INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

Ariel Vallecillo
Wilmington University
 Feelings and concerns: Excited,
worried, eager to start, long
commute to internship site,
balance work and school
schedules.
GETTING
STARTED
Strengths: Created my own
schedule, overcome obstacles, got
used to the long commute
Learning interests and needs:
Needed a flexible schedule, learn
management skills, professional
training and development.
Weaknesses: Unable to truly
learn management skills in my
internship site. Not able to
communicate my true feelings
about my needs and
difficulties during my
internship.
 Mosaic Mission is: Embracing
Demographic at Mosaic: Mosaic
Gods call to serve in the world,
is a faith-based organization
Mosaic advocates for people
servicing individuals with
with intellectual disabilities and
intellectual and developmental
provides opportunities for them
disabilities.
GETTING to enjoy a full life.

ACQUAINTE
D Agency Context: Mosaic was
founded on July 1, 2003; When
Bethphage and Martin Luther
Homes Society consolidated as
Mosaic, dedicated in common
faith to a common mission.
 ETHICAL
COMPETENCE
I have not noticed any ethical dilemmas during the course of my
internship.
Every one seem to get along and follow directions during my visits.
 MY LEARNING EXPERIENCE

I was able to create an educational curriculum that I also implemented to my liking and
discretion.
I have learned the process of applying the results of my research and turn it into a solid
plan of action.
I was able to use the tools learned throughout my AHS degree program and put it into
practice.
My experience in this learning process has given me a solid understanding of my
leadership skills. My Strengths Finder themes are: 1: Adaptability 2. Positivity 3.
Connectedness 4. Relator 5. Maximizer.
 Wants: More guidance in my Needs: To know what to expect,
projects, better communication better collaboration from site
and follow-ups. supervisor, more supervision.

USING
SUPERVISION
Challenges: No one to supervise my
art therapy sessions, not enough
time spent with my site supervisor
due to her been at a different
location. Not knowing what how to
complete the remaining internship
hours on time.
 CULTURAL COMPETENCE

Cultural Differences: Intellectual disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities,

developmental disabilities.
Cultural Immersion: I was able to immerse myself in this culture by learning more
about individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I learned the
importance of diversity and inclusion to create equity. I researched current trends and
possible solutions to challenging situations facing this population.
WRITING AND REPORTING WITHIN MY
AGENCY
I was able to create a flyer to communicate the existence of my art therapy program
sessions to members of staff and clients.
Most of my communication has been done via E-mail or telephone.
The organization usually send flyers or E-mails to interns, staff members, and
supporters to let them know about their up-coming events.
Mosaic ambassador activities include attend a 1 hour Discover the Possibilities tour.
 Internal Stressors: Trying to
External Stressors: Long
accomplish everything at once.
commute to my internship
Making sure that I get the most
site. Making sure I am doing a
out of my internship
good job. Juggling school,
experience. Not having good
homework, personal life, and
guidance when doing my
work.
TAKING projects. Stressful eating.

CARE OF
MYSELF How I Manage Stress: I distress
by going to the movies, have a
productive conversation with
friends, exercise, take long
walks at the beach.
 My Appreciation: I have a deep
My Feelings: I feel grateful to have
appreciation for the opportunity I had
endured and maintained a positive
to work and learn about individuals
aptitude during my challenging
with intellectual and developmental
moments as an intern. The long driving
disabilities. I have gained a deeper
commutes every week to meet my
respect for this individuals. I have a
internship hours, the participation of
better understanding of their daily
the clients and staff.
ENDING MY challenges.

INTERNSHIP
My Needs: I needed to be more
specific and more outspoken regarding
what I wanted to learn during my
internship.
My Wants: I just want to culminate this
experience with a positive outcome. As
I close this chapter, I want to move
forward to new professional endeavors.
 Short-Term Goals: My
short-term goals is to obtain
a Board-Certification as an
art therapist. Work for a
State or Federal Agency.
PLANNING
MY CAREER
Steps to Follow: I plan on
becoming a Board-Certified
Art therapist.
My Long-Term Goal: My
long-term goal is to work
as a consultant specializing
in advocacy, social and
welfare policies.
Steps to Follow: Continue
working towards
specializing my skills.