Simplistic

I’m not surprise, that the way I approach things is referrer as the simplistic. Is the way, I communicate with peers, friends and family. Well sometimes depending on the situation, I can go straight to the point. I think the way I approach things will help me to communicate some of my clients because they might communicate the same way. It can also interfere with other people because they might get frustrated, if I don’t go straight to the point. Anyways, sometimes when I’m trying to communicate I can be everywhere; I jump from one thought to another. Sometimes, it helps me reduce my anxiety and it can distract my audience, at least in public speaking.I guess, a little humor won’t hurt, right?

Brain yikes!

I think that I use my right cerebral hemisphere more than the left side. I made decision based on my emotions even though sometimes I think through. When it comes to school I'm a visual learner. I like to see things in order for me to retain information. Also, I'm really good at remembering places, things or thoughts. I'm not really good at remembering streets names. I really think that I'm a good listener. I have a hard time with grammar and writing papers. But I enjoy reading. I don't need to make a list to know what I need to do. However, sometimes I forget what I need to do.
Sometimes I think that I don't have a dominant side of the brain, that I'm in the middle.

I like this kind of activities

Holding me back

I have tried to manage my free time but somehow it is hard to divide all my school work and non-school related. Sometimes I think I have a lot of time and I don't take advantage instead I do things that I like to do like watching a show, making food or go out. There are times where I can sit and do homework. But one of the things that I notice is that I'm always thinking about if what I did was right or wrong. Self-conscious is my not my friend, I would say. I worried too much about little things. Another thing, is that I don't like planning things in advance because if I don't accomplish what I wanted to do, I become frustrated. Frustration brings more stress to my list. Lastly, is getting sick. When I'm sick I have a hard time concentrating. All I can think about is how I feel and going to sleep. Will see how this week goes and the next because I think I'm getting a cold. Bright side of this story is that its Wednesday; the week is almost over!

Free write

I enjoy writing free write because I can release some of my stress. It allows me to see what thoughts are taking over. I don't like writing papers so free write is always welcome.

I want to shared something that I encounter during my service with foster youth. I'm doing community service through the YES house, so every Saturday we have service with foster youth. Our program doesn't really have have a structure; our main focus is to provide support, care, safety, and most of all a place when kids can have fun. We have worked with the same kids over the past years and this past weekend we have new kids. The new kids were very isolated and didn't want to talk to us. Some of the answer were, "Why do want to know, is none of your own business, or would you get in trouble if we run away." Good thing, my fellows volunteers were not intimidated. I was surprised at first and I wonder if we had cross some boundaries but I realized they were maybe scared or they don't know how to deal, when someone do care about them.

Silence

I like silence, It might be because I'm not an outspoken person. I think that silence gives me opportunity to reflect on my actions or ideas. I'm not into meditation or I can't be in silent for a long time. I appreciate silence but there is a point where I'm like I need noise. It depends on what silence means to me. Because for me is the time when I talk to myself. Is when I sit and let my thought wonder around without having a purpose. I honestly don't think I can be in completely silence for like 10 minutes.

Wow, I can't believe we are in week 6 already, time is going by so fast!. So far I like how we have been learning about the foster system. Even thought this class is online, is so interesting reading the articles or surfing the web. . I look forward to read or watch stories about the foster system.

Foster youth

Reading all the post for our assignment, it makes me think that we have a lot to do. The film was like an eye opening because even though I knew a little bit, I was so upset to see how these kids end up. Even though they have a support system is not the same as having your own family who can understand them or to count on when needed the most. It is frustrating knowing that some foster parents don't know how talk to foster youth or they threat them like its their fault to be in that situation. Of course, not everyone is like this. I hope to see some changes near the future and to be part of it.

What about now?

We can be part of the solution.

An inspirational song that makes me think of what we are capable of. We as students we can make a difference. It doesn't matter if you studying SW or not, there is a reason why we want to learn. When I think about poverty it makes me feel useless. I feel like not everyone will be fortune to get some help or will survive another day. It's even harder when I have my own family living in a very small town in Mexico that is very far from technology. Then I think about of how lucky I am to live in a country where I had access to free education at least from primary to high school.
Sometimes, I wonder  if there is going to be a time where all professional come together and work as a team.

Almost there

I have already done everything that needed to do to get my degree.  Well, I’m almost done with the requirements because I’m taking my last three classes, in order for me to graduate in December. When, I started my freshman year, I thought I knew what I wanted to do with my life. So, I started taking my prerequisite classes for nursing. I pretty much took all the classes but two years ago that I was taking microbiology; I realized that nursing wasn’t for me. I felt, that I had wasted four years of my college career and it took me a while to change my major. Luckily, my minor was Early Childhood and I was taking some Child Development classes. As you can guess I changed my major to Child Development. I was very happy with my decision. Throughout my college career I have had volunteer at the YES house and I have done tons of community service non-related to school. I did two semesters with Hand-Hand and I plan to go back! Hand-n-Hand takes foster kids to field trips or we just do fun stuff with them for about 3-5 hours. I also work at the Children Center and I love it. Another thing is that when I became part of my sorority I became busier and it was hard to balance school, work and my sorority.

I’m from LA area and it was hard to be far away. There were times that I blame myself for been so far because my family won’t give me any bad news. One of the things that I constantly struggle with is writing papers. So I had to push myself to get a tutor. One of the things that I don’t like to do is ask for help but I have learned to do it. Another thing that I had to learn is time management. I don’t like when things come up but I always try to find a way out and that why I resist making any plans.

I think that I have done both things, I been in positions where I have been along the ride and there are times where I have taken the wheel. Of course, most of the time I have the control for my education. Once, I’m done with school I look forward to get a job with Head Start or Family Ties. I’m pretty sure that wherever I go will use what I learn in my classes.

I won’t be afraid to comment on other people blogs. Will respect what my classmates say and have an open mind. 

Meet my dog Mickey

I got him when he was 2 months old :)

Hello & Welcome

My name is Esperansa Ocampo. I'll be graduating in December :) with a Child Development major with an emphasis on Social Work. I hope to  work closely with families to provide services. After I'm with school I plan to take a break from school. After a year or so I want to go to Grad school to get my MSW.
I'm currently  working at the Children Center, I have been working there for three years. The one thing that I like about my job is that I been working with the same children for three years. Of course I get to meet new children every semester. Before this job I was a Latin@ Peer Mentor. I tried to volunteer work at theYES House as well. I was very lucky to do my volunteer hours with Hand-n-Hand for a year. (I got to work with foster kids).
I hope to work with low income families after I get my MSW and near the future  to work with foster kids.
 A little about myself..Humboldt has become my new home, I been here for six years and I like it!. I plan to stay here after I'm done with school, hopefully with a job. But first I want to go visit my family in Mexico for a month and then come back to Arcata. I like listening to music, going on walks and I like to cook. I have a dog (Mickey) but he is in LA :(.
I hope to learn new things and I look forward to read everyone's blogs!