BCC planning discussion

In my previous field placement, I had the privilege of working with a fantastic field instructor who had a unique hands on approach to teaching. One of the essential elements that contributed to my learning the most was her willingness to go out into the field with us and take on new tasks without any hesitation. For example, when we were tasked with contacting clients’ family members to provide them with free glasses, my instructor would demonstrate the right way to reach out to clients on the phone, providing us with valuable guidance. Then, as a student, I had the opportunity to practice reaching out to clients myself, putting my newly acquired skills to the test.

Another approach my instructor took was to provide us with a PowerPoint presentation on the demographics of the clients we served. This was incredibly beneficial as it prepared us for how to communicate with our clients effectively. Lastly, I found that participating in professional development days and site visits was an invaluable experience. It gave me an opportunity to learn more about the operation of domestic violence shelters, for example, and how they are run. Overall, my field instructor’s hands-on approach to teaching and willingness to take us out into the field greatly contributed to my learning experience.

During my time in the field, I was fortunate enough to not encounter any negative experiences. However, there was one emotional moment that caught me off guard. While I was on a field placement, one of my clients unexpectedly passed away. This was a situation that had not been discussed in my classes yet, so I felt unprepared to deal with it. It was a difficult time, but it taught me how to navigate life situations like this. Looking back, I wish I had been better prepared for such an event.(Tiffany)