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Face Time—Praxis Edition
Photo by Roberge |
with:
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From: Santa
Cruz, Bolivia
Major: Economics
Praxis
internship: Art therapist with The Arts Incentive
Program, United South End Settlements, Boston.
What were your
job responsibilities?
I had three different responsibilities.
I directed two groups, Fashion Group and the Arts Foundation
Group two days a week. I also did case management, which
involves working one-on-one with a girl and talking about
the problems she is facing. The last one is an art mentor,
which consisted of one-on-one work with a girl and doing
some kind of visual art activity.
Describe the physical
surroundings where you worked.
I worked in different places.
I had an office for clerical work (writing reports after
each interaction or group) or individual sessions
of case management. I also worked in the art studio where
the groups
held art therapy. Last, we had many field trips to
different parts of Boston.
What did you
wear to work?
I wore casual outfits
for work, such as jeans, long blouses, flats. I tried to
remain comfortable but professional.
Describe the
people you worked with.
I worked with people of all
ages. My supervisors (two) and my co-workers (three graduates
and four interns) were very nice and helpful.
What did you like most
about your internship?
There were many things I loved
about this job, but mainly the feeling of accomplishment
before leaving. The girls that I treated were very thankful,
which made it seem like I had an impact on their lives.
What's your favorite
memory of the summer?
The day before I left, I walked
a girl "home" (the
IRTP at Boston Medical) and she said to me that she wished
I would stay because I had helped her. What I loved about
this wasn't case managing this girl...she just knew me from
group, so the fact that she felt this close to me was really
important to me and the best way to end my summer.
What were your living
arrangements?
It was complicated. I was supposed
to stay with another Smithie in Sudbury, Mass., but after
some family problems I had to look for a home. I lived with
seven other girls from Northeastern in Mission Hill, Boston,
which limited my budget for the entire summer.
Describe your typical
day.
Wake up at around 8 to get to
work by 9:30. Do clerical work or have meetings until noon
and then go to lunch. At 1, begin setting up for the girls
that would arrive at 2 or have individual sessions with girls
until 3. Have groups or field trips from 3 to 5.
How did you spend your
free time?
I had a second job at Jasmine
Sola in the Prudential Center, so I barely had free time
during my last month and a half. I went to the MFA on Wednesdays
for free drawing sessions and I went to the reflecting pond
in front of the Christian Science Center to take pictures
and draw.
What did you learn from
this internship?
This internship was rewarding
in many ways. I was able to help people and practice art
at the same time. I learned that people who help others are
also being helped. You see your life reflected in theirs.
You value and are grateful for the things you have and try
to find solutions to your own problems, too. I believe that
I grew confident, positive, and most of all I became happy
with the decisions I've made so
far.
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