Respond to the Classmate’s Discussion (below) as you would in a face-to-face class by stating why you agree as pertaining to the
discussion.
Discussion 1
Hello everyone! I am from a small town in Northwestern Illinois, Stockton. Above is a picture of me and my husband, Tyler. We have been married for almost three years but have been together for six. He is currently in the Navy and is currently deployed for the next two months. We are currently stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. But this week, I will be moving to Hawaii and soon the ship will decommission. Also, we are expecting in July; we are having a boy! I am very fortunate to have met the love of my life at a young age and can travel the world with him and our future baby! This is my last class before the baby comes, and I will be taking six weeks off. After those six weeks, I will resume my courses. I recently graduated from Columbia College of Missouri with my bachelor's degree in human services. This was also an online program.
My goals for the future include having a healthy baby, finding a career in either a hospital or a school, working with children, and having a happy family. Currently I am unemployed, but I plan on going back to work a year after the baby is born. In the past, I have worked as a paraprofessional in an elementary school and as a CNA at a nursing home.
One human service issue that I feel could benefit from more legislative support is those impacted by domestic violence, specifically the children. I could influence policy change in human services by making the public aware of issues that are occurring. Some individuals get so focused on their own lives that they do not realize what is occurring on the outside. This class will provide me with a lot of insight that I will use later on in my career. I am hoping to learn additional tools on how to handle situations in a professional matter.
Cheers to the next six weeks in this course!
Respond to the Classmate’s Discussion (below) as you would in a face-to-face class by stating why you agree as pertaining to the
discussion.
Discussion 2
I'm an aircraft structural mechanic serving in the Air Force Reserves. Originally from Austin, Texas, I now reside in Florida. In my free time, I'm passionate about basketball, both as a spectator and player, and I also enjoy weightlifting. I spend a lot of my time also at the beach enjoying the sunshine. Beyond my personal interests, I have ambitious goals of establishing two non-profit organizations. One aims to empower foster kids by
teaching them valuable trades, while the other focuses on homelessness prevention through the creation of resource centers.
One human service issue that would greatly benefit from legislative support is homelessness. Despite efforts by various organizations and individuals, homelessness remains a persistent and complex problem in many communities. Legislative support can be crucial in providing sustainable solutions and addressing the root causes of homelessness. Legislation can help allocate funding and resources to expand affordable housing programs, increase access to mental health and substance abuse services, and enhance job training and employment opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.
A proactive and strategic approach is essential in influencing policy changes in human services. Key steps include conducting thorough research to understand the issue's causes, existing policies, and potential solutions. Building coalitions with like-minded individuals and organizations amplifies the advocacy message. Raising public awareness through social media campaigns, workshops, and sharing personal stories is crucial. Engaging policymakers at different levels, attending hearings and legislative sessions, and establishing relationships with them help voice concerns and propose policy changes. Mobilizing grassroots efforts, utilizing data-driven advocacy, collaborating with stakeholders, and maintaining a sustained commitment to the cause are all important.
The knowledge gained in this class will be invaluable for my professional development. I will apply the practical skills and theoretical concepts learned to enhance my effectiveness in my current role. Additionally, I will utilize the expanded expertise gained from the class to explore new opportunities and specializations within my field. The networking opportunities provided in the class will help me build professional relationships that can lead to mentorship and potential job prospects. I am committed to continuous learning and leveraging the information learned in this class to further myself professionally.
I look forward to a great class and getting to learn with all of you!
