Krystina Lange is completing her Bachelor's degree in psychology from Argosy University Online. She has worked various jobs including as a paraprofessional, teacher's aide, and personal care attendant. She believes these experiences will help her achieve her goal of working in social services helping children and families. Lange maintains high grades while raising her daughter as a single mother. She reflects that her time at Argosy has given her a new perspective in psychology and prepared her for her career.

1. 1Undergraduate Studies ePortfolioKrystina LangeB.A. Psychology, 2011

2. Personal StatementMy name is Krystina Lange, 23 years old, and a single mom. I am at the end of my last semester for my Bachelor of Psychology degree and looking forward to using degree in the field of social work and career through county agencies working with children and families. I currently work 2 jobs, 1) A paraprofessional working one-on-one with challenged students, and 2) a PCA (personal care attendant) for a young child. I believe my current jobs are giving me the experience I can use to fulfill my goals. I am a strong person, self-disciplined, strong work ethic, honest, a fast learner, and get along great with others. I have been taking online college courses for about 6 years now and it has been great being able to complete my education while still working and being an involved parent. I thank everyone for the online experience and being part of my future aspirations.

3. ResumeKrystina Lange79002 Scotch Pine Rd.Willow River, MN 55795(218) 658-8658krlange1987@yahoo.comObjective:To obtain employment using experience and educationJob History/Duties:Personal Care AttendantAccess North/Christine BernardWillow River, MNStart date: 10/10 to present*Housekeeping *Administering medication *Transportation of a child *Caretaking of a child Telemarketing Sales RepresentativeDRS AcquisitionsSauk Centre, MN Start Date: 6/08 to 6/10*Phone sales *Customer service *Appointment setting *Surveys *Typing

4. Resume Cont’d ParaprofessionalSauk Centre School District #743Start date: 11/09 to 6/10*Assist children and teachers in an elementary school setting *Supervised lunchtime and recess *On-call schedule and very flexible Teacher’s aideCenter Christian ChildcareSauk Centre, MNStart Date: 9/07 to 5/08*Assisting with all ages of children and activities *Rest time *Lunch time *Interaction with parents Education: Lake Superior College, Duluth, MN, USAGPA: 2.69 Date Completed: May 2009: Associate Degree, Liberal ArtsArgosy University Online, Phoenix, AZ, USAGPA: 3.51 Completion Date: May 2011: Bachelor of Psychology Degree Additional Skills:*Great communication skills *Experience working with all people *Fast learner *Honest *Dependable *Strong work ethic *Excellent writing and verbal communication *Persistent *Optimistic *Punctual *Patient * Very organized *Detail-oriented *Strong independent or team member

5. ReflectionReflect on your academic tenure at Argosy. Write a narrative summary of what you have learned and of the experiences you have had over the years you spent here. Remember to include a self-analysis of your strengths and weaknesses as indicated on the SSAL. Attending Argosy University for the last 1.5 years had been great. I came in just wanting to advance my Associate’s Degree and I left with a new outlook on the field of psychology. I learned how to take control of certain situations; learned how to question children; and how statistics play a part in psychology. I loved the interaction between all the classmates and the teachers. I loved feeling like there was no dumb answer and we could feel comfortable although we never even have met one another. Argosy University has put my thoughts (mostly) at rest on what to expect in the ‘real world’ of psychology and how to handle anything that is thrown at me. I better understand confidentiality issues, informed consent, HIPPA privacy laws, and disability laws.

6. Table of ContentsCognitive abilities (critical thinking and information literacy): Assignments or projects that demonstrate problem solving, analysis, synthesis, appropriate use of information resources, etc. Critical thinking and problem solving are basic aspects to most of past and current assignments for me. I feel that I am familiar and able to perform tasks to meet these outcomes as stated. I typically overanalyze everything and want to know every point of view something can be taken in. I am not one to jump to conclusions; I want to hear every idea and every side of the story before anything is decided. Research skills: A copy of a research proposal, a survey developed, etc. The most recent assignment would be my final paper on a research idea of childhood illnesses (ADHD, ADD, ODD) being real or if it had more to do with parents over-reacting, being neglectful, or just no parenting skills at all and looking for the “easy way out” when it came to dealing with their children’s attitudes and behaviors. I feel that a child should be given a chance before being placed on medication (therapy, intervention, etc). I would like to see a study done to see if there are alternatives for children on meds that parents/educators are not willing to look into. I feel I have a great sense of researching specific topics at hand and able to use literature from sources to add to ideas within my writings.

7. Table of Contents Cont’d…Communication skills (written and oral): A topic paper, presentation outline, or PowerPoint that demonstrates your written and oral communication skills. I was always the more reserved type of student/person. I would rather write and write for periods on end, rather than stand up in front of a group of people and present an idea in fear of embarrassment or rejection. I have done few PowerPoint presentations (4) because in high school, they were optional and even then, they were not very familiar to use. I have great communication skills, even if it does come across more in the form of written versus oral when presenting a presentation. As in speaking with people, I can carry on a professional and well-scripted conversation, I am a great people person, and I get along with most. Ethics & Diversity awareness: A copy of a paper that demonstrates your understanding and/or analysis of ethical and diversity issues in psychology. Knowledge of foundations of the field: Assignments, papers, or projects that demonstrate your understanding of basic concepts, theories, and empirical findings in one or more of the domains of psychology, including biological, cognitive, developmental, personality, and social. Psychology is a vast and immense field which handles biological, cognitive, developmental, personality, and social disorders, issues, and solutions. I work as a PCA (personal care attendant) for a 5 year old who has ADHD, Autism, and Epilepsy full-time. That is my full-time assignment. I am constantly learning different aspects of psychology whether it be developmental, cognitive, personality, or social. I learn more from this child in one day than I might in my classes. I use applied psychology in this way and he constantly teaches me and at the same time I am trying to help him with social and academic skills. Through experience, training, and education, I know that everyone is different; that a single theory or concept won’t work for everyone.

8. Table of Contents Cont’d…Knowledge of applied psychology: Assignments, papers, or projects from courses and/or an internship that demonstrates your ability to apply psychology to personal, social, and/or organizational problems. Same as outcome number 5 above. Interpersonal Effectiveness: PowerPoint presentations, videos of your presentations that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, appreciate diversity and cultural sensitivity and awareness of your impact on others When I have an assignment to do, I do it. But when there is a situation or issue to deal with first hand that deals with my awareness and impact on others, I take it to heart, and I do everything I can to advocate for those who cannot for themselves. Children are my weak spot. Many children are being abused in our country and many of us don’t even know or we don’t care enough to do anything about it. Another soft spot are those with emotional or behavioral disorders. I feel that these individuals are just misunderstood and most people do not have the patience to care about them or how to interact or how to help in the slightest of ways. In terms of diversity and cultural sensitivity, we could do so much better in this world. There is still so much racism and stereotypes and bias when it comes to someone who looks different or has a different routine than some of us. We should take pride that we can learn from others around us. When something is dear to my heart, I will write up a letter of interest or get in contact somehow with those involved or to those who can do something about it (higher up than me). For example, the childcare center I used to work for let me go because I stood up to the director and “exposed” (if you want to call it that) the unfair treatment of children in care (one of them being my own daughter) to put her own children at top priority-even when they were not paying ‘clients’ of the daycare center. After I had called and spoke with the licensing agency, I found out that I was not the only one who was having problems there. It was just a shame that standing up in mine and others defense ended up with me losing my job (but it was worth it in the end). In conclusion, with me being only 23 years old, I feel my head and heart are in the right place in life. I am truly passionate about others and feel empathy and help when I can. I am an avid listener and try to give good advice. Communication is always open between me and colleagues, friends, family, etc because I care. Giving presentations and offering proposals come naturally to me, but more effectively through writing in my experience.

9. My Future in LearningI’m a person that always looks ahead. I am always looking for ways that I can improve my life and the life for my daughter. In this economy, it always seems to be about money and income. I envision myself as a lifelong learner by observing and being part of the world around me. We can learn something new everyday if we just take the time to notice. Everyone can be teachers and students all at the same time. No one ever said there was a deadline for learning.

10. Contact MeThank you for viewing my ePortfolio.For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address below. krlange1987@yahoo.com