Faculty of Art
Amber’s practicum was hosted by the BC Assembly of First Nations. Amber compiled a resource directory for suicide prevention, aimed at providing support and information for those around individuals at-risk.
How well prepared did you feel entering into the project?
I felt really good about the project, mostly because the assignments from FNSP 310 and 320 had allowed me to apply some of the skills that were needed to gather reliable information. The assignments in FNSP 400 also allowed for a mental transition into the working world (ie. resume work..interview skills…things you forget when you are in school hahaha).
What are three things you learned from or about the organization?
1. There are ALWAYS inter- and intra- office politics
2. People wanting to achieve the same thing may have total different ideas about how to achieve that, and that can actually stall or halt progress.
3. Politics as a career means your life is politics, you can’t just ‘leave it at the office’
What was the highlight of the experience?
Having my family, friends and peers watch me give the presentation. That was the most frightened I have ever been in my life, but knowing I had done it was the best feeling in the world.
What surprised you the most?
That even after the project ends you still find yourself questioning, double checking and wondering about what happened, what might happen with the project or similar future initiatives.
What advice do you have for next year’s students?
Partnerships can be appealing, but require a well-detailed contingency plan.
PS. when the instructor says make a contingency plan, LISTEN TO HIM!!!!!