Class of 2006: Practicum Reflections

Compiled by Katie Warsinske

Since we, the second years, have now had at least three practicum experiences, I thought it would be interesting to see our reflections on them.  I asked my classmates what they liked about their practicums or what they learned from a supervisor.  I also asked them about what they were most looking forward to during internship.  I think everyone is looking forward to it!  Their answers are very diverse!

Lyndon Mitchell:  My current practicum placement (Minerva Deland School) is by far the most exciting, as my skills (testing, consulting, FBA) are being constantly used.  The ability to get feedback from my supervisor is also allowing me to assess which of my skills may need honing and how these skills can be improved.  I am looking forward to not having to write any more fifteen page APA style papers during my internship!

Janette Russell:  My practicum placement that I have now at the School of the Arts is extremely interesting.  I have the opportunity to spend time in a place that values the arts and cultivates the talents each student has.  I am also gaining experience with a much more diverse population which is also interesting.  In internship I am looking forward to having my afternoons relatively free.

Susanne Nowatzki:  One of the most important lessons I learned from a practicum supervisor was how to react to crisis or emergency situations.  She emphasized the importance of allowing your passion to drive you, without showing your emotions.  She was able to be a stable, secure, and knowledgeable resource at times when emotion took over for most people.  In internship I look forward to better developing my own crisis skills and overall knowledge base.

Valerie Mergler:  At practicum I saw the way a caring adult and a safe place to talk in school can have a positive impact on a student’s attitude towards school and the future.  I look forward to gaining more independence and sharpening the skills I have learned at RIT during my internship.

Steve Verstraete:  The most important thing I’ve learned from my practicum experience is that there is almost always more than one way to do things.  Different people have different styles, but can all be equally effective.  I’m looking forward to internship because frankly, I’ve been in college for 6 straight years, and I’m more than ready to move on.

Melanie Washburn:  My practicum experience at the alternative high school taught me about the importance of boundaries and establishing rapport with difficult to reach students.  I look forward to utilizing counseling, assessment and consultation skills in my internship and continuing to practice skills to effectively work with a wide range of people including colleagues, parents, teachers, and students.

Kecia Boncek:  My past practicum experience at Pavilion taught me the importance of working as a team.  My supervisor and the social worker worked together to develop effective programs for their students.  When I go on internship I am looking forward to having a day job and not working on the weekends!  I am excited to use all the skills I have learned at RIT!

Teri Lawson:  My practicum placement with the bilingual assessment team for the City School District allowed me to see how Spanish dominant students were assessed, including which instruments were used and some of the problems with bilingual assessment.  I had the opportunity to go on a home visit and see how the whole assessment team worked together when conducting an evaluation.  I am looking forward to applying all the skills I’ve learned over the last two years in internship.

Katie Curione:  My current practicum placement is helping me fine-tune my assessment and report writing skills.  My supervisor is very flexible and allows me to have several different opportunities at all grade levels.  I am looking forward to internship because I will be able to work five days a week as a school psychologist.

Danielle Malinowski:  The best experience that I think I gained through my practicum placements was co-facilitating a counseling group.  It was a great experience that I learned a lot from.  On internship I am looking forward to no longer taking classes and gaining the experience of course.

Katie Warsinske:  I have had a couple of really great practicum sites.  I love having the opportunity to learn from someone who is currently working with children in the school setting.  You really begin to see how things aren’t as straightforward as it sometimes seems when you are learning skills in class!  I am looking forward to being a school five days a week and really getting to understand the school system.