2. Personal Statement As a young child I found myself drawn to people who were having a hard time. My parents recall me always knowing when someone needed to talk and I was always there to listen. As I got older, my need to help people never wandered. I have always had two passions in life, art and helping others. I have watched myself develop over the years and am amazed by what I have learned. As a child I never understood why I cared about other peoples feelings as much as I did. I now know that I was meant to help people for a living and that need has blossomed throughout my education. When I started my post high school college career I found myself drawn to the art field. I successfully obtained a degree as a graphic designer and not long after found myself a full time career. While working with clients I found myself drawn to who they were and what they wanted their design to “feel” like. I also found myself longing for something more fulfilling. While my career paid the rent, it did not feel like it was what I was supposed to be doing.
3. Personal Statement This feeling landed me into a college for animation. Animation was an amazing world filled with feelings and emotion. I learned how to read emotion and create feelings within a character. This education taught me a lot about the people around me and taught me how to pick up on little signs about the way others may be feeling. A year into my animation degree and I knew where my place was supposed to be and it was not creating characters or developing logos. I was supposed to be helping people. A lot of my spare time has been used volunteering for the local Veterans Services office. Our military veterans see a lot in their time overseas. I have seen firsthand what time overseas can do to a person and their family. My majority of my volunteering has been used to raise awareness about the services offered through the Veterans Services office. One of the Veterans Services clients had a story that was so amazing that I had to capture it. I donated a portrait of a military veteran who, after 50 years, was found in Korea and brought home for proper burial. The picture included the parents of the veteran and the veteran himself. The picture is something that could have never been seen in real life because it depicted each person at the time of his or her death.
4. Personal Statement While a drawing is a simple thing, the effect it can have on a recipient is overwhelming. Through volunteering and schooling I have become more aware of how diverse we are as individuals. During my psychology education I have developed a special interest in working with children. My career goals are to obtain a job as a child and family social worker. I currently work as a cell phone sales representative. My commitment at this job is not to sell a phone but to find the best solution for my clients. This is the way I feel about all aspects of my life, both personal and professional. I believe having art in my background has helped me pick up on little things that may have otherwise been overlooked. I find people complex and fascinating. An expression and body movement can say a lot about how someone if feeling and indicate when something is not right. I believe my education will not only help me in my career goals but also in my future educational endeavors. Having my bachelor’s degree opens doors that may have otherwise been shut. My goal of becoming a child and family social worker is now more obtainable than it was in the past. While I am happy with my current education, I would like to further it and obtain my masters degree in psychology.
5. Personal Statement I believe having my master’s degree, along with real world experience will help me offer the most to my clients. My ultimate goal is to help others. I know that advancing my education will help me as a social worker and individual. Click on picture to view fun 2D video.
6. Resume OBJECTIVE: Entry-level position utilizing education and training in social work EDUCATION: Argosy University Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, August 2011 GPA: 3.96/4.0 Alexandria Technical & Community College Associates of Applied Science, Communication Art & Design, May 2006 Certificate, Multimedia Production, December 2006 ACADEMIC HONORS Member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars for continued academic achievement at Argosy University, 2010. Member of Phi Theta Kappa, for maintaining a high GPA at Alexandria Technical & Community College, 2005.
7. Resume (Continued) VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: Isanti County Veteran's Services Cambridge, MN, 2006-Present Volunteer Graphic Designer, Support the mission set forth by the Veteran's Service Officer. Create billboards and signs to help veterans find a resource after returning from war. Donate artwork to families who have lost loved ones in the war. Midwest Manufacturers' Association Elbow Lake, MN, 4/2010 – Present Executive Assistant, Work with manufacturers and service providers by answering questions and assisting in meeting preparation. Help with conflict resolution and crisis management. Design meeting announcements and newsletters for three different organizations. Collect and record money transactions. Handle confidential materials about account information.
8. Resume (Continued) VOLUNTEER AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY (Continued): Spectacular Events Banquet Center Isanti, MN, 7/2008 - 5/2010 Server/Decorator, Assigned tasks to team members based on past performance and skill set. Supervised events when the owner was not present. Prepared food and setup the banquet center to desired specifications. Developed solutions for off-site catering events. Action Graphics Baxter, MN, 5/2007 - 7/2008 Graphic Designer, Provided solutions for small businesses in relation to advertising and business identity. Applied vinyl graphics to signs and vehicles. Consistently finished projects on or before their deadline. Organized and filed paperwork in a way that helped with the efficiency of the company.
9. Resume (Continued) SKILLS: Able to Maintain Emotional Control Under Stress. Skilled at Active Listening Can Handle Responsibility and Work Independently Knowledge of Interviewing Procedures Emotionally Mature and Empathetic Mastery of Microsoft Office Programs RELEVANT COURSEWORK Psychological Assessment Counseling Theories Social Psychology Cognition and Learning Children and Violence Diversity Research Methods
10. Reflection Although I have only been at Argosy University for a year and a half, I have learned a lot about what it takes to be a successful and productive student. Online classes have taught me important time management skills and self discipline. My studies at Argosy University have helped me develop my professional portfolio, which reflects on the valuable information I have learned in regards to Psychology. The assignments at Argosy University have developed my critical thinking skills. While there were many times when I felt burnt out, remembering my goals helped me push forward and obtain a 3.96 GPA. My major weakness throughout my education was APA citations. Now, I have a firm grasp on what is and is not correct. My major strength has been time management. I have never been late on an assignment or not completed an assignment. I have deeply valued my time at Argosy University and am excited to use my knowledge to help others.
11. Table of Contents Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Research Skills Communication Skills: Oral and Written Ethics and Diversity Awareness Foundations of Psychology Applied Psychology Interpersonal Effectiveness
12. Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy My professional work sample provides information relevant to a particular psychological case. The sample includes information pertaining to language acquisition stages and strategies that may help the people involved. Click the link below for my work sample that exemplifies my critical thinking skills. https://www.box.net/shared/lvyer1d7cf3rpzzxigmz
13. Research Skills My professional work sample provides information relevant youth and gang violence. The sample offers a thesis along with peer-reviewed sources. Click the link below for my work sample that exemplifies my research skills. https://www.box.net/shared/inhik6k1pcffcpyfsvex
14. Research Communication Skills:Oral and Written Skills My professional work sample provides a PowerPoint on the Gestalt Principles of Organization. Pictures are used that relate to the Law of Similarity. Click the link below for my work sample that exemplifies my research skills. https://www.box.net/shared/d3dnz5df6kds2qrnv9bq
15. Ethics and Diversity Awareness My professional work sample explores diversity through self-examination. My sample describes what I would do if I were to become disabled. The sample also provides information for people who suffer from a physical ailment. Click the link below for my work sample that exemplifies my research skills. https://www.box.net/shared/r5vxs7lrylf66qahcgo6
16. Foundations of Psychology My professional work sample explores the development of gangs. I explain particular characteristics as well as interventions and processes. Click the link below for my work sample that exemplifies my research skills. https://www.box.net/shared/abmzrq0n7pead1b8ft6v
17. Applied Psychology My professional work sample explores organizational commitment. I indicate specific job hygiene’s that impact job satisfaction. Click the link below for my work sample that exemplifies my research skills. https://www.box.net/shared/es1hhg31g8v8lby3gf99
18. Interpersonal Effectiveness My professional work sample is a PowerPoint that explains personality traits of extraordinary leaders. Some of these traits include integrity, optimism, and dedication. Click the link below for my work sample that exemplifies my research skills. https://www.box.net/shared/m5nbj72kajn9ztxk4acd
19. My Future in Learning Not a day goes by that I do not learn something new. My future will only be successful as long as I continue to learn and teach myself. The field of psychology is constantly changing. In a few years I plan to go back to college and obtain my Masters degree. This endeavor is something that will improve my knowledge of psychology as well as help me achieve my future goals. “One can never consent to creep when one feels the compulsion to soar.” - Helen Keller
20. Contact Me Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio. For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address below. leearost1@yahoo.com
