The U.S. Population reaches 100 million.

1927 - The planet's population hits 2 billion.

1946-1964 - Following WW2, America experiences a baby boom with an estimated 76 million born

during these years.

1960 - The planet's population reaches 3 billion and the birth control pill is approved for use in

America.

1965 - The U.S. Supreme Court grants married couples the right to use contraceptives.

1967 - The U.S. Population reaches 200 million.

1972 - The U.S. Supreme Court grants unmarried people the right to possess contraceptives.

1973 - The U.S. Supreme Court legalizes abortion.

1974 - The planet's population hits 4 billion.

1979 - China institutes its one child policy, offering incentives to families who have one child (rural

families are allowed two children).

1980 - China becomes the world's first country with a population of 1 billion.

1987 - The planet's population reaches 5 billion.

1999 - The planet's population reaches 6 billion people and India's population reaches 1 billion.

2006 - The U.S. Population hits 300 million.

2008 - The planet's population reaches 6.6 billion and for the first time in history, half of all people live


in urban areas.

( Timeline referenced from National Geographic, 2009).

WHAT CAN BE DONE

Find a better balance between population growth and the environment will require the

cooperation of individuals, corporations, and governments around the globe. Renewable energy

sources and sustainable development will be required as will universal access to family planning

resources and reproductive health care for all women. Some suggestions for individuals would be to go

green at home and at work, support organizations working to improve women's rights to education,

family planning, and reproductive health care, donate time and/or money to organizations working to

improve the environment, conserve resources by practicing reduce, reuse, recycle mentality, support

politicians committed to dealing with the issues of population growth, resource depletion, and climate

change (History.com, n.d.).

OPPOSING ARGUMENT

Over the years, many researchers have proved that the problem is not to many people at all.

Contrary to the claims of family planning and population control specialists, world population growth

is actually rapidly declining. The United Nations figures show that 79 countries that comprise 40

percent of the world's population now have fertility rates to low to prevent population decline. The rate

in Asia fell from 2.4 in 1965-1970 to 1.5 in 1990-1995. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the rate

fell from 2.75 in 1960-1965 to 1.70 in 1990-1995. The annual rate of change in world population fell

from 2 percent in 1965-1970 to less than 1.5 percent in 1990-1995. Official forecasts of eventual world

population size have been steadily falling. In 1992-1993, the World Bank predicted world population

would exceed 10 billion by the 2050. In 1996, the U.N. Predicted 9 billion for 2050. If the trend

continues, the next estimate will be lower still (Shiles, n.d.). The overpopulation hysteria began in the

sixties when Paul Ehrlich wrote a book called The Population Bomb. Just as Jaws frightened millions


of people from swimming in the ocean, this book succeeded in scaring people with its prophesies of

starvation, death, and destruction. He predicted massive increases in famine, dwindling and expensive

natural resources, piles of garbage and waste, and environmental destruction. The exact opposite has

occurred. Fewer than half as many people die from famine each year now than a century ago, even

though our population has quadrupled. Many of those deaths today are the result of political action by

ruthless dictators and not a lack of food. People in third world countries consume more food calories in

their daily diet than at any time in history and the calories numbers are increasing every year.

Regardless of how you view the demographic changes, most men and women with any sense of

morality will find it impossible to justify a war on population based on such fears (Author unknown,

2010). Fearing a population explosion because the population grew over the past two centuries is like

fearing your baby will grow to 1000 pounds because it doubles its weight three times the first seven

years. In the late 1960's, population grew at 2 percent. It's now growing at 1 percent and if it continues

to drop as the pattern suggests it will, it will head into negative numbers. Many demographers now

think the world's population will peak at 8 billion within fifty years or so and then go into rapid decline.

So far from facing a population explosion but we are more likely facing a population implosion.

There's been little recognition of the demographic collapse of the West, which will take a time lag of

thirty years to become obvious because of longevity. The thought of the overpopulation scare is to

justify the huge sums spend on imposing authoritarian birth control programs in many countries. They

can claim imminent danger for the planet through the idea of overpopulation. Fear is a big part of what

helps people believe something is accurate. Giving enough fear about the idea of overpopulation can

change people's beliefs in a short amount of time (Eby, 2010).

CONCLUSION

The topics covered in this paper review a lot of the concerns about the situation regarding

overpopulation. Many feel that the situation is of great concern while others think it is a myth and is


not a problem. After reading this paper, readers can make up their own mind regarding their views on

the topic of overpopulation. There are many people that feel the situation of overpopulation is of great

concern while others think it is a myth and not a serious problem. After reading this paper, readers can

make up their own mind regarding their views on the topic of overpopulation. Are we actually living

on an overpopulated planet? I feel we are but you can judge for yourself.

REFERENCES

Author Unknown. (2010). The thin veil: the myth of overpopulation. Retrieved May 28, 2010

from http://www.thinveil.net/2010/05/myth-of-overpopulation.html.

Brown, T. (n.d.). The impact of overpopulation on our plant. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from

http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/tbrown/overpopulation.htm.

Busam, V. (1995). Overpopulation: the world's problem. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from http://

www.sixpak.org/vince/overpopulation.html.

Center for Biological Diversity. (n.d.). Overpopulation. Retrieved May 20, 2010 from

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/overpopulation/index.html

Deery, J. (2010). World Population Awareness. Retrieved May 20, 2010 from

http://www.overpopulation.org/

Eby, M. (2010). The coming population crash: the overpopulation myth. Retrieved May 20,

2010 from http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2010/04/19/population_crash_ext2010

Elsis, M. (2000). We have passed our sustainability. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from

http://www.overpopulation.net/.

History.com. (n.d.). Overpopulation. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from

http://www.history.com/topics/overpopulation.

Hopkins, J. Overpopulation: the human population crisis. Retrieved May 10, 2010 from http://

www.cosmosmith.com/human_population_crisis.htm

http://www.cosmosmith.com/human_population_crisis.htm

http://www.cosmosmith.com/human_population_crisis.htm

http://www.history.com/topics/overpopulation

http://www.overpopulation.net/

http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2010/04/19/population_crash_ext2010

http://www.overpopulation.org/

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/overpopulation/index.html

http://www.sixpak.org/vince/overpopulation.html

http://www.sixpak.org/vince/overpopulation.html

http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/tbrown/overpopulation.htm

http://www.thinveil.net/2010/05/myth-of-overpopulation.html


Kasun, J. (2002). Lifeissues.net: overpopulation. Retrieved May 20, 2010 from

http://www.lifeissues.net/writers/kas/kas_01overpopulation.html

Kasun, J. (2008). Overpopulation – 10 myths. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from

http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/shout-box/19818-overpopulation-myth.html.

Mosher, S. (2009). Understanding overpopulation: basic concepts. Retrieved May 28, 2010

from http://pop.org/understanding-overpopulation-basic-concepts/.

National Georgraphic. (2009). Overpopulation. Retrieved May 20, 2010 from

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/eye/overpopulation/overpopulation.html

Peron, J. (1995). National Center for Policy Analysis: Overpopulation myths. Retrieved May

28, 2010 from http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_ID=13087.

Shiles, G. (n.d.). Earth's overpopulation problems. Retrieved May 28, 2010 from

http://www.booksaboutthefuture.com/overpopulation-problems.htm#top1.

http://www.booksaboutthefuture.com/overpopulation-problems.htm#top1

http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_ID=13087

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/eye/overpopulation/overpopulation.html

http://pop.org/understanding-overpopulation-basic-concepts/

http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/shout-box/19818-overpopulation-myth.html

http://www.lifeissues.net/writers/kas/kas_01overpopulation.html


Student – Self Appraisal of Learning

Michelle Wilder



February 19 2011

Student – Self Appraisal of Learning

As a full time Mother, a full time Rehabilitation Coordinator for a not for profit organization

called Snow Belt Housing Company, Inc., in a very rural Upstate New York region and returning to

college after eight years, I found the Argosy University Online BA Psychology Program to be

informative, interesting, fast paced, and challenging at times yet manageable to complete. The program

helped me to discover and acknowledge some strengths and weaknesses about myself. It made me take

a long look at my personality traits to see which have been influenced by genetics or environment. The

psychology program gave me a good introduction to theories, psychology cases, APA, and the

realization that there is no absolute in the psychology field.

Although I found several things about Argosy University Online Program to be convenient and

extremely structured, at times I felt disconnected from the professors when emails or phone calls would

not be returned when I had questions regarding an assignment coming due but it did not affect my

ability to overcome the challenge or adjust to the program. My professors, classmates, and admissions

agent's assistance to make my transition back to college life was less complicated and very pleasant.

The small classes helped to make it possible to have open and honest discussions which allowed

teachers and students to get to know and understand each other on a different level. I found having

professors who also worked in the psychology field a plus in my overall learning experience as it made

the classes more interesting and the discussion topics were more real which made them more open for

questions and answers from the whole class.


I enjoyed all of my psychology courses and experiences for many reasons. Mainly the

professors and classmates, the skills I have acquired and developed, and the knowledge I have gained

throughout my time with the Argosy University Online Program. I am better prepared to enter the

work force in the psychology field or should I choose to do so, enter graduate school later on to obtain

my Master Degree in Mental Health Counseling.


Multicultural Competency

Michelle Wilder

February 18, 2011



ABSTRACT

The objective of this paper will be to show not only how multicultural has changed over the

years and increased greatly but due to those changes how counseling methods for the most part have

not but should.

With the over all world population becoming more multicultural, multiethnic, and multilingual,

the change in the cultural make up of the United States has required counselors, psychologists, and

social worker training programs to become more aware of these changes and train the people in this

field accordingly. In the last 25 years, traditional theories and techniques have been criticized for being

cultural bound and inflexible. Many counselors, psychologists, and social workers that have been in

the working field for a long period of time are having difficulty dealing with the mass multicultural

influx in their area for their field. Some counselors do not know how to communicate with their clients

if they are of a mixed culture, such as part white and part black or part another ethnicity. That is where

some refresher training could truly be beneficial, not only for the clients involved so they get the proper

assistance and treatment they deserve but also for the counselors as well so they know they have the

confidence to assist them properly without the risk of insulting them or their culture.

In my area, Lowville New York which is in Upstate New York, has never had to deal with

multicultural diversity much before around 1985 when the military base Fort Drum in Watertown New

York expanded. Fort Drum is located in Jefferson County which is a neighboring county to Lewis

County, which is the county in which I live. That's the first time in my rural area that diversity ever


became an issue and many social workers and counselors in my area did not know, and some still do

not know how to deal with their needs properly. When instances of this occur in areas, I feel there

should be education available for the social workers and counselors so they are able to meet the needs

of their multicultural clients without insulting them or mistreating them when they only know one way

of assisting people with not much flexibility given. Multicultural issues are not going to go away, in

fact it is only going to increase as the world's population increases so the more training that counselors,

psychologists, and social workers can obtain in this field while studying for their degrees or receiving

their training can only help them and the people they will be helping later on.

OUTLINE

Multicultural Competency Should be Required for all

Counselors, Psychologists, and Social Workers

I.Framework for Multicultural Supervision Competencies

A.Method of Study

1. Participants

2. Procedure

3. Data Analysis

B.Results

1.Supervisor Focused Personal Development

2.Supervisee Focused Personal Development

3.Process

II.Reflective Practice in Multicultural Counseling

A.Competency

B.Attitude


C.Change

D.Development

E.Identity

III.Approach

A.Cultural Transition

1.Awareness

2.Knowledge

3.Skills

B.Cultural Sensitivity

C.Cultural Understanding

D.Cultural Encounters

E.Health and Illness Beliefs

F.Religion and Spirituality

Multicultural Competency Should be Required for all

Counselors, Psychologists, and Social Workers

There has been an increase in the area of multiculturalism over the years. Multicultural

competence is having knowledge and understanding in more than one culture (Ancis & Marshall,

2010). In the field of psychology, the counselor, psychologist, or social worker may come into contact

with people from such diverse backgrounds that without the proper training the counselor,

psychologist, or social worker may not be able to assist them properly.

In order to gain that kind of education for counselors, there needs to be a framework for

multicultural supervision competencies proposed. A method of study should be created or devised with

the use of consenting participants who have participated in counseling or mental health services in the

past or present, documenting the procedure, and the complete data analysis of the findings.


The participants should be people from multiple cultures such as African American, European,

Jewish, Asian, American, of each gender and perhaps even include heterosexual, bisexual, and

homosexual people as well. No matter what the personal beliefs of a particular counselor, they must

not block or judge the beliefs of their client or potential client.

The procedure that should be documented would be that of interviews, recorded interview

transcripts would be reviewed to clarify their responses, and written information provided by the

participants would be reviewed and taken into consideration. For the interviews, the participants would

be ask to remember a counselor, psychologist or social worker they met with during an individual

session and how that particular counselor handled the diversity of their particular culture or beliefs

during their session or sessions. All the participants would be asked the same set of questions and their

responses would be recorded in the same manner as part of the procedure process.

The data analysis should go along with the interviews and the questions. The reactions to the

participants can say a lot while listening to their recorded interviews. The tones of their voices can tell

if the counselor they had really treated well enough to get them by or if they truly insulted them or

made the participant feel uncomfortable. This type of listening can add a lot to the credibility of the

participant, just by the tone of their voice.

Once the results have been tabulated, the results can be placed in a few categories depending on

the final overall result. Supervisor focused personal development is where the participant stated the

supervisors were assisting the their counselor with a better multicultural understanding and awareness

(Ancis & Marshall, 2010). Basically the supervisor took it as a personal responsibility to their staff and

clientele to have as much knowledge about a diverse understanding. Supervisee focused personal

development is where the participant stated the counselors themselves made a point to gain a better

multicultural understand and awareness of their clientele base without the pressure and assistance of

their supervisor. It not only shows real initiative but also that the counselor truly cares about their


clients. The process that the supervisors and supervisees gain their knowledge about their diverse

clientele is through books, online websites geared specifically towards a particular culture or belief.

Gaining this kind of information before meeting with the client for the first time is most helpful as it

makes the client more at ease for them to know that you understand their belief systems and cultures

so as not to insult or impede upon them whether intentional or accidental (Balcazar, Suarez-Balcazar,

Taylor-Ritzler, 2009).

Some skills that are necessary for this field when working with people of diversity is

competency, the right attitude, being open to change, being able to development plans for people to

help, and to work with cultural identity development.

Competency can be considered the ability of an individual to perform a job properly. When the

counselor has had the proper training to deal with multicultural diverse people, they have the

knowledge, skills, and the behavior to assist them properly. They can also improve their performance

by continuing their education as need be. Competency can also be the state of being adequately or well

qualified in having the ability to perform a specific role (Moodley, 2007).

Attitude can be considered the way a person views something or behaves towards something

after they have evaluated it. These views can be positive, negative, and sometimes neutral. Attitude

towards something normally come from opinions or judgments. It is possible to change people’s

attitudes with education, knowledge, patience and understanding. For example, this is something can

hold true with people of diverse culture. They often are teased and have a hard decisions through out

their life. They do not need to have a counselor that has an attitude against them because of their race

when they are seeking help. Education, knowledge, patience and understanding can help change that

(Moodley, 2007).

Change can be thought of as to transform or convert someone's way of thinking or behavior.

This is something that can not happen without the person being willing for the change to occur. Once


they are willing, they need the education, knowledge, patience and understanding to make that change.

This is not something that can happen over night so the person needs to be patient with the process

(Moodley, 2007).

Development can be thought of as a form of someone's personal growth, maturing, or

evolution. Identity can be considered a set of characteristics that someone has that makes them

recognizable to other people or a particular group. There is and continues to be a growing population

that is biracial, some people that are multiracial. Some suggest that biracial status can be problematic:

Biracial children must come to terms with a culture where standards of beauty are White and other

children may ask painful questions about why they look different from their parents (Lee, 2007). Some

children when they become adolescents have problems with racial identity but appear to be no more

well adjusted than other children of color (Lee, 2007). With some of these issues beginning in

childhood, this goes to show that counselors, psychologists, and social workers need to be more

understanding regarding multicultural issues. Some people have dealt with it for their whole life and it

truly has affected who they are as a person.

There are many factors to take into consideration when working with multicultural diverse

people. The counselors, psychologists, and social workers need to be sensitive to their culture, aware

of their culture, knowledge of other cultures, skills in handling people of other cultures, aware of their

client’s particular health, religion, and spirituality beliefs (Henriksen, Van Wiesner, Kinsworthy, 2008).

To be sensitive to ones culture, the counselor needs to be respectful of the difference between

themselves and their client. They need to have the ability to empathize with their client and to view

issues from their client’s perspective. They need to have a flexible approach and be willing to provide

culturally congruent care while being compassionate towards their clients without judging them based

on their beliefs (Lewis, Bethea, Hurley, 2009).

To be aware of ones culture, the counselors must be aware of the risk of discriminating against


people from other cultures and understand the meaning of culture. The counselors should not draw a

conclusion about an individual based on previous experiences of people from the same cultural

background as all people are different. They should understand there are individual differences

between people from the same cultural background and to appreciate that they should not view other

cultures as abnormal in comparison to their own (Collins, Arthur, Wong-Wylie, 2010). To be aware of

other cultures, the counselors should take the initiative to do some research into the different cultures

that are in their area in case they encounter people from these cultures. Then they may have a different

understanding about their client’s cultures before they meet them and that could demonstrate respect

towards their client’s experiences when they hear about them as they will already have a little

understanding into their client’s culture. It could make the job of the counselor a little easier. This will

also show their client’s that they have the skill to assist them better as their counselor already has some

knowledge of their culture without having to have it explained to them by their client during their first

meeting (Jirwe, Gerrish, Keeney, Emami, 2009).

Some skills a counselor can demonstrate is always respect of the client, their culture, their

beliefs, an understanding for the client’s unique views, showing tolerance, and to show an interest in

their client’s situation by actively listening to their client. To be aware of their client’s health, religion,

and spirituality beliefs, the counselors must be able to identify the client’s preference, be aware of the

importance of their client’s views, understand that people have different views on health depending on

their cultural background, avoid stereotypical assumptions about the beliefs associated with a particular

religion, respect there may be certain religious values the client may wish to follow, and respect the

client’s family when they wish to participate in their care as it may part of their religious beliefs as well

(Pope-Davis, Ottavi, 1994).

References

Ancis, J., Marshall, D. (2010). Using a multicultural framework to assess supervisees’ perceptions of


culturally competent supervision. Journal of Counseling & Development 2010-0788.

Balcazar, F., Suarez-Balcazar, Y., Taylor-Ritzler, T. (2009). Cultural competence: development

of a conceptual framework. Disability & Rehabilitation 2009-1153.

Collins, S., Arthur, N., Wong-Wylie, G. (2010). Enhancing reflective practice in multicultural

counseling through cultural auditing. Journal of Counseling & Development 2010-0788.

Cumming-McCann, A., Accordino, M. (2005). An investigation of rehabilitation counselor

characteristics, white racial attitudes, and self-reported multicultural counseling competencies.

Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin 2005-0448.

Henriksen Jr., R., Van Wiesner IIII, V., Kinsworthy, S. (2008). Counselor educator’s perceptions

of training requirements. Journal of Professional Counseling: Practice, Theory &

Research 2008-0136.

Jirwe, M., Gerrish, K., Keeney, S., Emami, A. (2009). Identifying the core components of cultural

competence. Journal of Clinical Nursing 2009-0918.

Lee, W. (2007). Introduction to multicultural counseling for helping professionals. New York CRC

Press, 2nd ed.

Lewis, A., Bethea, J., Hurley, J. (2009). Integrating cultural competency in rehabilitation

curricula in the new millennium: keeping it simple. Disability & Rehabilitation 2009- 1161.

Moodley, R. (2007). (Re)placing multiculturalism in counseling and psychotherapy. British Journal

of Guidance & Counseling 2007-0235.

Pope-Davis, D., Ottavi, T. (1994). Examining the association between self-reported multicultural

counseling competencies and demographic variables among counselors. Journal of Counseling &

Development 1994-0872.


Michelle A. Wilder

Mod 4 Reflection Paper

Mrs. Hannah Asfaw

September 28, 2008

An important relationship I have developed and sustained for at least six months is a very close

friendship that I have had for over 20 years.

The type of relationship I have with my friend of over 20 years is best described as “relational

maintenance” (Adler, 2007). We communicate very well with each other, especially when we need

something from the other. We have always been very open and honest with each other, always being

positive towards the other. Especially when the other is having a really bad time in their life for what

ever reason, we both know each of us are there for the other no matter what. Since our relationship is

on a friendship basis only, this best describes our relationship.

Our friendship began when we were both in highschool. We met through a mutual friend that

introduced us at a school function. At the time when we met, my friend was a senior and I was a

freshman. The more we saw each other and talked, the more our friendship developed. That continued

to happen over the years and now we have come to know each other so well that we can predict how

the other will react to something before we even bring it up. My friend did most of the “initiating”

(Adler, 2007) of our conversations back in highschool as I was nervous and shy in school, especially

when meeting someone new. He would always approach me, often surprising me as I was unaware he

was near, and stop to talk to me during different times of the day. Normally it was just to say hi and

ask me how I was doing that day, but it was a positive start. Countless times we would be at the same

school function. We would spend a lot of time walking around at the event and talking to get to know

each other more. My friend would come to the school functions, even after he graduated to see his

friends and to keep in contact with people he knew still in school. During the beginning of our


friendship, we discovered we had the same types of music in common. Often meeting up at school

dances was a good way for us to get to know each other even more. Especially since we both liked 80's

hair band music, that was the music mostly played at school dances, which made it was a fun, relaxing,

and safe environment to get to know someone.

Our relationship has always remained just friends, which seems strange with some people. We

tried dating in highschool but realized we were better off as friends. Some people can not believe that a

man and a woman can be such close friends without something more developing. We have entered an

“integrating stage” (Adler, 2007) as a couple of close friends, so close we consider each other family.

We're both married to other people but still make the time to check in on the other one when we can.

Whether we check on the other person by phone call, email, happen to see each other in public, or

when he stops in my house to check, we always keep in contact some how. Luckily for us our spouses

realize how important our friendship is to both of us and are not jealous over it like some would be. He

is an auto body technician and is extremely helpful to me when I need his help with my car. He never

charges me for the work he does for my car. I only have to purchase the parts needed for the job and

he'll install them, which is a huge help financially. I repay him by always being there for him when he

needs someone to talk to. The payment arrangement was his idea as he always says he refuses to take

money from family. That works out well for both of us. He often tells me since we have a lot of the

same things in common and a lot of the same views on certain things, he knows I will not judge him or

criticize him like perhaps his spouse would. So, that's our “payment” system and it has worked for us

for the past 15 years, since I have had a vehicle of my own.

A magnet I have on my fridge reminds me each day how lucky I am to have this kind of

friendship. “Sometimes in life you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being

part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that

there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there is an unlocked door just


waiting for you to open. This is true friendship that will last forever.” I would like to find the author as

it is not mentioned on my magnet.

Since we have been friends for so long, we have this unexplainable closeness in our relationship

that is very highly valued by both of us. We do all we can to make sure it stays that way. I feel our

relationship has lasted so long because our relationship is an equal give and take type of friendship. We

don't take the other for granted and we don't use each other to try to gain something. He needs

someone to talk to, he knows he can always come to me no matter what. I know if I need something

that the same holds for me. Sometimes I look back at how our relationship began. It always amazes

me that our friendship has lasted so long. We have not had any hardships that have seriously affected

our relationship. We both moved away at different times for certain reasons. I moved away to go to

college and he moved to another state for employment. Even though we were far away from each

other, we always took the time to either call or write the other at least every few weeks. Our friendship

stayed in tact even though we were so far apart. Since we both moved back to our hometown area

years ago, our friendship has not only stayed in tact but has strengthened. We truly are fortunate as we

have never fought or something with the other, never had any big problems that we have not been able

to overcome. A magnet I have on my fridge reminds me each day how lucky I am to have this kind of

friendship. “Sometimes in life you find a special friend. Someone who changes your life just by being

part of it. Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop. Someone who makes you believe that

there really is good in the world. Someone who convinces you that there is an unlocked door just

waiting for you to open it. This is true friendship forever.” I would like to find the author as it is not

mentioned. My friendship has been truly amazing and we both are very fortunate to have each other in

our lives.


Reference Page

Adler, Ronald B., Proctor II, Russell F., Rosenfeld, Lawrence B. (2007). Interplay: The Process of

Interpersonal Communication. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc.

My Goals for the Future

As being a lifelong learner, especially in the field of psychology, this is a task I look forward to.

Learning can be such an interesting aspect to any career field. My future goal is to obtain my Masters

Degree in Mental Health Counseling. However, once I have completed my Bachelors Degree in

Psychology, I plan to look for employment in the degree field so I can gain some experience and

further my knowledge in the field as best as I can before continuing my education for my Masters

Degree. The challenge of being a full time online student, employed full time, keeping up with a very

active 10 year old son, and have a household to manage has sure been a real challenge of time

management. Completing my degree has gone to show me not only can I manage my time efficiently

to get the necessary tasks completed but that I also can work well with multiple challenges weighing on

mind on a daily basis. Those skills are good to know when heading out into the work force.