My HSP JourneyKatarina Scheffer

Who I Was

• A devoted mom

• A dedicated student

• A caring daughter

• A baby sister

• A loyal friend

• A loving aunt

• A health nut

• A yoga enthusiast

• A knitter and crocheter

• An avid writer and reader

• An environmentalist

• An animal lover

• A pacifist

• A centrist

• An office manager

Who I Am Now

Still… • A devoted mom

• A dedicated student

• A caring daughter

• A baby sister

• A loyal friend

• A loving aunt

• A health nut

• A yoga enthusiast

• A knitter and crocheter

• An avid writer and reader

• An environmentalist

• An animal lover

• A pacifist

• A centrist

And also… • A systems thinker

• A true partner and team-player

• A researcher

• An advocate

• A planner

• An evaluator

• An interviewer

• A critical thinker

• A self-aware and mindful person

• A Human Services Professional (well, almost)

What I Have Learned or Gained

• A higher level of compassion and understanding

• To be a more empathetic, non-judgmental listener

• The importance of self-reflection and mindfulness in every encounter or situation

• A greater awareness of who I am as a learner, person, and a professional

• The importance of caring for myself as well as others

• An acceptance and understanding of weaknesses and faults, both of others and my own

• More highly developed cultural sensitivity and awareness

• Better communication and critical thinking skills

• The ability to more effectively work independently, with a partner, or within a group

• A greater appreciation of the creativity and diversity that arises from teamwork

• Of the long and colorful history of human services

• The importance of ethical standards in the human services profession

• The butterfly effect: How one small action can have a ripple effect and be far-reaching

• An understanding of systems theory and the belief that everything is interconnected

• The importance of healthy communication in creating true partnership

• That it is up to each of us to advocate for social justice and that with better choices, a better world is possible

How Did I Learn

• Discussion forums full of enthusiastic, talented, and diverse students

• Lectures from knowledgeable, patient, and fair-minded instructors

• Readings that went far beyond textbooks: Seven Life Lessons of Chaos; You Are Here; Doing Good; True Partnership; Making Waves and Riding the Currents; A Peoples History of the United States; Dignity for All; Stat-Spotting; Walk Out Walk On; Beyond Civilization; How the Rich Are Destroying the Earth

• TED Talks from wise, fascinating, and inspirational people

• Researching a variety of thought-provoking topics for papers

• Working with partners and within groups and learning from one another

Even More Learning in My Future

• I won’t be graduating this June because I chose to take a slower pace

• I have three more quarters to complete in the HSP, including my internships

• I will be applying to the Continuing and College Education Distance Program at WWU, to begin once I have graduated this program

• So, more books and studying are in store for me!

Everyday is a Learning Journey

• Everyday I wake up and wonder what lessons I will learn

• There is a lesson to be learned from everyone and every situation, whether good or bad, if we only quieten our minds, look, and listen

• I try to learn from every living creation: A sweet small child or a wise older adult; an enthusiastic dog or a leisurely cat; a cuddly rabbit or an ever-ravenous guinea pig; a gnarly old Rainier cherry tree or an elegant potted Peace Lily

• I read history, fiction, self-help and how-to books and articles, mysteries, children’s books, poetry (I read a lot and about anything that is worthwhile)

• I seek truth and wisdom and enlightenment and a better way

• I am a lifelong learner

What I Strive to Be in My Career and Beyond

• A helper

• A mentor

• An advisor

• A guide

• A leader

• An educator

• A role model

• A member of a team

I Will Remember You

As…

• Colleagues and friends

• Educators and mentors

• Kind and considerate

• Supportive and encouraging

• Competent and inspiring

• Dedicated and tireless

I Hope You Remember Me

As…

• Hard-working

• Capable

• Thoughtful

• Helpful

• Responsible

• Co-operative

• Reasonable

• Competent

• Respectful

• Caring

Thank you for watching and best wishes to everyone. I know that you will all do well in whatever paths you choose to take

in your lives. It has been my pleasure to work with you all.