Portfolio

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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Teresa WillsBachelor of Science in Psychology ,

2011

Personal Statement

My Choosing Psychology as a career makes complete sense to me. I once read a proverb that stated “A child is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark”. As I reflect on my life, I believe this is absolutely a true statement. As I grew up I was left with many marks such as living in an abusive environment, parents divorcing, moving from place to place, and being a part of blending families that were left in my life that have given me the passion to want to help others deal with the obstacles in life. I believe these life experience has helped me understand just how to overcome situations as they have come into my life. I also acknowledge there are ways that we can leave marks that are not so negative. One day in the future I hope to be able to achieve that with others as a counselor.

Having my first child at such a young age of sixteen temporarily prevented me from furthering my education; however psychology has always been a passion that I knew someday I wanted to pursue. Being a young mom, as well as with all the other life experiences I have come through, can only be seen as a positive way when considering my dream to achieve my psychology degree. It is remarkable that I have experienced a lot more thinks than most people my age would expect. I have been very fortunate that I have been able to turn negative life experiences into positive and would love the opportunity to help others do the same. I have always been the type of person when I want something I work hard to achieve it, I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). His strength has helped me become the person I am today.

Personal Statement

My career expectations are high and I hope to go on to get my graduate degree in counseling, which will enable me to become a family/marriage counselor. I know graduate school can be very competitive and demanding but I believe I have the motivation, ambition and passion to obtain this goal of mine. I have always been the type that has given more than a 100% into all that I do, in my work starting low on the totem pole and working to the top, from being a wife and mother raising my children, going back school to get my GED, BA in psychology from Argosy University, and working toward a master’s, and also working with teens in the youth ministry being able to help them cope with everyday life situations. I would do nothing but give it my all in everything I do and I will continue this motivation in my future career That’s why it is important to me that I work hard to achieve my goal of becoming a family counselor. I deem that working hard will always gain and not fall back.

Personal Statement

Personal Statement

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my loving family (wonderful supporting husband, 3 beautiful daughters and their spouses, a son and his wife, 2 stepsons and wife, a stepdaughter, and 18 beautiful grandchildren). I enjoy playing golf, dancing, karaoke, and zumba. I love bike riding and the beach life. Most of all I love to get together with family and friends and watch them socialize among each other. It’s amazing just how different they all are and how unique each person really is. We all are different in our own ways that is what makes psychology so interesting.

Knowing that the mind will always be questioned because we are all so very different it will never be fully conquered. The world of psychology will always be expanding and be a part of life, allowing psychologist to continue learning about this incredible subject. What makes people do and say the things they do will always be a remarkable thing to explore. What makes us tick? My dream is to be a part of this incredible profession and have the opportunity to become a committed, driven, and dedicated psychologist. I know that with my dedication, conscientious attitude to work, and my approachable character, I would be an ideal addition to the psychology field. I am eager and ready to get started. Life is what we make of it so why not make the best of it in everything we do. I am determined and dedicated to reach my goals as a counselor. I am ready to put one foot in front of the other and make that commitment to honor the psychology world and become one of the best psychologists and work with couples and families to resolve their situations no matter how big or small they maybe.

Personal Statement

Teresa Marie Wills

803 N. Hawley St.

Eustis, Florida 32726

(352)223-9914

[email protected]

OBJECTIVE: Seeking an opportunity in a fast paced environment where helping people with mental health issues. Helping them cope with everyday life situations.

Resume - Objective

EDUCATION: 2009- 2011: Argosy University Bachelor of Science in Psychology Graduate Date: August 20, 2011, GPA 3.70 2004-2009: Lake Sumter Community College   Lee Adult, Leesburg, Florida – G.E.D 

Vo-Tech., Eustis, Florida – Certification in custodial

Master in custodian Certified Computer in

Keyboarding Certified Computer

Basics 

Resume - Education

Resume - Experience

8/03-2/04 International Intimates, Inc Leesburg, Fl Manager – Critical Thinking Skills, Creativity, and Analytical Thinking

12/00-8/03 Teresa Bush’s Cleaning ServiceSorrento, FloridaSelf Initiation, Self Motivation, and Determination

 3/02-7/02 City of Tavares

Tavares, FloridaMeter Reader--Customer Service Skills and Multi-tasking

11/98-12/00Circle K StoresEustis, FloridaManager – Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Organizing and Planning Skills

Resume – Experience cont’d

2/99-10/99 Lake County School BoardTavares, Florida

` Maintenance Department – Accuracy and Attention to Details

 1/94-2/99 Eustis Heights Elementary School

Eustis, FloridaSupervisor—Problem Analysis, Use of Judgment

and Ability to Solve Problems Efficiently 10/89-1/94 Seminole Springs Elementary School

Eustis, FloridaCustodian Technician—Organization and Prioritization

Skills  2/87-5/89 Roses Department Store

Deland, Florida C.S.M. Manager – Teamwork and Teaching Skills, and

Sales Ability

Reflection

Through my online courses in psychology at Argosy I have learned a lot about a wide array of communication methods and skills. I now feel confident interacting with others in many ways, such as oral, online chatting, or written dialogue. There are so many factors that go into good interactions with others, some of which are very difficult in less personal setting such as online chatting. Body language, voice tone, or enunciation are very difficult to portray through the impersonal contact and can be easily misconstrued if the writer does not delicately take that into consideration as they compose their message. I have been introduced to a much humbler self, because I have had to learn how to push myself and be self-motivated to maintain a high GPA. I learned that I had to be more independent and not rely on others simply because of the natural delay in e-mail, blogs, or online help.

Reflection

My newfound respect for my own critical thinking skills is what carried me through as I began to trust these decision making skills more and more as the classes wore on. I was able to overcome a weakness of being dependent on others through this process and strengthen my abilities as an independent learner and achiever.

At times I became frustrated because seeing others facial expressions when talking to them makes it much easier, however, on the other hand I felt that I could speak out more without feeling pressured or intellectually or emotionally intimidated by the class clown or guru. I believe learning about the human mind and the behaviors behind peoples’ actions is very rewarding. I have always been fascinated by what makes people tick, why do they do the things they do, and having this sense of intrigue has made the experience much more pleasurable.

Reflection

I have learned the importance of having a clear understanding about people before using my critical thinking and problem solving skills and how that plays a large role in not being judgmental from the beginning. We need to examine each situation and be fair and open minded.

Knowing that we all have our own opinions and viewpoints, and nothing makes ours any more correct than others, but we must trust and believe in ourselves as we make these determinations. I have found throughout my life that we can oversimplify things but I have learned through the course of life that it is too short to let things bother you.

I have found that research is a weakness because I find difficulty in developing an elevated interest level in some articles and that hindered my ability to reason with or criticize the research. I would most definitely have to research things I was interested in to make it more rewarding.

Reflection

I have learned that ethics and diversity are extremely important aspect of psychology. We must not perceive others negatively or show any discrimination or biases. I think this is my biggest strength, as I have always had a problem with the way people treat others, especially when they are basing their opinion on where they come from or what they have, instead of who they are as a person.

I have found that the knowledge of psychology has helped me see who I really am. While exploring the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, applications, and historical trends I was able to put them together and apply them to my daily life.

These courses has helped me learn about how the minds works, why people act the way they do (behaviors), human experiences, and mental illnesses. I feel as if the skills that I have obtained through each course have opened my eyes to a new way of life and now I’m looking forward toward to putting them to use. I have had my ups and downs throughout the program but with the flexibility of the online classes I have been able to maintain and make it through with a smile on my face. I have enjoyed being a part of this learning process.

Table of Contents

Research Skills C:\Documents and Settings\Teresa Wills\My Documents\Professional Work Samples\M8_A2 Final Project Research

Methods.doc

C:\Documents and Settings\Teresa Wills\My Documents\Professional Work Samples\Discipline

PPP.ppt

Ethics and Diversity AwarenessC:\Documents and Settings\Teresa Wills\My Documents\

Professional Work Samples\Integrity and Values (Ethics).docC:\Documents and Settings\Teresa Wills\My Documents\

Professional Work Samples\M1_A3 Diversity.doc

Table of Contents (continued)

Applied PsychologyC:\Documents and Settings\Teresa Wills\My Documents\Professional Work Samples\PSY314 M2 Wills A3-applied.docC:\Documents and Settings\Teresa Wills\My Documents\

Professional Work Samples\family - applied.pptxInterpersonal EffectivenessC:\Documents and Settings\Teresa Wills\My Documents\

Professional Work Samples\Interpersonal Effectiveness.doc

My Future in Learning

My future in learning is an upward adventure that I am eager to continue. I have always had a burning desire to study psychology and how the mind works. Learning is something you never stop doing and takes a lot of hard work. One must be dedicated to their goal in order to see it through to the end. I believe I have an advantage as I venture into my future because of the instilled mindset to learn something new every day. I view learning as a parallel process to the analogy of success as a ladder, and plan to continue my education to climb that ladder in my personal and professional life.

Contact Me

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For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. [email protected]