The Final Countdown

     With just two weeks left of my internship, I think it is time to reflect on my weeks spent at Health Leads.  What an experience it has been!  At the beginning, I was quite apprehensive.  I was unsure if I would make for a good Advocate.  I had a lot to learn.  I feared that I would not be able to handle the challenge set for me.  Well, I am glad I went beyond my comfort zone.  Although very cliché, I am thrilled that I explored the unknown.
     Helping people and trying to make someone's life a little better should be ordinary.  We should not think twice about extending ourselves.  Trying to lessen someone's burden should be a daily occurrence.  Unfortunately, we often get wrapped up in our own matters.  We forget about those around us.  Often, I am guilty of this.  
     Through this internship, I can truly say I remembered the importance of humility and compassion.  As an Advocate, I was accountable for someone other than myself.  My clients invoked my help.  Each week, I called to check in and make sure everyone was doing well.  I shared my client's frustration as well as their joy.  I felt compassion for my clients.  I tried to listen to each story, without judging.  Without predispositions or negative assumptions, I tried my best to help each client.  I never felt that the work I did was extraordinary or remarkable.  Yet, each client showed me incredible gratitude.  It was truly humbling.  To me, I did little.  For them, it meant so much.      
     Luckily, I am returning to Health Leads in the fall.  I consider myself truly lucky to have been such an incredible opportunity.  Remember, the most important thing we can do is help others! :)

   “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

― Margaret Mead

http://www.quotetails.com/Category.php?id=27

Case Closed!

     It is that time again!  As another week draws to an end, I find myself reflecting on my internship.  I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given this opportunity.  As per usual, I arrived at the desk at 9 a.m.  Feeling much more confident, I settled down and dialed the first client in Triage.  This week I was able to reach someone.  Unfortunately, I caught them at a bad time, but the client said they would call our office back.  This is a step in the right direction!  I got in contact, so they know we are here for them, whenever they need.
     After 30 minutes, I began reaching out to my usual clients.  I spoke with almost all of my clients.  Some of my clients prefer to be contacted via email.  After my phone calls were made and emails sent, I researched into particular resources for my clients.  These resources included daycare, job placement sites, and ESL classes.  On Thursday evening, I met with the other Health Advocates for our weekly reflection session.  We shared experiences and offered each other helpful tips.
    I would like to share a particular awesome experience that occurred this week.  I closed my first case!  What does that mean? After we provide a client with the resource that they need, we assess his or her case.  We ask if there is anything else that we can help them with.  If not, the Advocate has met the client's need.  This means that we can close the client's case.
    My client needed information regarding health insurance.  I provided the client with the number of someone who could help.  The client contacted the individual, who will now help with the issue.  Thus, I met the need of the client, and my first case has officially been closed!  What an awesome week it was!

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” 

Desmond Tutu 

http://www.myhealthcarereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Life.jpg