sparky7189
Full Member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2024
- Messages
- 47
- Reaction score
- 15
Hi all! Having a little trouble picking out a challenge topic to write about that's also unique, I feel like a lot of my situations come off as generic.
1) My first few months working as a medical assistant were rough. I felt underqualified, constantly compared myself to coworkers, and panicked during situations I didn’t know how to handle. I had a tendency to rush into decisions just to “fix” something quickly, but it sometimes caused more issues or shifted the burden onto my team. Especially being in a small clinic that was overbooked many days, I had to really adapt between front and back and working with my team. Over time, I started focusing on growing in my own lane asking for feedback, being proactive in taking on tasks I felt uncomfortable with, and learning to slow down, consider all factors before acting, and just being ok in situations with uncertainty. Eventually, I actually have had additional responsibilities given to me such as coordinating our office's shot patients and other supvisory roles.
2) When I first started hospice volunteering, I was honestly nervous to be alone with patients, especially knowing many were terminally ill. I didn’t know what to say, and I was scared of saying or doing the wrong thing. At first, visits felt a bit stiff. But with time, I learned how to prompt gentle conversation, how to sit in silence when that was what the patient needed, and how to be emotionally present without trying to "fix" anything. It challenged how I thought about connection and comfort. The experience made me a better listener, helped me get more comfortable with vulnerability, and showed me the quiet kind of strength that patients often needed most.
3) I volunteered as a piano teacher through a program that offered free music lessons to underserved schools. One of my students was neurodivergent and didn’t respond well to traditional teaching. It completely changed our dynamic as I kept thinking the way I learned music was the best approach. Eventually I realized he was a kinesthetic learner so I adapted by incorporate movement into lessons. He became more engaged and eventually performed at our recital. That experience taught me how powerful it can be to set aside ego, adapt creatively, and meet someone where they are.
1) My first few months working as a medical assistant were rough. I felt underqualified, constantly compared myself to coworkers, and panicked during situations I didn’t know how to handle. I had a tendency to rush into decisions just to “fix” something quickly, but it sometimes caused more issues or shifted the burden onto my team. Especially being in a small clinic that was overbooked many days, I had to really adapt between front and back and working with my team. Over time, I started focusing on growing in my own lane asking for feedback, being proactive in taking on tasks I felt uncomfortable with, and learning to slow down, consider all factors before acting, and just being ok in situations with uncertainty. Eventually, I actually have had additional responsibilities given to me such as coordinating our office's shot patients and other supvisory roles.
2) When I first started hospice volunteering, I was honestly nervous to be alone with patients, especially knowing many were terminally ill. I didn’t know what to say, and I was scared of saying or doing the wrong thing. At first, visits felt a bit stiff. But with time, I learned how to prompt gentle conversation, how to sit in silence when that was what the patient needed, and how to be emotionally present without trying to "fix" anything. It challenged how I thought about connection and comfort. The experience made me a better listener, helped me get more comfortable with vulnerability, and showed me the quiet kind of strength that patients often needed most.
3) I volunteered as a piano teacher through a program that offered free music lessons to underserved schools. One of my students was neurodivergent and didn’t respond well to traditional teaching. It completely changed our dynamic as I kept thinking the way I learned music was the best approach. Eventually I realized he was a kinesthetic learner so I adapted by incorporate movement into lessons. He became more engaged and eventually performed at our recital. That experience taught me how powerful it can be to set aside ego, adapt creatively, and meet someone where they are.
