My Engaged Learning Experience
Jaguar Leadership Network
Created By: Adriona Turner-Mcbee
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IECC Exterior Building
What was the purpose of choosing Indianapolis Eye Care Center( IECC)?
What was the purpose of choosing Indianapolis Eye Care Center( IECC)?
I received the opportunity to connect with the Eye Care Center apart of the IU School of Optometry here in Indianapolis. This engaged learning experience I acted as a Clinical Assistance, that allowed me to connect with the medical field and observe the day-to-day operations of eye physicians. I am able to interact with patients, and having the ability for my work to directly impact others is the very essence of what physicians are called to do. I've learned how to help manage a clinic, maintain patient files, and interact with patients.
However, even though all of these amazing experiences, I've gain something even more valuable, I am able to experience what the average doctor's life while working in a clinic. Both through paperwork, and through patient interaction, I get a front row seat to be apart of that. I chose this experience, and most important, was selected, for this position because of my passion to gain abilities that I didn't have access to before, and connect with my dreams so closely.
Festive decorative pumpkins created for Halloween by one of IECC Staff
How does my prior experience connect my engaged learning opportunity ?
How does my prior experience connect my engaged learning opportunity ?
Balance. Balancing work, school, relationships is a feat that I never understood yet is one that is so necessary for the path that I chose. In this experience, having close interaction with physicians, who are where I want to be, still being able to maintain a life and a full career shows me the importance of this engaged learning experience.
Watching a physician be able to take off and vacation with her family coming back and working just as hard is something I aspire to do the same one day. Having a life outside of work. Still showing up equally. Balance is about maintance, without burning out and losing touch with everything else that’s important, even losing touch with yourself. Throughout this experience, it has allowed me to reshape what I thought being a doctor is.
What Community Did I serve ? How Did I serve them ?
What Community Did I serve ? How Did I serve them ?
I forgot how to sign was the only thought that was running through my mind as a deaf man asked me to figure out why his glasses were still weird. I looked, smiled at him, and signed OK, and went to go get his information. After this he smiled again, and signed thank you. This interaction never left me becasue it was the first time I was so uncomfortable but needed.
Working within a clinical setting there is a very diverse environment that you encounter, because no matter the race, religion, language, etc., everyone needs to go to the doctor. Connecting with different people allows me to be more compassionate to my fellow humans, in a way I couldn’t have been before. While I always have had very deep compassion for all people, which birthed my dream to become a physician, it is now no longer a dream, but my constant reality.
Later, I came to
the realization this
was a defining moment
What new lessons & skills did I learn in this engaged learning oppertunity ?
What new lessons & skills did I learn in this engaged learning oppertunity ?
One particular situation that left a lasting impact on me was when at work after receiving a call from a patient I was disrespected, felt humiliated, and just embarrassed. Looking back, I can now understand that they were likely frustrated and scared, but in that moment, I couldn’t see that. Fortunately, my colleagues were supportive, quick to reassure me about the situation. Later, I came to the realization this was a defining moment, I learned after the fact, how important it is to recognize being OK with not having all the answers. Patients don’t want to be policed with someone who thinks that they are right, but rather someone who can get the right answers. This skill of being ok with not knowing, is challenge, one that I am still developing every day, yet it gets easier. The knowledge of not knowing, but rather knowing how always find the answer, or the person who can get it.
Row of family pictures of the front desks clinical assistants
What impact did this experience have on me ?
What impact did this experience have on me ?
The impact that this experience have had on me is one that has been lost to me until I really reflect on the person that I have morphed into these last few months. The imprint I left on the population their I would hope is great, but really I've had the privilege to be impacted from them. I've listened to peoples stories, helped assist people from varies walks of life, learned skills that I shall keep even after this opportunity. The lasting difference that I see is building a real tangible network that branches past what I though I would have but is extend to a variety of individuals. And in these lessons and impacts, the greatest thing has blossomed within me, what I want to do for the rest of my life.
How does this opportunity connect to my future Career?
How does this opportunity connect to my future Career?
From the seeds that have been planted from being so actively involved, the roots of my future have rose. I not only can envision my career as something distance, but rather, something that is coming to past, a reality no longer a dream. A reality so clear and specific that came, seemingly out of nowhere. To provide aid to the best of my ability to all people, no matter who they are, what they are, and how they are. This opportunity opened doors for me in ways that wouldn't have been opened without them, a cause as been champed in me, to make this reality one that is based in the continued buidling of networks, experiences, and connections.
Wall art hanging in the halls towards patient rooms called "Ear Earth"
Colleagues at IECC
Summary of my experience....
Summary of my experience....
My biggest takeaway from working within the Indianapolis Eye Care Center is really learning, growing, and shaping myself anew in ways I wouldn't have experienced. This engaged learning opportunity is not something that is taken lightly. Rather it has made me more focused and determined on accomplishing my goal that I haven't been before. The changes that I see within myself are palpable. I am humbled, I am grateful, and even more than that I am able to achieve the things that I have been set up to achieve because of this opportunity.
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