Argosy University Portfolio

1. 1 Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio Janisse Rothford Psychology, 2011

2. Personal Statement It is often said that, life is what you make it, and I would like to think that mine has been interesting, fun and full of challenges and will continue to be because that is how I chose to make it. I did not want to stay in one job for my entire adult life and therefore chose to work a few different jobs working around my children’s schedules. Experiencing what life is about and learning new job skills along the way, has made me a very versatile person. Now that the kids are grown it is time for me to expand my mind as I indulge in the many classes in the school of psychology and settle into a career. Why psychology? Well it originally got my attention when I was in high school and I was enthralled with the idea of the Id, Ego and Super ego. I since have evolved into other areas because of my life experiences. I have always found that people think I am easy to talk to and they seem to come to me with their problems looking for a friendly sounding board or my advice. While I was a manager at a women’s only gym I was approached almost daily with members who needed to vent about, family, financial problems, health issues or lack of self-esteem. I really enjoyed being there for them and thought that I should pursue a career in which I could be of more help. Having a background in teaching dance as well as many years of coaching baseball I knew I had an encouraging style of communication. While working at a local hospital I was asked to train the new employees, because I was so patient and was able to communicate in a way in which the new employees could grasp the concept of what was required of them. I believe that it is these past jobs and my demeanor that helps me to be an exceptional employee and student, as well as my desire to be one of the best at what ever challenge I take on. Since I have a passion for encouragement through positive reinforcement, finding work in the rehabilitation field is appealing. Helping someone become mentally strong to see through a long rehabilitation process can give them the tools to get through whatever life throws them. This is an area that many people find themselves in due to circumstances beyond their control and they may need help in finding their inner strength to go on.

3. Personal Statement In order to achieve my goal of working in the field of psychology I had to go back to school and what an eye opening experience it was. I loved it and threw myself into my studies. I was able to look at my classes in a whole new way knowing that I was gaining new knowledge and becoming a better person. I had decided to take online classes at Argosy University since I was working two jobs at the time and this allowed me to complete classes so I will be able to graduate at the end of April 2011. Two and a half years have gone by quickly, so I know that another two years will fly by as I pursue a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I realize that in order to reach my goals I will need to obtain my Masters degree and possibly think about a Doctorate. After completing my BA degree in Psychology at Argosy University I feel confident in my ability to become a student in a Masters program. I was able to attain a 3.84 GPA and wish to continue this same standard of achievement as I further my education. It will be exciting to start exploring the classes geared to counseling to those that need rehabilitation and seeing where my interests will be peaked. Wherever life takes me, whether it is an internship or straight to graduate school I know I will welcome the challenges. Life is too short to sit and watch it go by and I plan on making the most of my opportunities. Knowing that I am pursuing a career that can make a difference in others lives is a satisfying thought.

4. Resume 6150 N. Feland, fresno, CA 93711 559-439-2990  jbrothf4d@comcast.net Janisse “Brooke” Rothford objective To secure a position with a well established organization that will enable me to use my strong organizational and people skills while giving me the opportunity to learn and grow along with the company. I am beginning a Maters program in Rehabilitation Counseling at Fresno State and would love to work in an environment that will give me insight to the rehabilitation process. Functional summary I am a highly motivated professional that is reliable, punctual, outgoing, and will easily adapt to any situation. I pride myself in my friendly people skills, patience and ability to motivate and direct others. My experience in managing, conflict resolution, scheduling, multitasking in a busy environment, telephone reception, customer service, and problem solving allows me to learn tasks quickly and get them done efficiently. I will be graduating with my BA in psychology in 4 weeks and look forward to using my new knowledge acquired out in the work force. Computer knowledge- word, excel, power point, Microsoft Works Summary of qualifications Manager/Trainer/Office For a local gym I was in charge of hiring and training new hires, scheduling, timecards for payroll, monthly calendar updates, front door greeting, sales, collections, answering phones and billing. As dispatcher and health unit coordinator in an intensive care unit in a children’s hospital I was in charge of training new hires, admissions, discharges, coordinating the transporting of patients to and from other hospitals, working closely with doctors and nurses with implementing orders into the computer system, family customer service, scheduling and multitasking in emergency situations.

5. Resume Employment 2006-2009 Gems fitness for Women, Fresno, CA Manager/Trainer 2001-2009 The Dance Studio of Fresno, Fresno, CA Dance Instructor 1996-2003 Elite Advertising Company Co-Owner 1989-2001 Children’s Hospital of Central California, Madera CA Transport Dispatcher/Health Unit Coordinator/NICU Education 1973-1975 Bullard High School, Fresno, CA 1976-1978 Fresno State University, Fresno, CA 2008-2011 Argosy University, Online Studies BA-Psychology Languages English Experience working with many interpreters at Children’s Hospital of Central California

6. Reflection When reviewing all of the different posts and papers I have written in the last two and a half years I was amazed at all of the subjects that were covered. It was very interesting to see how my writing has changed and the depth of my thinking has grown. I am proud of my accomplishments and feel that I put everything I had into being an exceptional student. I think my experience with online classes at Argosy University has been enriching and will show useful as I attend graduate school. According to the student self-analysis I believe I am very strong in my communication skills written and oral. I also think that I excel in my cognitive and critical thinking abilities being able to use a wide range of psychological perspectives and theories. If I had to pick a weakness it would probably be in understanding research methods, but I would make it up in my ethical abilities.

7. Table of Contents Cognitive Abilities - Demonstrates problem solving, analysis, synthesis, and appropriate use of information resources. Language Acquisition 3 Research skills - A copy of a research proposal, or a survey developed. Affects of Positive Influence on Self Esteem and Management of Weight 7 Communication skills - A topic paper, that demonstrates written and oral communication skills. Diesel Exhaust Air Pollution in California 22 Ethics & Diversity awareness - Demonstrating an understanding and/or analysis of ethical and diversity issues in psychology. Animal Testing 32 Knowledge of foundations of the field – The understanding of basic concepts, theories, and empirical findings in one or more of the domains of psychology. Self-Actualization 41 Knowledge of applied psychology - The ability to apply psychology to personal, social, and/or organizational problems. Lesbian and Gay Domestic Violence 47 To view papers see the Box section on my LinkedIn page

8. My Future in Learning I will be continuing my education at California State University Fresno in the Rehabilitation Counseling Masters program. I am excited to start this new chapter in my life which will lead to a rewarding career in the future helping those with disabilities. Even though education in an academic situation is a wonderful way to learn I look forward to continuing my learning experiences with real life experiences.

9. Contact Me Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio. For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address below. jbrothf4d@comcast.net