1

Journal Entry #1

Leta Nesmith
AHS 8100
Professor Payne
May 15, 2016
You are being asked keep a written account of your daily activities during your
practicum experience. Each journal entry should contain the following information:
a. Analysis of your experiences as an intern using reflective processing techniques.
b. Analysis of your strengths and needs related to the performance of the duties of a
Human Services administrator.
c. A clearly articulated self-improvement plan based on your analysis.
You may also include any miscellaneous information that you believe is pertinent.
Monday, May 9th
I met with my supervisor for an hour. My supervisor (Rebecca) and I set up times that
we would meet from now until the end of my internship. We agreed to meet at 10:30
am each Monday morning for an hour. That is when I I will receive my assignments.
Rebecca also wrote me an email previous to our meeting with my assignments for this
week. We reviewed this list during our meeting.
Rebecca had me review IREM or white papers to assist in leadership goals and what it
takes to become an efficient leader. It was very informative.

I think I need assistance in the area of time management. I have a problem with
procrastination. I do not complete tasks early or when I have the time. I tend to wait
until the last minute. I get my tasks done in time, but I wait and if something was to go
wrong or I had to unexpectedly change my schedule, it could possibly be a problem.
Tuesday, May 10
I emailed the team of Service Coordinators today to schedule the May Carolinas
Services Coordinator Meeting. The Service Coordinators are based on various
properties in North and South Carolina. I chose two dates and had to schedule my
meeting around the full staff meeting. Every member of the team responded except for
one coordinator. I have had a problem with this person in the past and her not
responding to emails or questions.
I also had to continue to review the white papers about leadership. Some of the
articles are quite lengthy but are not a difficult read. I have to choose one and prepare
a summary and discussion about how that skill relates to my set of skills or how I can
improve.
A strength is my ability to reach out to others and have conversation. I am careful to
proofread emails and be sure that I am not coming across in a negative light. I did
however realize that I do become upset when people do not respond to my emails.
Especially if it is an ongoing issue. I realize that this same person does not respond
often to my current supervisor. I am curious if it is a personality conflict, if she does not
care, or if she has a legitimate excuse (I cannot see that being the case).
Wednesday, May 11
I reviewed information from a training entitled Is Independent Living Illegal? This
pertains to our jobs since we all work on HUD properties and we as Service
Coordinators work with the elderly. Our job is to help them age in place.
After reviewing this powerpoint informational, my supervisor told me that a property
manager has attended this training already. I then emailed her (she is in North
Carolina) and asked if she could present some to the information she learned during the
Service Coordinator meeting.
I also worked with the property manager at my property. I devised a list of questions
before I met with her about how certain aspects of the property work such as
reasonable accommodations request (which will be my job for all of the Carolinas
properties) during my internship. We also worked on some budgeting and how each
propertys budget are arranged and where money can be moved and for what reasons.
We budgeted our conference trip (airline and hotel) to Chicago as well as the rent and
residents who had outstanding balances and those who were late.
I learned that I do not like budgeting, but am aware it is part of the job. I tend to zone
out when it comes to numbers and have difficulty following the number trail. I need to
work on this A LOT and spend more time in the area of budgeting and finding software

or tips to assist me in this area. My property manager has volunteered to take time to
help me with this area.
Thursday- May 12
I finalized the date for the Service Coordinator meeting. I set the time up around a
conflict with one of the SCs schedule. This had to be done via email. I noticed that I
never received a response from my co worker about her availability for the May
meeting. I did email the team with a date and time for the meeting. I also mentioned in
the group email that I heard back from everyone except that one worker. She then
emailed me back responding with her availability which was the exact opposite of the
date I chose. I also confirmed and reviewed presentation material with New Bern
property manager for the May Service coordinator meeting.
I do intend to speak with her via phone about this problem. One strength I do possess
is the ability to address issues and speak with coworkers and subordinates. I am not
afraid of confrontation and it does not bother me. I know that I am not a mean person
and am only bringing this up out of concern. I plan to speak with Rebecca about this
issue on Monday and see if the conflict is just with me or if she has the same problem.
Friday- May 13
I put together my tentative agenda for the May meeting. I have to present this to
Rebecca on Monday. I also started working on a problem on another property.
Rebecca has given the problem to me to begin devising a solution. I began researching
the paperwork for the HUD grant that one of properties receives. I am to begin
submitting this report to HUD to ensure we receive the grant money beginning next
month. I was given an explanation of why we receive the grant, how the money is used,
and what needs to be included in each report to ensure that the money is received on
time.
I am nervous handling this grant information. It I submit something wrong, it could cause
a delay in funds that the property needs in order to continue daily business. A
weakness I noticed that i have is a fear of making a mistake. Mistakes are made all the
time (I forgot to hand in my timesheet on Thursday), but that mistake only affected me
not everyone else. I feel like mistakes are a reflection of me being incompetent but I
know that it is also a learning experience. I need to develop a plan for myself in order to
deal with setbacks and mistakes so it does not affect my confidence.