Interview with Me: a conversation with myself

                     Mountain pass in Tibet with Humboldt State University's China/Tibet Geography Program

Why did you choose Social Work? 
Well, I chose it because it is at the core of who I am. I once took a personality quiz which asks the following questions:

What is your favorite color?
Describe three things that the color makes you feel....

Favorite Animal?
Three things this animal makes you feel or think of....

You are in the ocean...
How does it make you feel? (describe three)

**If you are interested in taking the same quiz, answer the above questions BEFORE you see the interpretation at the bottom of the blog.

I remember the answer to my favorite animal was a human. The human connection is so important and brings more meaning to individual lives. I love people, working with them and getting to know them. 

What was your first Social Work experience?
I would have to say that it was as a result of my dad who was orphaned as a child. When he came to the United States, he opened a restaurant and has committed every year that I can remember to hosting a Thanksgiving celebration for all of the kids in the Sacramento Children's Home. 


When did this turn into a career for you?

Teaching chainsaw training in Juneau, Alaska

After I got my degree in International Studies with a minor in Chinese at Humboldt State University, I was at a loss for where and what work I would find  in the struggling economy. I eventually decided to continue to feed my travel bug and build my resume at the same time by taking an AmeriCorps position in Alaska. My commitment was to teach youth job preparedness and civic engagement by doing environmental conservation and community service.

Alaskan  youth giving the AmeriCorps oath

What is something about you that most people don't know?
Hmmm, I would have to say that most people don't know how old I am since I look like I'm 12 but I'm really 33 years old. I have also traveled extensively, taught English in Tibet, Laos and China and was a teacher's assistant at HSU.

VA Program at Canine Companions

What's in store for you in the future?
I am currently working part-time at Canine Companions for Independence. In the future I am hoping to diversify the demographic of people that I have worked with. My focus has always been on education, youth and conservation but I am looking to potentially work with more adults and specifically Veterans. Canine Companions offers an opportunity to do such a thing as they have a Veterans program while they also serve the disabled community. Although I want to experience work with a different demographic, I am still passionate about education and nature. Another goal of mine is to continue in education but teach at the collegiate level.

** If you took the quiz the interpretation is listed below...

Color: Reflects how you view yourself
Animal: Reflects how you view your significant other or the opposite sex in general
Water: Reflects how you view love

I took this years ago and if I remember correctly, my answers were something like:
BLUE: because it's deep, vibrant & a natural feeling.
HUMANS: because they are amazing, creative & funny.
OCEAN: cold, scared & afraid.

Me & the man I said "yes" to this week!