My first week at Barr-Harris Children’s Grieving Center was not exactly what I expected. I am the only intern there, and therefore am by far one of the youngest workers in the office. I didn’t mind this too much, but there were times where I wished I had someone to discuss with or to work with!

The first day I wanted to make sure I blended in, so I dressed professionally and I expected to encounter people doing the same. To my surprise, the dress code at this office was not as professional as I expected. In fact, people were wearing jeans and sweatshirts and gym shoes! I still dress professionally though. I’d feel uncomfortable coming to work in less respectable clothing!

I don’t have my own cubicle. In fact, I sit at a table inside my boss’s large office. This will definitely keep me focused! This was nice though because it initially made me feel comfortable around my boss, and I knew she wanted me to have a good experience because she was often checking in with me to see how my work was going. I work very closely with her, but not many others in the office. I have done some research for other staff members, but our interaction is mainly done through email. I’m interested to see if this will change or not over the course of my internship.

I’m looking forward to participating in the numerous projects that have here in my upcoming weeks!

My internship is inside the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis, which is so awesome! I am surrounded by a psychologists not only involved in Barr-Harris, but in other practices as well. 

"Hourglass": A response to Victor's essay

After reading Victor's essay, I immediately thought of a hour glass as I'm sure other did too considering the story is written in that shape. I chose this picture of an hour glass to represent more than just the fact that his essay is written in this creative style, but also to represent the fact that in this time, the time of the hourglass, Victor is trying to find who it is he wants to be. But the beauty with an hourglass is that you can continue to flip it over and over again in order to give you more and more time. I don't think time is up. Though I liked the creativity of the hourglass, I thought it was slightly confusing when you shifted topics. Overall, good story!

"New Experiences": A response to Kevin's paper

After reading Kevin’s essay, I thought this picture could somewhat exemplify his risk taking personality. Kevin never was scared to try something new, which is often not the case for many people. He was interested in the world and interested in experiencing everything he could. I liked this essay, it was inspiring. I also could relate to his experience in Honduras because I too travelled alone. Though it was scary at first, it was the best experience of my life. Keep taking chances!

"The norm": An response to Sarah's essay

After reading Sarah’s essay, I thought of a staircase. She talks about the norm, and how people are supposed to follow it but then there are also people who stray away instead of conforming. I think with this master staircase it is obvious that at the beginning there is only one "right" path to take, which is equal to the norms one is supposed to follow, growing up, going to college etc. There are people who stray from that, but does that mean they fall off of the staircase? Then at the end, after college, people start to be accepted when they stray from the norm and with this staircase there are multiple ways you can go after you get to the top. Well written and interesting story!

"The Middle": a response to Justin's essay

I feel I can relate to Justin's essay. I am also the middle child and know the title of "the middle child" comes with many assumptions of how we should be: clouded by both our older and younger siblings, and washed away in the crowd. We then are the rebels who are in search of attention. But I agree that this known definition of a middle child does not apply to me. I chose this song, half because it is called "The Middle" and half because I felt the lyrics could apply to Justin's essay. In the first section, it says, "It's only in your head you feel left out, or looked down on." Middle child syndrome is something that is in your head and you can either stick to the definition of a middle child or break free of it. I think it would be cool to possibly relate all of your topics together and add more visual language!

"Priorities": A response to Carlie's essay

Carlie’s article was about straightening out priorities, but I also believe it was about finding your true identity. When she was younger, she allowed others ideas to cloud her own. She would rather follow the trend than go after what she really loved. I chose this song to represent Carlie’s collage because it talks about losing yourself. At a young age, before you have priorities straight you follow those around you, “Washing what you know out to sea, you can see your life out the window.” It is as if the things you want and belief are washing away. But with time, you find yourself and are comfortable being who you are. I thought this was a very interesting paper. I would like to see it come more full circle, maybe tying in school supplies at some point in the end. Also, I think if you are trying to show priorities in each section, a few were unclear. Overall, good job! 

"Change": A Response to Victoria's essay

I chose the song “secrets” by One Republic to represent Victoria’s essay. The chorus of this song starts out by saying “Tell me what you want to hear,” which reminded me of Victoria because she was scared to leave her comfort zone, she was scared to be different. She didn’t want to be judged and therefore held back. Then it goes on to say, “Sick of all the insincere so I’m gonna give all my secrets away. This time don’t need another perfect line, don’t care if critics ever jump in line, I’m gonna give all my secrets away.” This part symbolizes Victoria throwing away her insecurities, giving her secrets away, and finally being who she wants to be and doing what she wants to do.