This internship
allowed me to get a differed perspective on public service and different types
of policies that TRIO has. I was a college student just as anyone else in the
program so there where times when I felt like I should have helped some students
a little more, maybe allowing them to check out a computer or for a longer
period of time or things like that. However, those types of request were not
under my control and I had to refer them to my supervisor. I knew most of the
students in the program and I was even friends with some of them so it was kind
of uncomfortable at times. Sitting on the other side of the desk definitely helped
me understand why sometimes services are not provided to us the way we want,
there are rules and regulations for everything and that plays a huge role in
our everyday life.
It was also nice
to learn how programs like TRIO have such a positive impact on college
students. Students and staff are very conformable with each other; this allows advisors
to help students not only academically but with personal matters as well. As I have
mentioned in previous blogs, TRIO feels very welcoming and has created a family
like environment. I would say that I was fortunate enough to meet every goal
that I had back when I did my first blog post. I got to do a little bit of everything
around the office, from interacting with students to file paperwork and to even
help organize cultural events. It was definitely a great experience and I am definitely
planning working with them when I come back in the fall.
Sounds like you had a great experience at TRIO. I can see where telling your peers "no" is difficult, but it is a question everyone has or will have to face in the future. Finding the balance between responsibility and friendship is sometimes are blurred line. You can see managers at some businesses/organizations not fully understand these two different roles.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had a great experience in your experience. Advisors play an importantlart in the success of students by making sure the do what the student expects, and many of times policy can hamper the main goal. If students need services we must reconize it and move on, but at the same time we need the skills that are not so favorable to our weaknesses.
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