Haleigh Menendez

I would say the most significant learning experience I have had during this internship is to listen and put it into practice. No matter what experience you have or don't have, the best skill someone can have and use is active listening. I have found when someone is actively listening to learn instead of just responding, they are more likely to obtain and be more successful with their task than someone who is merely listening to respond. I have seen how the simple task of having to repeat instructions, constantly show volunteers where something is, or how to properly do something can become very taxing and stop the supervisors from completing other tasks at hand. And this is simply due to the fact that the other volunteers are not actively listening. They are not listening to learn and grow from it, but instead listening to respond and be shown where to put it. But I have seen how this is not successful because then the same volunteer 10 mins later has the same question and has not learned from the first time. And while my directors may not show their frustration, and may keep a professional attitude, I know that can be frustrating and tiresome and does interfere with their other work and tasks. So when it comes to me being a volunteer, I am seen as such an exceptional volunteer or worker because I don't constantly stop them from doing their work by asking repetitive questions. I listen the first time and pay attention closely, so I can learn how to complete what is asked of me and do it to the best of my ability. I can also see how my ability to listen before speaking has improved my ability to work with families. Just this week my supervisors had me do solo family visits, and at first, I asked her if she was sure and she said that she had been watching the way I interacted with families and even other volunteers and knew I was ready. As Sweitzer and King put it, I have reached the competence phase within my internship, and both my site supervisors and I are confident in my ability to complete the task set out for me. I would say that I have learned so much within a short period of time but the biggest has to be active listening. I have seen how it can take you very far in such a short period of time.