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Autobiographical Learning Essay
Student: Arrica Bryant
Some refer to it as the “Panhandle,” but the town I was born in is actually called Panama City, Florida. I was born in a little town in the northernmost region of the state of Florida. I never imagined I would leave such a magnificent place, which is known for its gorgeous white sand and turquoise beaches. I did, and I wouldn’t change my decision. Why? Because Miami, Florida is another location renowned for its nightlife, diversity, and stunning beaches.
I was born in a small town located in the northern parts of Florida, some call it the “Panhandle”, but the correct name is Panama City, Florida. Known for it’s beautiful white sand and turquoise beaches I never thought I would ever relocate from such a wonderful scenery. Well I did and I would not change the decision that I made. Why, because Miami, Florida is yet another place that’s known for it’s night life, diversity and beautiful beaches. I knew I would need to advance my academic career after becoming a parent at the young age of 16 in order to ensure that I could support my son. At my high school graduation in 1996, I served as the Senior Class Secretary Having a child at the young age of 16, I knew that I would need to advance my studies in life to make sure that I would be able to provide for my son. and decided to further my education at a local college in Panama City, Florida. My future as a single mom didn’t look so good, so I put a pause on my education and started working odd jobs.Graduating from High School as the Senior Class Secretary in 1996 and starting my college studies at a local College in Panama City, FL, being a single mom my future wasn’t looking so promising, so I dropped out of college and start working jobs that didn’t make ends meet. I was unable to continue working because my son was in the hospital frequently due to him being diagnosed at birth with a blood disease (sickle cell anemia). On public assistance and having a child with sickle cell disease which was the reason for me being in and out of the hospital, I couldn’t stay on the job(s). This is when I made the decision to move to Miami, Florida, a year and a half after the birth of my second child. Much to my dismay I got pregnant again with my second child and after a 1 ½ I decided to relocate to Miami, FL. Comment by Renee Watters: Organize this material better; consider two sentences. Comment by Arrica Bryant:
I was shy when I first moved to Miami, Florida in July 2000 because I didn’t know many people, but I also wanted to interact with others who were less fortunate. I made the decision to volunteer as an Outreach Coordinator for Jesus Mission to Feed the Hungry, a nonprofit organization that allowed me to use my interpersonal, management, and communication skills. Not knowing many people when I arrived to Miami, FL in July 2000, made me shy but also wanting to communicate with less fortunate individuals, I decided to volunteer as an Outreach Coordinator for Jesus Mission to Feed the Hungry, a non profit organization which allowed me to utltilize my communication, administration and interpersonal relation skills.
As an outreach coordinator. I used my communication skills while commuting to and from the distribution site, where I spoke with warehouse staff about pick-up order information. I ensured that the orders were correct and that they were properly loaded into the vehicle. I would sign the order slip for approval once the order was loaded. As an outreach coordinator I utilized my communication skills by commuting to and from the dstribution site where I would communicate with warehouse staff in regard to the pick up order information. I would make sure that the order was correct and properly loaded into the vehicle. Once the order was loaded I would sign the order slip for approval.
Ensuring that each customer was served promptly, I helped to coordinate the process of distributing meals to consumers. Here, I demonstrate both my interpersonal and administrative abilities. I carry out assessments where the client is asked to disclose their general demographics, independent needs, and objectives. We developed a long-lasting relationship as a result of the interview I conducted with the client, which enabled me to put my interpersonal skills to use.I also assisted with coordinating the process of food distribution to customers by making sure every customer was seen in a timely manner. This is where I put forth my administrative duties along with interpersonal relation skills. I will complete an assessment where the client was asked to provide their general demographics, need for self independency, and their goals to achieve self independency. In the process of me interviewing the client, we gain a lasting relationship which allowed me to utilize my interpersonal skills. Customers would line up to pick up their commodities using the tickets I had given them during the evaluation when the assessments were over.After completion of assessments customers would make the line to pick up their commodities using their ticket that was provided to them by me during the assessment.
After five years of volunteering, I made the decision to take a sabbatical from my job and devote more time to my family, especially my son, who for two years had a number of crisis episodes. Sometimes the mental strain we experienced was intolerable. Yet after realizing that things happen in life, I made the decision to start looking for work to improve my situation. I simply applied for any positions that I thought would be flexible and where I could build a career because I didn’t know where to start. Fortunately, I was able to obtain a position with a bright future and flexibility. On my birthday, October 5, 2007, I began employment with the State of Florida as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I.After 5 years of me volunteering, I decided to give myself a break from working and focus on my children; especially my son who went through several crisis episodes on and off for 2 years. The mental stress that we endured was sometimes unbearable. But knowing that life happens, I decided to start looking for employment to better my life. Not knowing where to start, I just applied for position(s) I felt would be flexible and that I could make a career. Fortunately, I landed a job with a promising career and flexiblity. I started working for the State of Florida as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I on my birthday, October 5, 2007. Not only was it great news for me starting work on my birthday but just working with a state agency was a great acheivement. As an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I, I understood immediately that my position and functions were essential. Me having a passion for assisting people who are in need allowed me to learn the policy and regulations in a timely manner.
My responsibilities included determining whether applicants and recipients of public assistance programs were eligible. I was responsible for processing data from electronic sources and entering it into a computer-based eligibility system in accordance with state and federal regulations. Workers who met the eligibility requirements had to manage a lot of work that was time-sensitive. While being adaptable to frequent changes in the program policy and/or computer-based systems, employees must be able to prioritize, plan, and project their work. I put the assignments and abilities I was given to use, and to my great advantage, I started conducting interviews with candidates in both English and Spanish.My duties consisted of determining the eligibility of applicants and recipients for public assistance programs. The work I performed included processing data from electronic sources and entering information into a computer-based eligibility system under state and federal requirements. Eligibility workers such as myself were expected to handle a high volume of work which is deadline driven. Workers must be able to prioritize, plan and project their work, while remaining flexible to frequent changes in the program policy and/or computer-based systems. Always eager to learn I implemented the task and skills that I was given and to no avail I started interviewing applicants both English and Spanish. Comment by Renee Watters: Write more clearly. What are you trying to convey to the reader?
As I grew professionally and socially, I realized the importance of interpersonal skills when communicating with coworkers and applicants. Unfortunately, during all of the learning and assisting, my son was hospitalized again, and I was forced to miss work for an extended period of time. Due to the importance of my responsibilities, I was unable to continue serving as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I (ESSSI). So, in September 2008, I requested to be demoted to Clerk Typist I. This allowed me to stay on the job and complete less demanding tasks.As I grew in a professional and social manner, I knew the importance of interpersonal skills while communicating with my coworkers and applicants. Unfortunately, in the mist of all the learning and assisting, I was hit with another hospital stay and once again I had to be absent from my duties as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I. Due to the importance of my duties, I could no longer act in the role as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I, so I requested to be demoted to a Clerk Typist I in September 2008. This way I could stay on my job and perform other tasks that weren’t so demanding.
As a Clerk Typist I, I performed administrative support functions necessary to ensure efficient and effective office operations, such as explaining the public assistance process, case information, and providing applicants with login credentials. Because of my previous position, I was able to communicate effectively while ensuring that the office ran smoothly. I handled all administrative tasks that were assigned to me by utilizing a variety of online systems. As a Clerk Typist I, I performed administrative support functions necessary to ensure efficient and effective office operations which consist of duties such as explaining the public assistance process, case information, and providing applicants with login credentials. Because of my previous position I was able to communicate effectively all while making sure the office flowed in a professional manner. I administratively conducted all task(s) that were assigned to me by utilizing a variety of online systems.
In December 2009, I was able to advance within the Florida Department of Children and Families due to my increased knowledge and skills. My abilities as a Clerk Typist I enabled me to improve my communication, administration, and investigative research skills by performing administrative support functions required to ensure efficient and effective office operations. I was also able to keep using a number of online office systems.As I gained additional knowledge and skills, I was able to advance within the agency, in December 2009. My skills as a Clerk Typist I allowed me to enhance my communication, administration and investigative research skills by providing administrative support functions necessary to ensure efficient and effective office operations. I was also able to continue to utilize a variety of online office systems. Comment by Renee Watters: To what job?
My duties as an Interviewing Clerk (screener) included creating registrations and researching state clearances for both new and existing applicants using a variety of online software. In order for me to decipher and cross reference information obtained from various systems, I was required to have decision making and problem-solving capabilities. The client’s income, assets, and expenses were budgeted to the determine their eligibility. After screening the application, I was tasked with assigning the case to an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I.As an Interviewing Clerk (screener) my job duties required me to create registration and research state clearance(s) for new and existing applicants on several of online software. Being able to decipher and cross reference information obtained from the various systems required that I be proficient in decision making and problem solving. Completion of the client registration process included creating a budget of the client’s income, assets, and expenses to determine their eligibility for expedited services. After screening the application, I was tasked with assigning the case to an Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist I daily. If there was an existing case that was closed due to client not reapplying and/or error within the agency, I was then required to reopen the case by completing client registration (CRAD). My administrative and communication skills was at an all time high during my 9 years as an Interviewing Clerk (screener). I managed to be one of the top performing Interviewing Clerks (screener) daily.
Working for the Florida Department of Children and Families allowed me to meet a variety of people, which enabled me to improve my interpersonal relations, communication, and administration skills, allowing me to engage effectively in those areas. As a result, from October 2012 to the present, I decided to become an active member of the agency’s Black History Committee. I volunteered as the Administration and Booking Manager for Mime Over Matter from March 2013 to August 2018, and I participated with Florida Department and Children and Families’ charitable contribution campaign committee from October 2014 to November 2016.
My role as a member of the Department of Children and Families’ Black History Committee was exciting and enjoyable. Through the years working for Department and Children and Families I was able to meet different people which allowed me to enhance my interpersonal relations, communication, and administration skills which I felt I was ready to engage more effectively in those areas. So, I decided to become an active member of the agency’s Black History Committee, October 2012 to present, volunteer as the Administration and Booking Manager for Mime Over Matter, March 2013 to August 2018 and committee member for the agency’s charitable contribution campaign, October 2014 to November 2016.
I was able to put my creativity and communication abilities to use by coming up with suggestions for events that could be held both internally and externally when the committee was hosting shows for the agency’s staff to attend. I would help with venue decoration. We highlighted historical African American culture throughout the venue. People from all spheres of life attended and took part in the activity. This made it possible for me to communicate throughout the process effectively.
My ability to communicate was frequently put to the test. I would help with the event’s ticket sales and information. I served as the south liaison for the Black History Committee, which comprises offices in the north, central, and south regions of Miami-Dade County.My role as a committee member for Department of Children and Families Black History Committee was exciting and fun. I was able to use my creative and communication skills by suggesting ideas for events both internally and externally during the times that the committee would conduct shows for the agency’s employees to attend. I would assist with decorating the venue. We adorned the venue with emphases on historical African American culture. All walks of life attended and participated in the event. This allowed me to communicate in an effective manner throughout the process.
My communication skills were put to the test on a consistent basis. I would support with ticket sales and provide information regarding the event(s). The agency has several offices both north, central and south and I was the liaison for the south. I would provide my peers with event information by advising of the time and date of the Black History Luncheon. I would also collect their funds to participate and provide them with an entry ticket. I would inform the committee chair of the number of tickets sold and submit the funds during the next meeting.
During my time on the committee, I was able to effectively use my interpersonal relations, communication, and administration skills to introduce Mime Over Matter Dance Ministry (M.O.M.) for the Black History committee’s event program(s) from 2009 to 2018. I invited M.O.M. Dance Ministry to minister at the Black History Luncheon for the first time in 2009.I would communicate with the committee chair the number of tickets I sold and deliver the funds during the next meeting.
During my time with the committee, I was able to effectively utilize my interpersonal relations, communication, and administration skills to introduce Mime Over Matter Dance Ministry to the committee’s event program(s) for the past 9 years to present. I booked M.O.M. Dance Ministry to minister in the Black History Luncheon. I effectively communicated with the team to make them aware of uniforms, time of pick up and date of show. Not only was I assisting with the committee on the day of the luncheon I was effectively assisting M.O.M. with any needs that may have arrived while waiting for their name to be called. Being that I was doing what I love to do I did not feel overwhelmed in any way. I was happy to know that I was completing an assignment or should I say several assignments all at once.
As I previously mentioned, I was able to book Mime Over Matter, Inc. for the Black History event(s) thanks to my volunteer work as the organization’s administration and booking manager. I also used these skills to network with other non-profit and for-profit organizations, which led to more bookings for Mime Over Matter, Inc. I successfully communicated with the M.O.M. Dance Ministry team before each event to let them know what the required uniform is, the pick-up time(s), and the date(s) of the event (s). Nonetheless, Mime Over Matter, Inc. chose to establish a standalone dance ministry and chose to take care of their own administrative and booking tasks. My voluntary work with Mime Over Matter, Incorporated came to an end in the month of August 2018.As I stated previously, volunteering as the Administration and Booking Manager for Mime Over Matter, Inc. I was able to book them for the Black History event(s) and utilize my communication and interpersonal skills by networking during the event(s) which led to more bookings with other non-profit and for-profit organizations for Mime Over Matter, Inc. Mime Over Matter, Inc. decided to become an individual dance ministry and decided to handle their own administrative and booking duties. So, in the month of August 2018, my volunteering services ended with Mime Over Matter, Inc.
Due to me wearing a lot of hats during this time I also became an active member of the Department of Children and Families’ charitable contribution campaign from October 2014 to November 2016, where I utilized my creativity, administrative, interpersonal and communication skills, by collecting funds for the campaign from donations and developing and implementing fund raising activities such as preparing morning breakfast and afternoon lunches for contributors. . Though my time with the committee wasn’t long I enjoyed communicating with my peers and serving them as they’re committee liaison for charitable contributions.
I chose to use my experience as an Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist I and apply for the position because I wanted to progress within the agency. My position as an Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist I was upgraded in August 2018. I had to successfully complete and pass the Florida Integrated Pre-Service training in order to advance within the position. Weekly in-class exams on agency policy and procedures were the focus of this 12-week training. It was necessary to have strong communication, organizational, and critical thinking abilities to understand the test material. There were times when we received briefings on scenarios we might face at work. Knowing that I desired to advance within the agency I decided to utilize my Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist I knowledge and apply for the position again. In August 2018, I was promoted to become an Economic Self Sufficiency Specialist I again. A condition of this promotion was that I complete and pass the Florida Integrated Pre-Service training program. This training lasted 12 weeks and consisted of weekly in class examinations on agency policy and procedures. Comprehension of the testing material required proficiency in communication, administration, and critical thinking skills. Occasionally, we were briefed on situations that we would encounter on the job. The trainer informed us that we would be required to locate services for persons who was completely destitute. My previous experience with the agency had already prepared me for this, as both of my previous positions involved securing resources for clients. My abilities in organization, prioritization, and problem solving enabled me to successfully complete the Pre-Service training in 2018. After finishing the training, I returned to the service center to implement my knowledge in an effective and professional manner.
I was in charge of determining eligibility for public assistance benefits as an eligibility specialist. To plan and organize my caseload, I had to use my administrative skills. Not only would I be interviewing candidates, but I would also be processing their benefit claims. Implementing state and federal regulations was a difficult process that necessitated critical thinking as well as extensive investigation and research. My production was low in the first few weeks, but I learned to pair with veteran workers to learn their techniques. I was able to produce high-quality case work by emulating their best practices. Unfortunately, My prior experience with the agency had already prepared me for this as both my former positions involved securing resources for clients. My skills in organizing, prioritizing, and problem solving enabled me to complete the
Pre-Service course successfully in 2018. After completion of the course, I returned to the service center to put what I had learned int practice.
I requested another demotion to take care of my sick mother even though I kept correct case records and work assignments. As an eligibility specialist, I was tasked with determining eligibility for public assistance benefits I had to call upon my administrative skills to plan and organize my caseload. Not only would I be interviewing applicants, but also counseling them and processing their benefit claims. Implementing state and federal regulations was a complex process that required critical thinking and extensive investigation and research. In the first few weeks my production was lacking but I learned to pair with veteran workers to discover their techniques. Emulating their best practices enabled me to produce quality case work. Even though I maintained accurate case records and work assignments, I requested for another demotion to care for my sick mom.
I was entrusted with interviewing applicants for public assistance when I returned as an interviewing clerk in order to get basic demographic information. In my previous position, I had spoken to the candidate over the phone, but this time I had to deal with the public face-to-face. It was essential that I listen carefully and communicate clearly if I was going to acquire the information I needed. I tried to speak with my clients in their language, keeping in mind that I live in a multicultural neighborhood. To make sure I delivered the client excellent and correct information, I would request interpretation if I didn’t understand them or felt they didn’t understand me.Upon my return to an Interviewing Clerk, I was required to interview public assistance applicants to obtain basic demographic information. In my previous position, I would communicate with the applicant by phone but this time around I was tasked to get up close and personal with the public. Not only was I required to speak effectively, but it was important that I listened to gather the necessary information. I made myself aware of the fact that I’m in a diverse city and I attempted to speak the language of my clients. If I did not understand them or I felt, they didn’t understand me I would call for interpretation to make sure that I provided excellent and correct information to the client. I knew that effective lines of communication and interpersonal relations would be my key to success in maintaining a effective level of customer service on a daily basis.
We were bombarded with extenuating circumstances as new entrants came in through the borders. Because of staffing issues as well as a lack of communication (language barrier), I was tasked with providing social security number letter requests and work requirement forms, which was extremely stressful. The volume of documents we received was unfathomable. However, I devised a system that allowed me to complete the requested documents while also preparing them for next-day mail delivery in a timely manner. For the time being, my administrator designated me as the Interviewing Clerk in charge of this task. I agreed without hesitation. As new entrants came in through the borders, we were bombarded with extenuating circumstances. Staffing being an issue and lack of communication (language barrier), I was then tasked with providing SSN and Work requirement letters which was overwhelmingly stressful. The number of documents we received was unbearable. However, I created a system where I was able to complete the requested documents as well as prepare them for the next day mail delivery in a timely manner. My administrator appointed me to be the Interviewing Clerk that handled this task for the time being. I dominated and concurred with no regret.
I received employee of the month recognition in 2021. The front desk staff and I put in a lot of effort, so the administration decided to reward us for our commitment to helping the clients who are in need. Although it was an honor to be recognized in this way, I will always be willing to serve the underprivileged for the rest of my life.In 2021, I was awarded employee of the month. Due to all the hard work that we as the front desk clerks endured, the administration saw fit to award us for our hard work and dedication to the clients that are in need. Although, I was honored to receive such recognition I will continue to help individuals in need for the rest of my life without any reward, because that’s my purpose.
Since my start with the Department of Children and Families, I have always worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in all aspects of business. . My efforts paid off big time this year! ! I was officially called upon by administration to facilitate and coordinate the new office. . I was expected to perform duties as the administrative secretary in her absence as well as maintain the lobby duties, by training new staff, assisting clients and making sure all equipment was functioning properly. The new hires assisted me without question to accommodate Spanish- speaking clients. I’m more than happy to say I trained them well. Along with my program administrator, we teamed up and provided the new hires a brief system training to effectively assist the customers as needed. . Although they haven’t completed Pre-Service training, they are more helpful, and this alone has caused the Front Lobby to flow in an effective manner. . Also, this year Iyear I received my fifteen-year service certificate. . I found this to be an accomplishment because I never thought that I would last on a job this long. long. I set a goal to stay employed and make a career of it and I am glad it has beenwas accomplished.
I believe that if called upon to group my collective work experiences within disciplines, they would all be under three headings, Communication, General Administration and Behavioral Sciences. . First, I believe that most of my experiences would find a place within the discipline of Communication especially within the areas of trainings, monthly meetings and work-related activities such as volunteering and expected job duties. . I feel communication is vital because it’s the only way that you can effectively relay your thoughts and desires to one another. . I believe in every position that I have held my communication skills have increased dramatically and it is because of this I would like to award 50% of my credits to the discipline of Communication.
I believe that 25% of my experiences would find a place within the discipline of General Administration, where I’ve performed tasks for administration. . I was charged with managing places and situations. I was also responsible for the facilitation of trainings and legal documents provided to clients for social security numbers SSN and work permit letters and formsapplications. . It was here that I must was required to oversee the proper implementation and adherence to agency policies and procedures by providing clients with proper documentation and honesty by honoring my promise to keep pertinent information confidential. and integrity by fulfilling my acknowledgment of confidentiality of pertinent information. Therefore, I am requesting to have 25% of my credits awarded to the discipline of General Administration. . Comment by Renee Watters: Write this out. Comment by Renee Watters: Write this more clearly.
Lastly, I would like to award the remaining 25% of my credits to the discipline of Behavioral Sciences because I have utilized most of my professional career assisting individuals in a human services capacity. . Employed with the Department of Children and Families consists of workingof working with some of the state’s neediest families in all capacities of their lives. . I also find myself daily assisting many of my co-workers with their personal affairs. . Often, I find it difficult to differentiate between co-worker and therapist.
I feel as though my studies at Barry University have equipped me with the necessary tools to enable me to be successful on and off the job. . I have earned 96 credits which has allowed me to pursue other areas of promotion that I am forecasting soon. I look forward to my obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Administration and the opportunity to become a Barry University graduategraduation in May 2024,3 which will afford me the opportunity to embark on the journey of obtaining my master’s degree. . And then I will be able to say, “I Mastered It!”
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