Marie Therese Bautista
Bachelor of Science, Psychology Major, Chemistry Minor, 4th Year
Course: PSYCO 423 (Winter 2022) with Instructor Dr. Wendy Hoglund
Who was your community partner and can you describe the project objectives?
Sinkunia Community Development Organization. I am a Youth Project Volunteer at Sinkunia and one of their main projective objectives is towards helping and supporting Sinkunia community based on the tasks and projects they were planning at that month. For example, CSL students were given the opportunity to help brainstorm ideas, coordinate program plans and projects the community may use to help promote and better their organization.
What was your biggest takeaway from your CSL placement?
My biggest takeaway from my CSL placement is the experience I obtained working with a flourishing community organization. I was able to be a part of planning and setting out plans and ideas for their upcoming big projects and programs during the spring and summer, such as their summer camp program, casino fundraising program, garden workshop, and many more. In addition, I was able to learn more about African culture, as they consist of the majority of Sinkunia’s community. I was also able to meet great people in Sinkunia that helped and gave me the best time and opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge. With these experiences, I was also able to experience and have a “taste” of the potential job roles and opportunities I could have after graduating.
How can you apply any newly gained knowledge/skills to your future endeavours (courses/employment/volunteering)?
Working with Sinkunia made me reflect and realize that great experiences and opportunities do not always come from within your comfort zone or from something you are familiar with. Sometimes the best opportunities and possibilities are given outside of your comfort zone, especially in the real world where resources and opportunities are limited and competitive. Working with Sinkunia has definitely provided me with the experience and confidence that will help me take on new things and challenges in the real world.
What are some of the ways that COVID-19 has affected your community partner or your placement?
The COVID-19 pandemic has limited Sinkunia’s resources and opportunities to fully set out big programs and projects that both the community and the CSL students can benefit from. In addition, the pandemic also affected Sinkunia’s meetings and interactions with the children, which also affected their experiences. However, Sinkunia was still able to adapt to these challenges and limitations and provide as much enjoyment and experience they can provide to both youths and the CSL volunteers.