Reflection

On November 12th the psychosocial clinic created 20 hygiene kits for people experiencing homelessness. These kits were donated to The Road Home, a private nonprofit organization helping the unhoused population in Salt Lake County. I was one of the OTA leading students for this clinic completing tasks including organizing supplies, leading the group, and documenting for the session. The group worked together in an assembly line format to package the hygiene supplies in a drawstring backpack. Once the bags were created, the group wrote, decorated, and signed cards that would be placed inside the backpacks. 

The psychosocial clinic allowed me to discover how fun it is working with this population. My favorite aspect of this experience was simply getting to know each client and working on my rapport-building skills. I learned that I do well as a group leader and that I would be open to running groups in my future of becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant. Organizing one of the service learning clinics was definitely extra work, but I was pleased with the outcome. It was great educating the clients on the population we were helping, as it allowed us to leading students to encourage the clients to continue helping others. This experience was very fulfilling, and a wonderful learning opportunity. 

Over the course of the psychosocial clinic, I developed clear communication skills, the ability to manage a group dynamic such as balancing dominating and passive personalities, flexibility and problem-solving when managing time and activities, and my overall knowledge of group protocols. This clinic helped my understanding of the role of community and service in the lives of others by engaging in a service project that gives back. It was wonderful engaging in a learning opportunity that benefited all parties involved.