In place of the above posting requirements I would like each student to write (in the first-person/journal-style) about their experience of becoming a helper. Corey (2011) states that “the process of becoming a helper is intrinsically related to the process of becoming a person” (p.373). This process requires you to come to understand yourself more deeply, so you can show up and be there for those you support. It requires you to practice what you preach – we have to take the risks to promote growth that we all too often tell our clients about.

For your final reflection post – this is to be a deeply personal contribution – no headers, no citation of resources, no references lists, no regurgitation (I can hear the echoes of cheering). I want you to find a space that is free of distractions, that is quiet, where you can sit and focus. Think about the questions I have posed below, let your mind wander around the topic then… walk us through your journey to how you came to be here, in this moment:

Reflect back on the place in your life you were in when you decided to apply to the program. Were their people, circumstances, or experiences that influenced this decision?

Think back to Semester 1 – how have you changed personally (in your thoughts, emotions, philosophy)?

What pieces of your life (people, hobbies, experiences) did you shelf to focus on your studies that you are excited to soon reintegrate into your life?

At this point in your nursing education – what have you come to learn are your strengths? where would you like to strengthen?

What are your closing remarks – to yourself? to your classmates?

ANSWER

My Journey of Becoming a Helper: A Personal Reflection

The decision to embark on this journey of becoming a helper was influenced by a myriad of factors, each carving a path that led me to this pivotal moment. As Corey (2011) asserts, the process of becoming a helper is inseparable from the process of becoming a person. I sit here now, penning down my thoughts, reflecting on the transformative journey that has shaped me into the helper I aspire to be.

Looking back to the moment I decided to apply to this program, I was in a space of introspection. Life had presented me with both challenges and opportunities, and a deep yearning to make a positive impact on others’ lives was growing within me. The stories of people who had overcome adversity, the mentors who guided me, and the very experiences that had tested my resilience all contributed to my decision to step onto this path.

Semester 1 unfolded like a tapestry of personal growth. I have witnessed the evolution of my thoughts, emotions, and even my philosophy. The pages of textbooks became mirrors reflecting back my own beliefs and biases. Engaging in discussions and listening to diverse perspectives expanded my horizons, challenging me to embrace discomfort and question my assumptions. I emerged with a newfound humility, understanding that the journey of a helper involves continuously confronting my own limitations.

Amid the academic demands of Semester 1, I temporarily shelved pieces of my life that once brought me joy. My hobbies, cherished moments with loved ones, and the simple pleasures of life took a backseat. However, I am eager to reintegrate these fragments into my life. They are not distractions but vital threads that enrich the fabric of my being, reminding me of the importance of balance and self-care.

Through this nursing education, I have identified my strengths. Empathy flows naturally, and the ability to listen without judgment has become a cornerstone of my approach. However, I recognize the need to strengthen my self-compassion. As I strive to guide others, I must also learn to be kind to myself, embracing imperfections and understanding that growth is a continuous journey.

To my classmates, I say: each of us is a unique thread, weaving a tapestry of compassion and resilience. Our shared pursuit of becoming helpers binds us in a collective purpose. To myself, I offer these closing remarks: Embrace the uncertainty, for it is in navigating the unknown that true growth unfolds. Your journey is not a solitary one; it is woven with the experiences of those you touch. Let your heart be your compass as you embark on the noble path of becoming a helper.

In this quiet space, I realize that my journey of becoming a helper is not merely a process but a perpetual evolution. It is a journey that requires me to introspect, challenge, and learn. It is in this reflection that I see myself, authentically poised to step into the role of a helper, ready to walk alongside those who seek support, and prepared to take the risks that promote growth – the very growth I now embody.