Reflection 2 Kate D

1) How did this class impact you both as a health professional and personally?
This course has really allowed me to open up to the idea that it is possible to empower adolescents to assert and recognize their rights as young people in society that often neglects to hear their piece in decision making. I used to shy away from dealing with adolescents, thinking that they had either A) made up their own minds about what behaviors they practice and B) who could influence them in their life. I view myself as a sort of outsider, especially as an ER nurse. My advice and instructions pertaining to their health are often met with diverted eyes and crossed arms. This age group usually presents to the ED with injuries or sexual health issues, so while I enjoy the opportunity to intervene and help give healthcare to this population, I often felt that my efforts where lost or blocked by other messages from peers or family. Now I realize how important adult (especially young adult) contact are in these people's lives. Meeting Adrian, Sheena, Alis and Sara really allowed me to see how valuable providing interventions and guidance to teens can be. I know now that when I deal with teens, I will operate without assumptions that my help doesn't matter and that teens certainly feel the gravity of their decisions reguarding reproductive health in particular.

2) How do you see this topic fitting into your career? that is, how do you envision applying what you've learned into your career?
I have this dream that I will work with sex workers and young women in ensuring they have access to safe, affordable sexual health services and agency to make their own decisions in intimate relationships. I hoped that I could learn how to specifically target teens, as they are at the cusp of their reproductive years. This course has definately given me a toolkit with which to work with adolescents in the future. By allowing them to decide how it is they take charge of their own health behaviors and rights, even in the face of gender inequality and economic adversity I hope to help people when they are vulnerable and still developing (yet strong independent individuals).
I only checked blackboard and assumed the due date would be Wed, but this was a silly assumption! I apologize for my seeming rude...I heart this course!
Kate D