RAPE COUNSELORS OF EAST ALABAMA

January 2020-May 2020

I interned with Rape Counselors of East Alabama for 5 months, totaling 450 hours. On this page you can learn more about my experience and what I learned as a victim advocate. You can also read about my introduction into graphic design and public speaking.

INFORMATIVE PRESENTATIONS ON SEXUAL ASSAULT 

I am incredibly thankful I chose Rape Counselors of East Alabama as my internship for many reasons; conquering my fear of public speaking is at the top. My entire life I have been afraid of speaking in front of others and I did not realize how important of a skill it was. I presented with my fellow interns in front of 400 students, presented to law enforcement as wells as schools in the east Alabama area. By gaining the confidence and skills I needed to be a successful presenter it made my job as a victim advocate easier. I now feel comfortable speaking to anyone and learned more than I ever could have by only studying. This will benefit me in my professional life as I will be able to speak to victims confidently, communicate with officials, and present information in prevention programs. I have attached my Midterm Time Sheet. You can read more about my day to day experience as an intern, as well as follow my progress of feeling comfortable speaking to large groups.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

I have always enjoyed art, but never experimented with the world of graphic design. When I first started at Rape Counselors of East Alabama there was a need for social media graphics as well as fundraising graphics. I have learned so much and have had the honor of designing almost everything for Rape Counselors of East Alabama for the last five months. This shirt is one of my three shirt designs we have sold to raise money. I also had the opportunity to design a billboard that was displayed in Auburn for the month of April. Learning about graphic design has prepared me for success because the world is becoming more virtual. It is incredibly important for organizations that help victims of sexual assault, as well as hospitals, to have information online. It can be scary for a victim to call and speak to someone at first, so having online resources is essential. Fundraising is also important and the graphics should be eye catching in order to have a more successful campaign. My goal is to always make the organization I am working for feel inviting and safe online so that victims will seek out our services. I have attached some of the graphic work I have completed in the last five months.

ERIN'S LAW PRESENTATIONS

As I mentioned above, I had a fear of public speaking. I was worried when I was informed that myself and my fellow interns would be in charge of the education of Erin's Law. Erin's Law requires public schools to teach students about body safety and sexual assault. We spoke to elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the east Alabama area. After my first few presentations I loved speaking to the kids. I felt very passionate about what I was teaching them and I took it very seriously. Throughout these presentations I learned a lot about students and how to speak to them. This helped me become a better victim advocate because I was able to speak to the younger victims in a way that made sense to them and was less intimidating. This skill will help me when I am a nurse because I will be seeing patients of all ages. I always appreciated doctors and nurses that spoke to me in a way I understood when I was younger. I will always be sure to speak to my patients in a way that makes them feel comfortable in order to make the rest of their visit as easy as possible. I have attached a reflection paper I wrote discussing my experiences in the hospital with victims. I was able to observe the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and make note of how I want to treat my patients. I also discuss how a class I took on interpersonal relationships has also aided in my ability to speak to victims or patients in a way that makes them feel comfortable.