So here we are in week 5. Field is well underway. As I mentioned in a prior blog, I have been placed at a correctional facility where the inmates are on work release in the surrounding community. It's a very interesting place and so far I am really enjoying my time here.

The hardest part, so far, is just getting a handle on the work-school-family balancing act. My hours are 12-8, which are not super ideal hours for a parent with school-age children. However, I'm doing my best to make this work on all fronts, and my husband has really stepped up those two nights I am gone. The kids seem okay with it so far because, since the location of the placement is just 10 minutes from home, they get to see me for a few minutes just before hopping into bed.

I was originally thinking that my placement would not be a place where I would want to bring my kids. Yes, I realize that thought process implies something about me in terms of privilege and judgment, but I'm being honest here, and I am a bit extra protective of my children.

By chance, though, I had to go by the facility the week before I started to pick up some health-related paperwork and had no choice but to bring the kids along with me. We had to wait for a few minutes so the person with the paperwork could be located and that limited exposure did something. My 7yo remarked in a very loud "whisper," "Is this a COLLEGE?" because she could see the residents eating dinner in the cafeteria down the hallway. Needless to say we had a discussion in the car on the way home about what a jail is and how people get there. But somehow being inside the place themselves gave them a level of comfort. Knowledge really is power.

I got my first client last week -- hence, the title of this blog. I do feel that the course work I have completed up until this point is really an asset. Having done a fair amount of the academic work in this program before going into the field, I have a much better sense of what social work is all about than I did a year ago this time. I'm really glad I did the program in this sequence.

Having said that, though, it seems that Field involves a lot of thinking on your feet. I'm definitely relying some upon my past work experiences, particularly in the legal field. Still, after all the orientating is said and done, it seems you have to just do, and make plenty of mistakes in the process, in order to learn. So, here I flounder. I certainly hope to "do no harm." Only time will tell.

Posted by Kathi at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow. It's already week 3 of classes. I can't believe it.

It's possible I am just deluding myself but, so far, this semester feels pretty light compared to last year. I went mini-golfing yesterday afternoon with the family and did not feel the usual twinges of guilt. My assignments were done for the week and I felt on top of the school part of things. Mostly I am focused at this point upon developing the routine at home in terms of the kids' homework/activities and working out the kinks for the two afternoons/evenings that I am at my field placement. I'll spare you those details.

I don't know if you've seen the new "green" building at the University of Maryland's Shady Grove campus. I saw this building under construction last year but had no idea it was slated to open this Fall. It's gorgeous. I feel quite spoiled as I walk to my Practice class. There's a new library on the first level that is a huge improvement over the tiny former library. There's also a bookstore now - or at least one that will remain open throughout the semester, instead of a temporary set-up for just the first two weeks. The cafe area is still receiving some finishing touches but looks promising. The classrooms are light and comfortable.

I think that's about it. Hope all's well with all of you.

Posted by Kathi at 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)