The purpose of this assignment is to provide students the opportunity to reflect on and demonstrate their initial understanding of the concept of helping and to share their interest in the helping professions.
Please take a moment to think about and respond to each of the following questions. Be sure to answer the questions in complete sentences while being as detailed and concise as possible.
1. How do you define helping?
2. What is your main motivation for wanting to be a helper? Who in your life has influenced your decision to consider this role for yourself?
3. What has attracted you to the helping professions?
4. Think of a time when you needed help from another person (a professional, friend, family member, stranger). What did you most want from this person? What did this person do that was effective or was a hinderance?
5. Think about the attributes of an effective helper? What traits or characteristics do you believe are most important?
6. How can this course support you in developing and/or growing skills you believe you need to be an effective helper?
7. If you were to pursue a career in one of the helping professions, what would your ideal vision be? What kind of work appeals to you? With what clients would you most like to work? What kind of human service would bring you the greatest meaning and satisfaction?
8. Currently, how prepared do you feel you are to enter one of the helping professions?