Leta Nesmith

You are being asked keep a written account of your daily activities during your
practicum experience. Each journal entry should contain the following information:
a. Analysis of your experiences as an intern using reflective processing techniques.
b. Analysis of your strengths and needs related to the performance of the duties of a
Human Services administrator.
c. A clearly articulated self-improvement plan based on your analysis.
You may also include any miscellaneous information that you believe is pertinent.
Monday, May 30
It was Memorial Day! I enjoyed the vacation!
Tuesday, May 31
I ran my Service Coordinator staff meeting with minimal assistance from my Regional
Housing Manager. It was a tough meeting since we meet via teleconference and the
phone system repeatedly dropped the call for myself and 2 other staff members. I
quickly became stressed since I was running the meeting and I could not even stay on
the call. I used my cell to call in, but that also was frustrating since my cell does not
always have a stable signal in the office.
I finally got on, cracked a joke or two to settle everyone, and started with the agenda. It
was a productive meeting and my co-workers told me I did an excellent job despite our
technical difficulties. I realized do become frustrated faster than I thought. I also
realized that I am able to talk to myself and regroup and proceed forward.
Wednesday, June 1
Today was the full staff meeting for the Carolinas Team. I co-facilitated the meeting with
my supervisor Rebecca. I did realize again that it is tough to hold a meeting with 42 staff
members via teleconference. Again, people were dropping off the call and rejoining the
call. We even lost Rebecca at one point in the meeting which was her time to present
and information that I did not know.
I am learning to keep calm. I am learning that others are understanding when things go
wrong and it is not a reflection of the person.
Thursday, June 2
A new Service Coordinator reached out to me for assistance. The previous SC had not
left any completed files and did not do any of the necessary paperwork or e files. I
spoke with the RHM. She replied I could travel to her property (which is about 90
minutes) and assist her and show her how to set up her office and set the files up so
they will pass a HUD inspection. I told my co-worker that I would contact her the
following week to let her know the time and date I would come to her property.
I feel for the new Service Coordinator because we do everything remotely. It is
extremely difficult to learn the job (software, files, etc), when you can't show someone
and ask a direct question.