It is clear that I was able to accomplish my goals through this internship. Not only did I accomplish those goals, I learned so much more about myself and the possibilities for my future career. This experience was certainly a positive one that I will never forget and thankful to organization for providing. There is not just one important lesson I learned from this internship but many. Just a few of them being not to judge others who are different no matter their current situation, if you are happy and calm then the member you are talking to is able to give you that same respect, and lastly when you work together in an organization you can great the best result in service to the public.
From this internship I have learned that I can I see my self working in the field of public service after I graduate. The ability to help others and make a positive different in the lives of others does not stop after you have helped them but creates a chain reaction. CalOptima is a large organization and provides multiple services across a large area of California which can often be difficult, but from what I have seen and learned during my internship it is clear that they will be able to accomplish much more in the future. I look forward to applying for a permanent position after graduation.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Thank You Letter
Dear Health Care Talent and CalOptima Department of Health Education and Disease Management,
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the amazing opportunity you gave me these past few months. My internship taught me so much about myself as well as the organization. In providing pubic healthcare service to the local community I was able to determine that I would enjoy a career in helping others in any given field. Creating a positive impact through the providing health education to members was a new experience that I will never forget. In addition the ability to learn and interact with different departments supported furthering my general knowledge and education of how a business is able to run smoothly as well as follow compliance regulations given by the government.
I look forward to continue my education and earning a degree that could support a position within your company. I will take the lessons and knowledge I have learned and apply them to not only my time at school but in my day life. During my time at your office I was able to improve on my communication, computer, and management skills that will be extremely after graduation. It is important that I also thank those that supported my development, the entire department of Health Education and Disease Management took me under their wing and treated me as if I was part of the team and for that I am extremely thankful. The professional relationships and great memories will not be forgotten. Once again thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to the future that you have helped shape.
Your truly,
Ashley Thompson
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the amazing opportunity you gave me these past few months. My internship taught me so much about myself as well as the organization. In providing pubic healthcare service to the local community I was able to determine that I would enjoy a career in helping others in any given field. Creating a positive impact through the providing health education to members was a new experience that I will never forget. In addition the ability to learn and interact with different departments supported furthering my general knowledge and education of how a business is able to run smoothly as well as follow compliance regulations given by the government.
I look forward to continue my education and earning a degree that could support a position within your company. I will take the lessons and knowledge I have learned and apply them to not only my time at school but in my day life. During my time at your office I was able to improve on my communication, computer, and management skills that will be extremely after graduation. It is important that I also thank those that supported my development, the entire department of Health Education and Disease Management took me under their wing and treated me as if I was part of the team and for that I am extremely thankful. The professional relationships and great memories will not be forgotten. Once again thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to the future that you have helped shape.
Your truly,
Ashley Thompson
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
The Muscle of CalOptima
The strengths or muscle of CalOptima is in the ability to provide services to such a large population that is extremely diverse. Services and operations departments allow for a the company to operate together and smoothly in supporting their members. The domino effect can be seen very clearly at CalOptima as one department often relies on many others. A specific example that shows the strength of the organization is how the Health Education department is able to work with the Cultural and Linguistics department to publish educational material on multiple conditions and diseases in the 5 threshold languages in the community and stay in accordance with regulations of being culturally sensitive.
If I was in charge of the organization there are just a few adjustments I would make. The first would be to evaluate the management of every department on a quarterly basis to ensure quality. I found that when management in certain departments become complacent it often effects other employees and creates issues between the different levels. Another adjustment I would make it ensure that all employees are with co-workers within their same department. Due to the size of the company it was often difficult to create department bonding as employees were placed in open spots rather than with their department. Lastly, I would update all information systems with the support and guidance of those that use them most rather than the management. A happy employee is one that is heard and is supported by their superiors in efforts to make their position more efficient and easier. I believe these would be the changes I would make if in charge of such a large organization similar to CalOptima.
If I was in charge of the organization there are just a few adjustments I would make. The first would be to evaluate the management of every department on a quarterly basis to ensure quality. I found that when management in certain departments become complacent it often effects other employees and creates issues between the different levels. Another adjustment I would make it ensure that all employees are with co-workers within their same department. Due to the size of the company it was often difficult to create department bonding as employees were placed in open spots rather than with their department. Lastly, I would update all information systems with the support and guidance of those that use them most rather than the management. A happy employee is one that is heard and is supported by their superiors in efforts to make their position more efficient and easier. I believe these would be the changes I would make if in charge of such a large organization similar to CalOptima.
Career Services Event
So on August 26th I attended a webinar within Career Service for Interview Tips and Tricks. This experience was new as I had never attended a webinar. Although we got off to a rocky start with the sound not working, I really enjoyed the topic and the discussion within the webinar. The start of the webinar was a basic review of what to do in an interview and how to prepare. A new bubble of thought I learned about was the impact of social media when applying for positions. Many employers use a tool that allows them to see your social media profiles. It is important for that reason that your social media profile remains clean and professional as much as possible.
The next part of the discussion was on different interviews and how to prepare for them. Before even applying for a company it is important to research them, and determine if they are the right fit for you as well as being prepared to answer questions if there is an application process. After being accepted for an interview, preparing for the type of interview is important. A new tip I was given was that in group interviews it is important to include everyone within the interview in your answer that way the employers know you work well in a group. For phone and web interviews it is important that you act as if it was in person and that you are in a setting that fits those needs. I extremely enjoyed the webinar and look forward to future events. :)
The next part of the discussion was on different interviews and how to prepare for them. Before even applying for a company it is important to research them, and determine if they are the right fit for you as well as being prepared to answer questions if there is an application process. After being accepted for an interview, preparing for the type of interview is important. A new tip I was given was that in group interviews it is important to include everyone within the interview in your answer that way the employers know you work well in a group. For phone and web interviews it is important that you act as if it was in person and that you are in a setting that fits those needs. I extremely enjoyed the webinar and look forward to future events. :)
Sunday, November 22, 2015
The Million Dollar Question
What would you do if someone gave you a million dollars? A regular conversation starter and sometimes a conversation finisher is also an interesting question to answer. A million dollars today is not the same it was a century ago, and it will not be the same a century from today, but it is still a lot of money at any one given time. A million dollars also comes with a lot of responsibility and can often be overwhelming as often seen by lottery winners. I believe that if I had a million dollars I would save, spend, and donate within reason.
I would first save about a quarter of a million dollars for my future children's education including college as well as some possible traveling so that they are able to be exposed to life in other areas of the world. Spending some of that money would be next with the hopes that it will have an impact in other peoples lives through the system of economics. I would most likely improve my home and adopt another animal creating a loving home for a large family. I would also most likely try to go back to school if needed to further my career development and personal learning interest. Lastly I would donate a quarter of the money to multiple charities as I believe we as a generation can have a positive change in the world if we work together. The reality that life revolves around money is true, but with that money comes the ability to positively effect lives and create better opportunities for others. I do not know yet which charities I would give to but most likely they would involve animals, children, and those in the military. I hope that this will lead to a chain reaction and that we can make a difference in the world together!
I would first save about a quarter of a million dollars for my future children's education including college as well as some possible traveling so that they are able to be exposed to life in other areas of the world. Spending some of that money would be next with the hopes that it will have an impact in other peoples lives through the system of economics. I would most likely improve my home and adopt another animal creating a loving home for a large family. I would also most likely try to go back to school if needed to further my career development and personal learning interest. Lastly I would donate a quarter of the money to multiple charities as I believe we as a generation can have a positive change in the world if we work together. The reality that life revolves around money is true, but with that money comes the ability to positively effect lives and create better opportunities for others. I do not know yet which charities I would give to but most likely they would involve animals, children, and those in the military. I hope that this will lead to a chain reaction and that we can make a difference in the world together!
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Superhero's and Super Powers
As a child you always wonder and suggest different super-powers you would want if they were real from what you have seen in the movies. When I was a child I wanted to have the super power of flight or be invisibility in hopes that I could do things and not get in trouble or travel around the world. Now as an adult my choice of super power has changed in that I would want the power of taking other peoples powers. It is often the case that we witness events in life that we could change and that most of the time they are only changed when on the big screen. By having the ability to take other's powers away and use them yourself, you have the ability to show how those powers can be used for a more positive purpose. I am guessing this choice will change again when I have learned more and seen more in my life, but for right now I think it is a pretty good power to have.
In talking about super powers one cannot go without mentioning their favorite superhero. My favorite superhero is Thor. As a demi-god (half human-half god) he has been given superpowers by a higher belief while most of his co-star characters have been given powers through medically enhanced objects or chemicals. In addition it is often the case that he is using his powers to save others rather than to save himself or for justice within the country. Long beautiful hair is just an added bonus that adds to her appearance making him the clear choice of the best superhero.
In talking about super powers one cannot go without mentioning their favorite superhero. My favorite superhero is Thor. As a demi-god (half human-half god) he has been given superpowers by a higher belief while most of his co-star characters have been given powers through medically enhanced objects or chemicals. In addition it is often the case that he is using his powers to save others rather than to save himself or for justice within the country. Long beautiful hair is just an added bonus that adds to her appearance making him the clear choice of the best superhero.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
My Hero
My hero is my mother. I know that sounds extremely cheesy but she has had the greatest positive impact in my life to this day. Growing up my mother made sure that we were taken care of and lived in a comfortable lifestyle. That does not mean that her life was comfortable and easy, and I can tell you from the stories she has shared that she is a survivor in the most basic terms. I admire her strength and hope one day that I can be as amazing of a person as she is and will be as a grandmother one day.
My mother grew up in Seal Beach, CA; a California girl just like me with a mother and father that worked hard and lived a nice comfortable life. Her father (my grandfather) traveled all over the world for government business and has often told us about his crazy adventures as well as trips that they went on together. Her mother (my grandmother) was a caring mother to her three children but also a hard worker when in the workforce. With her parents being such great supporters and role models my mother decided to follow in their foot steps and join the workforce. To this day she is widely known within the companies she works for as being one of the most progressive and hardest workers often achieving high success and respect from her co-workers and management. I hope to one day be as respected in my field as she is in hers.
My mother is my role model in another sense in that she is a survivor. She meet my father during high school and decided that after one semester of college it was not the life she wanted and came back to marry a man back home. This was not what my grandparents wanted for their daughter as they saw a bright future with a college degree. After the marriage my mother gave birth to me as well as my younger sister, both events extremely joyful. However, that time was short lived as my mother was prideful in her work and wanted to continue working against my father's wishes. This lead to a very painful time that broke our family. A few years later she remarried a wonderful man that has been an amazing influence in my life as well as made my mother happy again. After all these events in her life my mother has remained focused and strong in creating a happy home an comfortable life for herself as well as her children and for that reason she is my role model and hero.
My mother grew up in Seal Beach, CA; a California girl just like me with a mother and father that worked hard and lived a nice comfortable life. Her father (my grandfather) traveled all over the world for government business and has often told us about his crazy adventures as well as trips that they went on together. Her mother (my grandmother) was a caring mother to her three children but also a hard worker when in the workforce. With her parents being such great supporters and role models my mother decided to follow in their foot steps and join the workforce. To this day she is widely known within the companies she works for as being one of the most progressive and hardest workers often achieving high success and respect from her co-workers and management. I hope to one day be as respected in my field as she is in hers.
My mother is my role model in another sense in that she is a survivor. She meet my father during high school and decided that after one semester of college it was not the life she wanted and came back to marry a man back home. This was not what my grandparents wanted for their daughter as they saw a bright future with a college degree. After the marriage my mother gave birth to me as well as my younger sister, both events extremely joyful. However, that time was short lived as my mother was prideful in her work and wanted to continue working against my father's wishes. This lead to a very painful time that broke our family. A few years later she remarried a wonderful man that has been an amazing influence in my life as well as made my mother happy again. After all these events in her life my mother has remained focused and strong in creating a happy home an comfortable life for herself as well as her children and for that reason she is my role model and hero.
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