Hey, everybody!

Well, it has been a crazy week with papers and finals. My policy professor, Jim Kunz, was nice enough to give us an extension on our 12-14 page paper if we attended class this week. If we attended class, then our papers are due on Friday (tonight) at midnight. Most of the people that I know are in one of his two policy classes...and all week people have been asking the question: "Have you finished Kunz's paper yet?"

It seemed like every class I walked in this week, someone asked me: "Have you finished Kunz's paper yet?" Well, folks, I just send Prof. Kunz my paper, and I cannot tell you how good it feels to be on the other side!

I have my last final on Monday from 6-9PM in HB I, and of course, field placement takes place next week. My last official day of first semester will be on Dec. 20th at 2:50 when I leave my field placement. Hallelujah!

Now...about those grades. I am not sure when they come...or when we will get them. At my undergrad university (UNC Chapel Hill), we could check our grades online...I'm not sure what the deal is here. I need to figure that out....I'm just happy that I finished Kunz's paper!

I plan on having an amazing time with my family celebrating the birth of Jesus, and I hope that you have an amazing time with your loved ones.
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.'" --Luke 2:10, 11

Write me! (I'll load some pics over the break!)

Posted by Carmen at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last week I made my first call to Child Protective Services (CPS) to report a parent. It was an emotionally draining day. I knew that I would have to call CPS at some point...it's almost a given if you are working with families...but I just wasn't emotionally prepared for how hard it would be.

I felt so badly for the child, and I knew that I had no other choice but to report the situation...that's a part of being a social worker. It is especially hard because it has taken me a while to build up a relationship with this parent, and I am not sure how she is going to receive me now.

It was definitely a "learning by fire" experieince. After I called CPS, they said that I should have called 911 immediately...but I just didn't know.

Now it's time to begin building trust again with this parent and her kids. Will she answer my calls? Will she let me in her house? Will she tell me the truth about what's going on? Will I be safe? Will she trust me? Will her situation change? Will she want to change?

We will see what happens.

Posted by Carmen at 7:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)