Well, did you get transferred? or are you getting a new companion? (inquiring minds would love to know ;)
How are you doing? I hope all is going well for you! I hope the work is progressing and you are having success :) I remember all the hard work for seemingly nothing at times. It was pretty frustrating. I found that during those times, I became closer to my Heavenly Father. I think I HAD to rely on him. I think that is what He was trying to teach me. (he still does that to me..lol)
Well, this was an interesting week! I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Pueblo at the State Mental Hospital for orientation. On the first day, we broke into groups--I ended up in a group with another school and only 3 other girls from my class. I was a little bummed as there were 2 groups with just students from PPCC. I really wanted to get to know them. Although, thinking about it now, it probably would have been harder to find someone to "hang" with since everyone knows each other. Being only 4, we really stuck together and formed some strong bonds. Anyhow, back to the orientation. For the first 4 hours, we learned and practiced "Escape maneuvers." You know, how to get out of a choke hold, what to do if someone grabs your hand or your shirt. What to do if someone grabs the front of your hair, or even the back of your hair. I have to admit that it freaked me out a bit. I don't like the idea that I might actually have to use that stuff! I guess we are better off prepared. It actually was pretty fun, especially when I got to show your dad what I learned. He is pretty confident that I will be safe :)
After lunch, we went to the next class (another 4 hours). Here we learned what they call "Verbal Judo." Basically, we want to use "words" to prevent ending up needing to escape. It was very insiteful! I wish that I had the class before I had childen! One particular thing is called:
The Persuasion sequence
1. Ask--don't tell what to do. You will get a lot farther along if you ask someone to do something rather than telling them to do it. For example…"Can I ask you to start your homework?" or "Would you be willing to…"
2. Explain WHY (because I said so NEVER works). It is human nature to ask WHY… So when you are asking someone to do something, know the rule yourself, explain the rule, then make sure they understand the rule. For example.."I asked you to do your homework because the rule is that your homework must be done before you play on the computer. Do you understand why I asked you?
3. Offer options--not threats--always remember that it is American human nature to always ask "What's in it for me"..These should be positive
4. Give a second chance--they recommend going through the steps again, but on #3, you can give sort of a "positive threat"--you know, "you know I'm going to have to take the computer away if you don't do your homework"
5. Take appropriate action--always follow through
I thought it was a pretty cool class, but LONG!!
After that, I went and checked into my hotel…We thought it best if I stayed there since I had to be back at 7:30 am. I am so glad I stayed because it started snowing Tuesday night. Everyone else went back to the Springs and said that their drive back was horrific! I went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It was a little weird eating by myself…but I did some major people watching…what else was there to do???
I got back to my hotel, and checked my email (good thing I did too!!). There was an email saying that our first paper was due on Wednesday by 5pm (that is for my UCCS online class). Wow…I spent the rest of the evening writing that paper…NOT FUN! I had wanted to relax and watch TV and enjoy being in the hotel…oh well!!
Wednesday morning for the first 4 hours, the first told us all the "rules". They explained that we are not to bring any contraband items…like aluminum cans, glass bottles/jars, any plastic bag larger than a sandwich bag, no drugs (darn..lol), no weapons (duh), and the list went on…Then they took us on a tour of the high security building. This facility is the only government mental hospital in the state of Colorado that houses the "criminally ill". So, if someone received a sentence of not guilty by reason of insanity…they go there. If they have to be tested to see if they are sane enough to stand trial…they go there for the testing. The first area we saw had people who are the "untreatables". These are people that if they are not restrainded, will either hurt themselves or others. Even medications don't help these people…I saw one guy walking around with his hands secured at his waist…pretty sad huh? It was a little scary walking through the place. They took us to an empty wing, usually used for high profile cases. At least we were able to really get a good look at where these people live. They also showed us the area where they do solitary confinement. That took me back..especially since Aunt Linda had been in one. It is a VERY small room made out of cinderblock that is painted. The bed is bolted to the floor. There really isn't much room for anything other than the bed. They have a mattress on it, but if they become destructive to the matress, that gets removed. Along the bed rail are small slits that they use to restrain a patient. This is a LAST resort and they try to get the patient out of there as quickly as possible. It just made me sad to think of all that Linda has gone through. I so understand that even though it seems extreme, some of these people really need help and are counting on us to help them.
After the tour and lunch, we went into a lecture hall and listened to presentations on Legal and Ethical info (BORING!) Then they gave a presentation on suicide. While it was long, at least it was interesting.
It is funny, the whole time we were there, they kept saying that they hope we will apply there…and that they hire new grads. At this point, I feel like saying…no way Jose!! We will see after this week.
Oh, this is the most that I will write about the facility. Once I am actually working with patients, I am unable to tell you anything about the people. I would hate to have my email seen and I lose my liscence before I even get it..ha,ha
The drive home was HORRIBLE! There were times when I could only see the tail lights from the car ahead of me. We were in almost white out conditions. It was wonderful when I got home!!
I had class on Thursday and Friday….boy were they LONG…but it was interesting. I have decided that everyone on earth or at least every one I know has a mental illness…ha,ha I had my first quiz on Friday…I got 100% woo hoo!! What a way to start!
Uncle Brian and his family came over last night. It was great seeing them. We missed them for Christmas since they were all throwing up…didn't want them here! They got to open their presents from Gpa Bill. We had spaghetti and played video/computer games. I think TT was ready for them to leave..ha,ha.
You wanted Gpa Porter's address…it is:
585 E 120 S
Smithfield, UT 84335-1201
The Z's address
270 West Main Street
Rexburg, ID 83440
Wow, I have really rattled on. If you want, I can print this up and mail it to you. It is up to you! I know I tell you every week that I am proud of you…but really I am! You are where you are supposed to be. I hope you always keep your head up high! Know that we are all praying for you and love you!
Here is the picture for the week……
Love you lots!!
Love, Mom
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