So in news here, the graduation situation at the University of Louisville is different than expected. They are changing up their graduation this year and, as a result, master's level students are a part of the graduation for bachelor's level students. Typically, in the past, the Kent School of Social Work has had their own graduation for students, but this is the first year that it isn't so.
When I found this out (after inviting tons of people and my family making plans to visit), I was, understandably, upset. Shortly after I found out (literally less than an hour later), I had my mid-term evaluation at my practicum. So my practicum supervisor, MAW (a very liberal social worker), and my MSW supervisor, DH, (a partner at a respected law firm in downtown Louisville) had some comments that made me laugh.
LAURRYN: They're not having a Kent School graduation.
MAW: Advocate for one!
LAURRYN: I'm having trouble considering myself an oppressed person in need of advocacy.
DH: Why not? I advocate for rich people.
LAURRYN: And that's why I love you.
In other news, I finally felt like I was a real advocate for the first time in my life. At my practicum, I often interact with clients over the phone. Periodically, a client will come in and I'll interview her in person. On Monday, my supervisor couldn't be at court with a client to help her to get her Domestic Violence Order (an order of protection). I was able to talk her through the process of the hearing, help her through her brief session with her Legal Aid attorney, and be with her during her hearing. She had brought her small daughter with her, and part of my job on Monday was to help with her little one. The attorney and I kept the little girl occupied as the mother testified, and I did my best to support the mother as she answered some tough questions.
See, there's no book that tells you what to do in each and every situation. When I felt like it was right to sit closer to my client, I did. When I could tell that she was nervous during her testimony, I set my hand on her arm to let her know that I was right next to her and supported her. I guess it's a kind of intuition, and I'm so glad that I was able to be there for this client. Even though she had an attorney (and a good one at that), I think it was beneficial to have me there, too.
And, in case you didn't know, I just love kids. This little girl was certainly no exception. I did my best to interact with her and keep her occupied during this process. At the end, after the order was granted and we were waiting for the papers, the girl ran over to me and sat on my lap. Her mother said that she usually cries around strangers and that I must be good with kids.
Based on how many I'd like to have, I certainly hope so :)
