Come to this personal blog anymore.... I guess it's time to redirect everyone to:
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
My Internship
Today I read over the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Distress Management Guidelines.
Sounds exciting, huh? Well, it actually was really interesting to me to learn about the importance of evaluating the psychological health of cancer patients or patients who walk into this center wondering whether or not they have cancer.
I could not help but think about how what a valuable source of introductory knowledge my Health Psychology class provided me with while I walk through this center and hospital. The thought of cancer brings a wave of emotions, especially for the people directly effected by it. While hospitals are working to solve the medical issue, there are a few social workers here trying to support the patients with resources to work through the mentally/emotionally taxing situations.
It has been awhile since I have reflected on the people I've known who survived or passed away due to cancer. Because it's been awhile, I think I have forgotten or haven't reflected on how much the situation can impact lives. I guess you could say I had developed an attitude that "it happens to so many people" that I forgot to remember that despite the number of people it can hit, it still hits hard (as many challenges due). Maybe I wanted to stop being so sensitive and cry over the wide range of problems anyone could have - who knows.
While reading these guidelines, I was very interested and constantly wondering, "I want to do something for these people. I want to help. I want to work here and make a difference in improving someone's life." I took time to browse through the Learning Center here to educate patients on so many different aspects of life related to cancer. I entered with interest in the how to care for these patients. I found a book of art by patients, caregivers, family/friends, etc. It was touching to recognize feelings of worry, courage, anger, fear, hopelessness, etc. - all these feelings that I think everyone experiences to one degree or another, but to realize that I still had no full comprehension of these personal experiences.
I also found a journal filled with quotes and entries from patients. At first, I was worried I'd trespass on private feelings, but it was open for anyone to read, so I wanted to know what these patients and family members had to say. If I had been alone in a room at home, I would have been crying for multiple reasons, like sorrow for the entries of one woman who came back repeatedly, yet in joy and praise for this same woman who still had faith and courage, and I will never know if she survived.
I thought about a friend I knew growing up who died from cancer - what would he have said? What would I write if I were the one coming here for a diagnosis or treatment? How would I cope with thoughts of leaving a spouse or children behind?
I am probably biased because of my studies, but I think the emotional and mental state is the one that can be hit the hardest when a person is going through any trial, and I do not think people give it enough attention when being treated or treating someone. I think the mental/spiritual/emotional well-being is underestimated in how it is impacted and how it impacts physical aspects of trials, like cancer. Luckily, people, like hospital employees, are coming to realization of this more and care centers are working on evaluating a patient more holistically to improve the quality of life for a person. (Having a learning center to provide informational support is even a great step towards helping patients!)
(I'm going to stop here.... I think I could continue on, but I'm going to stop for sake of time)
I guess I'm writing this in hopes that people will be more aware of the fact that there are resources already and that are continually being developed to improve areas of life that affect us a lot, like cancer and learning how to cope with it.
Also, I wanted to record my experience of remembering how big of an emotional and mental ordeal having something like cancer can be.
I think it's important to always remember that everyone goes through life and we need to be careful with one another each day.
Sounds exciting, huh? Well, it actually was really interesting to me to learn about the importance of evaluating the psychological health of cancer patients or patients who walk into this center wondering whether or not they have cancer.
I could not help but think about how what a valuable source of introductory knowledge my Health Psychology class provided me with while I walk through this center and hospital. The thought of cancer brings a wave of emotions, especially for the people directly effected by it. While hospitals are working to solve the medical issue, there are a few social workers here trying to support the patients with resources to work through the mentally/emotionally taxing situations.
It has been awhile since I have reflected on the people I've known who survived or passed away due to cancer. Because it's been awhile, I think I have forgotten or haven't reflected on how much the situation can impact lives. I guess you could say I had developed an attitude that "it happens to so many people" that I forgot to remember that despite the number of people it can hit, it still hits hard (as many challenges due). Maybe I wanted to stop being so sensitive and cry over the wide range of problems anyone could have - who knows.
While reading these guidelines, I was very interested and constantly wondering, "I want to do something for these people. I want to help. I want to work here and make a difference in improving someone's life." I took time to browse through the Learning Center here to educate patients on so many different aspects of life related to cancer. I entered with interest in the how to care for these patients. I found a book of art by patients, caregivers, family/friends, etc. It was touching to recognize feelings of worry, courage, anger, fear, hopelessness, etc. - all these feelings that I think everyone experiences to one degree or another, but to realize that I still had no full comprehension of these personal experiences.
I also found a journal filled with quotes and entries from patients. At first, I was worried I'd trespass on private feelings, but it was open for anyone to read, so I wanted to know what these patients and family members had to say. If I had been alone in a room at home, I would have been crying for multiple reasons, like sorrow for the entries of one woman who came back repeatedly, yet in joy and praise for this same woman who still had faith and courage, and I will never know if she survived.
I thought about a friend I knew growing up who died from cancer - what would he have said? What would I write if I were the one coming here for a diagnosis or treatment? How would I cope with thoughts of leaving a spouse or children behind?
I am probably biased because of my studies, but I think the emotional and mental state is the one that can be hit the hardest when a person is going through any trial, and I do not think people give it enough attention when being treated or treating someone. I think the mental/spiritual/emotional well-being is underestimated in how it is impacted and how it impacts physical aspects of trials, like cancer. Luckily, people, like hospital employees, are coming to realization of this more and care centers are working on evaluating a patient more holistically to improve the quality of life for a person. (Having a learning center to provide informational support is even a great step towards helping patients!)
(I'm going to stop here.... I think I could continue on, but I'm going to stop for sake of time)
I guess I'm writing this in hopes that people will be more aware of the fact that there are resources already and that are continually being developed to improve areas of life that affect us a lot, like cancer and learning how to cope with it.
Also, I wanted to record my experience of remembering how big of an emotional and mental ordeal having something like cancer can be.
I think it's important to always remember that everyone goes through life and we need to be careful with one another each day.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Angels
Today has definitely been better than last week despite there being no change in the work load I still have.
There are multiple reasons as to why I'm definitely feeling better, but some I wanted to show a little gratitude for.
One, someone left me an unsigned card with a plate of delicious muffins. This really made me smile, so I want to say thank you for who ever left me these :)
Two, I got a letter from Elder Willoughby! Getting letters from missionaries is awesome. Period. There was even a picture, which is even better.
Three, Dan Nabrotzky (friend from Canada who recently got off his mission) called me since he is visiting, which is awesome! I said I'd make him a birthday cake when he went into the MTC as I was starting my first year at BYU, but that didn't happen, so I'm glad if I can see him now and kind of redeem myself. Haha.
Anyway, thanks to those who've answered prayers and given me more of a reason to smile today.
There are multiple reasons as to why I'm definitely feeling better, but some I wanted to show a little gratitude for.
One, someone left me an unsigned card with a plate of delicious muffins. This really made me smile, so I want to say thank you for who ever left me these :)
Two, I got a letter from Elder Willoughby! Getting letters from missionaries is awesome. Period. There was even a picture, which is even better.
Three, Dan Nabrotzky (friend from Canada who recently got off his mission) called me since he is visiting, which is awesome! I said I'd make him a birthday cake when he went into the MTC as I was starting my first year at BYU, but that didn't happen, so I'm glad if I can see him now and kind of redeem myself. Haha.
Anyway, thanks to those who've answered prayers and given me more of a reason to smile today.
Angels
Today has definitely been better than last week despite there being no change in the work load I still have.
There are multiple reasons as to why I'm definitely feeling better, but some I wanted to show a little gratitude for.
One, someone left me an unsigned card with a plate of delicious muffins. This really made me smile, so I want to say thank you for who ever left me these :)
Two, I got a letter from Elder Willoughby! Getting letters from missionaries is awesome. Period. There was even a picture, which is even better.
Three, Dan Nabrotzky (friend from Canada who recently got off his mission) called me since he is visiting and said he'd stop by to see me!! Most of my friends who visit say they will and don't, soooooo this is great! Plus, I said I'd make him a birthday cake when he went into the MTC as I was starting my first year at BYU, but that didn't happen, so I'm glad I can see him now and kind of redeem myself. Haha.
Anyway, thanks to those who've answered prayers and given me more of a reason to smile today.
There are multiple reasons as to why I'm definitely feeling better, but some I wanted to show a little gratitude for.
One, someone left me an unsigned card with a plate of delicious muffins. This really made me smile, so I want to say thank you for who ever left me these :)
Two, I got a letter from Elder Willoughby! Getting letters from missionaries is awesome. Period. There was even a picture, which is even better.
Three, Dan Nabrotzky (friend from Canada who recently got off his mission) called me since he is visiting and said he'd stop by to see me!! Most of my friends who visit say they will and don't, soooooo this is great! Plus, I said I'd make him a birthday cake when he went into the MTC as I was starting my first year at BYU, but that didn't happen, so I'm glad I can see him now and kind of redeem myself. Haha.
Anyway, thanks to those who've answered prayers and given me more of a reason to smile today.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I want to own a Jackalope
(that sounds like a great title for a poem.... but not "write" now.... I just want to post pictures)
I might change my favorite animal to this.
Monday, February 14, 2011
My Favorite Valentine
Friday, February 11, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Happy Birthday, Mommer!
February 7th is my mom's birthday and because I always send her things too late to reach her on her actual day, I want to put this on my list of things for her.
My mom has always been an example of strength and faith to me and it has greatly influenced my life and the person I have become. Thank you, Mom. She has also always been so eager to help me out with things - and that is something I can't take for granted. Thank you for that, too.
Mom, I hope you have a great birthday and I can't wait to talk to you later!
I just wanted to share these pictures of my mom and me.
My mom has always been an example of strength and faith to me and it has greatly influenced my life and the person I have become. Thank you, Mom. She has also always been so eager to help me out with things - and that is something I can't take for granted. Thank you for that, too.
Mom, I hope you have a great birthday and I can't wait to talk to you later!
I just wanted to share these pictures of my mom and me.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Soooo I'm just going to boast
My first modern dance professor at BYU helped to create this film. I think this is so cool, especially as an animation - definitely helps the idea behind the dance.
Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.
This is from the article by BYU:
Thought of You from Ryan J Woodward on Vimeo.
This is from the article by BYU:
Dance and animation collaboration produces stirring viral video
“Thought of You” will be part of Conte Animated exhibit Jan. 20-29, 2011, in the HFAC
This short animation is a creative collaboration between BYU animation professor Ryan Woodward and Dance Dept. instructor Kori Wakamatsu.
Woodward, who has done storyboards for Hollywood blockbusters (Iron Man 2, Spider Man 3 and Where the Wild Things Are), approached Wakamatsu with the concept this summer.
“Just thinking about that dynamic of relationships stirred my mind about doing an animation with dance,” Woodward said. “I knew I could not animate a beautiful, contemporary dance because I’m not a dance choreographer, and that’s where Kori came in.” See the behind-the-scenes video. (pasted below)
“Ryan gave me the back story to the piece and what motivated it and how he wanted it to be a love story,” Wakamatsu said. “I love it when the arts can integrate and find ways to connect.”
Wakamatsu choreographed a routine and chose dancers to perform the piece. Woodward then had the dance filmed so he could recreate it with animation, which he did by using 24 frames for every second.
The end result is a touching animated short that has now notched more than 400,000 views on Vimeo and another 175,000 views on YouTube.
“I hope the people that watch it do have some sort of a moving experience,” Woodward said.
Thought of You - Behind the Scenes Preview - ROUGH CUT from Cambell Christensen on Vimeo.
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