My Personal Philosophy
Why do you want to be a Child Life Specialist?
I have always had an interest in children and an enthusiasm for working with them. I can recall that whenever I interacted with children the parents would often tell me that it was unusual for such a young person to feel so comfortable around a child. After volunteering at the pediatric clinic of my local Naval hospital I had always wondered who would take care of the child’s interactions with the parents and foster that positive growth that they would need. I also wondered who advocated and talked to parents and children who had to stay at the hospital for uncomfortably long periods of time. After I found out what child life specialists do, I gained an immense enthusiasm and interest in the job field.
What are four traits that you possess that you feel are critical for this profession and why do you see these four are the most important?
I have had many years of experience working with children and now understand through my many dedicated hours of work how to interact with children in a developmentally appropriate manner. I have not only taken classes on appropriate child-based interactions but I have a degree in Human Development which is specifically something that this profession calls for. I have the patience and persistence to work with children no matter how challenging that particular case may be; I think every child deserves the concern of any professional that their family seeks. I am also comfortable interacting with a variety of health care professionals in order to accommodate their concerns and the concerns of the child and their family.
What place does conformity have in the workplace?
Conformity should mean that as a whole the group functions in a goal oriented and professional manner. I think cohesion of the professional image and goals is an appropriate form of conformity. However, I do think that individuals should have the opportunity to shine and excel in their own ways while conformity allows them to keep the focus on the goal at hand.
Give me an example of work that you are proud of that you did by yourself and work that you are proud of that you did as part of a team. Which way do you feel you are the most effective and why?
When I had the opportunity to create many of the Japanese worksheets for my supervisor I felt incredibly proud of myself. To be more specific, I had the opportunity to make the most of Microsoft Word and imported Japanese fonts for the children to trace as well as creating unique images for the worksheets that the children would enjoy. I put my all into those worksheets and I felt proud of myself because I knew that my teacher was thrilled with the results each time.
I can recall that when I was working as a Childcare assistant and assigned to the zero to 16-month-olds, that I always needed a dedicated team working with the six babies assigned to our side of the room. Without that supportive team backing me up I would have never made it through my days working at that facility. One person cannot be expected to carry so much weight of the work and I appreciate my team members for getting me through some very difficult times; I in return helped them when needed.
I feel that I am very effective as a part of a team, and I always bring a good attitude and a strong work ethic to the group.
If the organization were to divide everyone into three categories: superstars, hard-workers, or out-of-the-box thinkers, which one are you? Why and why do you think these skills are important in this profession?
I would say that I am always a persistent hard-worker. I know that working with children tends to drain most people. I had 12 hour days where I basically stayed in a room with 6 children and took care of them with the help of one or two other co-workers. At the end of the day I was absolutely exhausted but I never faltered in giving those infants the care that their parents expected or that they deserved. Regardless of the work-day coming to an end, I never stared at the clock with a child in my hands. I always committed myself to my team until the job was done and I could leave everyone in a calm state.
Tell me about a time that you set your sights too high and a time you set them too low. What did you learn from these experiences?
I was a new hire at the Child Development Center where I was a childcare assistant. I thought that I could handle the max ratio for one assistant which was four children. While my co-worker took her morning training, I thought I could handle feeding four children on my own. While I could have called across to the other side of the room for a more experienced assistant, I did not. The experience was overwhelming, and following dining procedures with four infants and keeping them well-fed and happy was difficult. I know for sure that I faltered in my care and the infants did not get the care that they would have received from a more well-experienced worker. I know that setting my sights too high led to my lackluster performance and that I should have asked for help when I really needed it.
As a children’s chaplain, every Sunday I would lead children in worship and afterwards would go upstairs to be near the Sunday school teacher’s just in case they needed assistance. At the time I was a new hire and simply stayed in a secluded room near the Sunday School teachers, and waited in the small room to be called upon. No one would ever come down the hall, and Sunday after Sunday I would sit at my location and wonder how on Earth the church was paying us to do this. However, I started venturing into the classrooms before the classes started and asked each teacher if they needed help and specifically told them where I would be. It’s amazing what a transformation the job underwent; The teachers actively sought us out when we simply reminded them that we were available. I learned that even the simplest reminder or small effort can drastically change how people seek out assistance.
What do you see as the boundary between work and home?
I believe that work and home should be two truly separate aspects of one’s everyday life. I think that checking e-mail at home is fine and if there is a work-related emergency, home calls are expected as part of the job. However, I believe that separating work and home creates an efficient work environment free of home-related stressors and distractions. Meanwhile, I believe that home should be free of work-related stress and a time for workers to relax in order to make the best out of their work day. However, each person has their own ideas and I know that inevitably work does come home with you, but I feel that a healthy separation should always remain at the forefront of any worker.
Give me a specific example about a time you had to comply with a policy with which you did not agree.
The Child Development Center I worked at would not allow parents to leave the designated entrance in a room because they would be “bringing in unsanitary” work clothing and shoes into a mostly sterile environment. I have no problem with having a clean room, but it was difficult for the infants to remain calm once they saw their parents waiting at the door. Before we sent infants home we would change their diaper one last time to ensure that the trip home would be comfortable for the infant. However, holding down an uncooperative infant on a changing table made interactions with the parents awkward; and I only wish the parents could walk into the room to comfort their child while I finished my job.
How would you describe your work ethic? What do you consider your most important work ethic?
I would say that I have excellent work ethic. Once I am at work I am hard at work and try my best to give my all. I hate to do any less than my best and will often regret taking it too easy or not following through with work to the best of my abilities. I believe that my most important work ethic is persistence. I know that not everyone can give their all every day, but if we all persist and give it our all I know that patients can benefit. I never want to give any less than my best to someone who truly needs my help.
What do you see as your responsibility to those that are less fortunate?
I believe that as someone who has been given every opportunity in life to succeed, I should help those who are less fortunate and may not have been given the same opportunities. I think everyone is capable of great things and that sometimes there are obstacles that prevent them from even partaking in what we would consider normal everyday routines. I have good friends that have been waiting in hospital treatment rooms for years and I know that they continue to persevere and have a positive outlook. It is my responsibility to dedicate my time and concern to these individuals who themselves may not have the ability to take on the day.
Describe a time that you took on a leadership role and what you learned from the experience.
As an AFROTC cadet I was often thrust into leadership positions as part of regular training exercises. I had to lead a team to successfully complete a series of word puzzles. With 20 people in my group trying to cooperatively work together, I had to lead them all. I realized that if I did not believe that I had the confidence to lead, neither would my team members. I also realized that while each individual voice is important, that when a goal needs to be met, executive decisions are left up to the leader. I know that I cannot always rely on all of my teammate to make strategic decisions.
How do you evaluate success for yourself and for those that work under you?
I believe that individual success is a direct representation of the hard work put in by those who work under you. Although a superior may have more knowledge and experience on their hands, a dedicated team working hard for the benefit of their supervisor often coincides with the success of their superior.
What makes you special?
I come from a unique background where I grew up in a new location ever four years. I have lived overseas in Japan and I know what it is like to be in a new and uncomfortable location. I know what it feels like to be a helpless child put into a new and awkward schooling situation. I know the children I will be helping as a Child Life Specialist undergo similar problems and that I can truly relate to their feelings of insecurity. I also know how the parents feel because I know my own parents often worried about moving to a new location. I also have good communication skills with families and find myself comfortable in medical settings in which several people hold different explanations. I often translated for Japanese spouses of American service members and always found that the spouses were relieved that there was someone to navigate the difficulties of the hospital. I believe that these additional qualities make me a special individual.
I have always had an interest in children and an enthusiasm for working with them. I can recall that whenever I interacted with children the parents would often tell me that it was unusual for such a young person to feel so comfortable around a child. After volunteering at the pediatric clinic of my local Naval hospital I had always wondered who would take care of the child’s interactions with the parents and foster that positive growth that they would need. I also wondered who advocated and talked to parents and children who had to stay at the hospital for uncomfortably long periods of time. After I found out what child life specialists do, I gained an immense enthusiasm and interest in the job field.
What are four traits that you possess that you feel are critical for this profession and why do you see these four are the most important?
I have had many years of experience working with children and now understand through my many dedicated hours of work how to interact with children in a developmentally appropriate manner. I have not only taken classes on appropriate child-based interactions but I have a degree in Human Development which is specifically something that this profession calls for. I have the patience and persistence to work with children no matter how challenging that particular case may be; I think every child deserves the concern of any professional that their family seeks. I am also comfortable interacting with a variety of health care professionals in order to accommodate their concerns and the concerns of the child and their family.
What place does conformity have in the workplace?
Conformity should mean that as a whole the group functions in a goal oriented and professional manner. I think cohesion of the professional image and goals is an appropriate form of conformity. However, I do think that individuals should have the opportunity to shine and excel in their own ways while conformity allows them to keep the focus on the goal at hand.
Give me an example of work that you are proud of that you did by yourself and work that you are proud of that you did as part of a team. Which way do you feel you are the most effective and why?
When I had the opportunity to create many of the Japanese worksheets for my supervisor I felt incredibly proud of myself. To be more specific, I had the opportunity to make the most of Microsoft Word and imported Japanese fonts for the children to trace as well as creating unique images for the worksheets that the children would enjoy. I put my all into those worksheets and I felt proud of myself because I knew that my teacher was thrilled with the results each time.
I can recall that when I was working as a Childcare assistant and assigned to the zero to 16-month-olds, that I always needed a dedicated team working with the six babies assigned to our side of the room. Without that supportive team backing me up I would have never made it through my days working at that facility. One person cannot be expected to carry so much weight of the work and I appreciate my team members for getting me through some very difficult times; I in return helped them when needed.
I feel that I am very effective as a part of a team, and I always bring a good attitude and a strong work ethic to the group.
If the organization were to divide everyone into three categories: superstars, hard-workers, or out-of-the-box thinkers, which one are you? Why and why do you think these skills are important in this profession?
I would say that I am always a persistent hard-worker. I know that working with children tends to drain most people. I had 12 hour days where I basically stayed in a room with 6 children and took care of them with the help of one or two other co-workers. At the end of the day I was absolutely exhausted but I never faltered in giving those infants the care that their parents expected or that they deserved. Regardless of the work-day coming to an end, I never stared at the clock with a child in my hands. I always committed myself to my team until the job was done and I could leave everyone in a calm state.
Tell me about a time that you set your sights too high and a time you set them too low. What did you learn from these experiences?
I was a new hire at the Child Development Center where I was a childcare assistant. I thought that I could handle the max ratio for one assistant which was four children. While my co-worker took her morning training, I thought I could handle feeding four children on my own. While I could have called across to the other side of the room for a more experienced assistant, I did not. The experience was overwhelming, and following dining procedures with four infants and keeping them well-fed and happy was difficult. I know for sure that I faltered in my care and the infants did not get the care that they would have received from a more well-experienced worker. I know that setting my sights too high led to my lackluster performance and that I should have asked for help when I really needed it.
As a children’s chaplain, every Sunday I would lead children in worship and afterwards would go upstairs to be near the Sunday school teacher’s just in case they needed assistance. At the time I was a new hire and simply stayed in a secluded room near the Sunday School teachers, and waited in the small room to be called upon. No one would ever come down the hall, and Sunday after Sunday I would sit at my location and wonder how on Earth the church was paying us to do this. However, I started venturing into the classrooms before the classes started and asked each teacher if they needed help and specifically told them where I would be. It’s amazing what a transformation the job underwent; The teachers actively sought us out when we simply reminded them that we were available. I learned that even the simplest reminder or small effort can drastically change how people seek out assistance.
What do you see as the boundary between work and home?
I believe that work and home should be two truly separate aspects of one’s everyday life. I think that checking e-mail at home is fine and if there is a work-related emergency, home calls are expected as part of the job. However, I believe that separating work and home creates an efficient work environment free of home-related stressors and distractions. Meanwhile, I believe that home should be free of work-related stress and a time for workers to relax in order to make the best out of their work day. However, each person has their own ideas and I know that inevitably work does come home with you, but I feel that a healthy separation should always remain at the forefront of any worker.
Give me a specific example about a time you had to comply with a policy with which you did not agree.
The Child Development Center I worked at would not allow parents to leave the designated entrance in a room because they would be “bringing in unsanitary” work clothing and shoes into a mostly sterile environment. I have no problem with having a clean room, but it was difficult for the infants to remain calm once they saw their parents waiting at the door. Before we sent infants home we would change their diaper one last time to ensure that the trip home would be comfortable for the infant. However, holding down an uncooperative infant on a changing table made interactions with the parents awkward; and I only wish the parents could walk into the room to comfort their child while I finished my job.
How would you describe your work ethic? What do you consider your most important work ethic?
I would say that I have excellent work ethic. Once I am at work I am hard at work and try my best to give my all. I hate to do any less than my best and will often regret taking it too easy or not following through with work to the best of my abilities. I believe that my most important work ethic is persistence. I know that not everyone can give their all every day, but if we all persist and give it our all I know that patients can benefit. I never want to give any less than my best to someone who truly needs my help.
What do you see as your responsibility to those that are less fortunate?
I believe that as someone who has been given every opportunity in life to succeed, I should help those who are less fortunate and may not have been given the same opportunities. I think everyone is capable of great things and that sometimes there are obstacles that prevent them from even partaking in what we would consider normal everyday routines. I have good friends that have been waiting in hospital treatment rooms for years and I know that they continue to persevere and have a positive outlook. It is my responsibility to dedicate my time and concern to these individuals who themselves may not have the ability to take on the day.
Describe a time that you took on a leadership role and what you learned from the experience.
As an AFROTC cadet I was often thrust into leadership positions as part of regular training exercises. I had to lead a team to successfully complete a series of word puzzles. With 20 people in my group trying to cooperatively work together, I had to lead them all. I realized that if I did not believe that I had the confidence to lead, neither would my team members. I also realized that while each individual voice is important, that when a goal needs to be met, executive decisions are left up to the leader. I know that I cannot always rely on all of my teammate to make strategic decisions.
How do you evaluate success for yourself and for those that work under you?
I believe that individual success is a direct representation of the hard work put in by those who work under you. Although a superior may have more knowledge and experience on their hands, a dedicated team working hard for the benefit of their supervisor often coincides with the success of their superior.
What makes you special?
I come from a unique background where I grew up in a new location ever four years. I have lived overseas in Japan and I know what it is like to be in a new and uncomfortable location. I know what it feels like to be a helpless child put into a new and awkward schooling situation. I know the children I will be helping as a Child Life Specialist undergo similar problems and that I can truly relate to their feelings of insecurity. I also know how the parents feel because I know my own parents often worried about moving to a new location. I also have good communication skills with families and find myself comfortable in medical settings in which several people hold different explanations. I often translated for Japanese spouses of American service members and always found that the spouses were relieved that there was someone to navigate the difficulties of the hospital. I believe that these additional qualities make me a special individual.