Week 1!

From my previous visit/interview I expected SHM to be very welcoming and comfortable environment; therefore I was not surprised how friendly everyone was. Throughout my first few days, I was very interested to learn more about the QI projects. I was very surprised to see how much of a difference these well thought projects can make on the health care environment. As a nursing major I look forward in learning what goes on behind the scenes to the typical hospital environment I am normally exposed to. I am excited to be a part of these projects and look forward in making a difference too!

First Days!

What surprised me was how open the enviornment is here. Everyone is so friendly - and I got those vibes during my interview - but what I was most surprised about was how everyone seems interested in our feedback and ideas already. I'm really looking forward to being able to actively participate in meetings and be able to make an impact at SHM. I can't wait to have more lunches in the Phillies room and get to know everyone on the team. I'm also excited to get working on team projects!

Welcome!

Hello, new co-ops!
Welcome to SHM, we are all excited to get to know each of you in the next six months.

Also, welcome to Collective Reality! You'll be visiting this site every week to respond to questions that I pose, starting this week. Some questions will be serious, some will be fun. I guess it depends on my mood and how my weekend was (I post on Mondays).

Let's start with your first blog assignment:

You've been here for 5 days. What surprised you? What are you looking forward to in the next six months?

Here's to a new adventure!

My thoughts

I'm not one for nostalgia but I really can't believe 6 months have gone by here at SHM. This co-op exposed me to valuable experiences and lessons. I learned a lot, both professionally and personally - which I will carry on throughout my search for a fitting career.

To those staying behind: Best of luck with Annual Meeting! Thanks for always being patient and understanding and challenging me on a daily basis.

To those leaving with me: I seriously cannot imagine SHM without my comrades. We're a funny bunch and we got through the days together. See you all on campus (you better say hi!!!)

To those incoming: Whether you realize it or not, this office is one for growth. Don't hesitate to take the time to figure out what it is that interests you - there aren't many "co ops" that will be as accomodating.

Peace and Love, Ann

My last thoughts...

I didn't think I would leave SHM with the amazing oppurtunities that were provided to me. Throughout my 6 months here, I have learned more than I ever thought I would in an office. I got the oppurtunity to present a project to SHM's QI Team, job shadow Albert Institute, and be introduced to programs I have never used before. I've learned how to manage time in a different way and through office life. This was my first administrative job, which was a wonderful experience. I'll miss walking in here every morning!

My first and final lecture

Over the course of my 6 months at SHM, I got to experience a lot. I have learned more working here, then I would after a year of school. I have been able to work in almost every single realm of the Membership and Marketing department here. The most obvious thing that I learned about myself over the course of my time here is that I am a pretty versatile worker, something that I'm very proud of. This organization provides all of the tools necessary for one to be successful, you just have to take advantage of them. It was truly a pleasure working with everyone here. Thank you all.

Good night and good luck

Last Lecture

Well, where to begin.
I suppose at the beginnning.
I came to SHM under the impression I knew what i wanted to do, what i liked, and i knew where I saw myself 5,10,20 years down the road.
I am leaving SHM 6 months later with a much clearer and accurate vision.
I know what i like, what i don't like, what makes me inspired, and what makes me disinterested.
I appreciate SHM for giving me the grounds on which to learn about myself, and for standing by as i gracefully made these discoveries.
The patience and knowledge displayed by everyone in this office is something i know i will likely never experience again.
So thank you to everyone here for being understanding, fun, interesting, and patient role models.

Your Last Lecture

Here it is, the moment you have all been waiting for. Your final blogging assignment.

This assignment will be your "Last Lecture" (which is a great book written by Randy Pausch.. I recommend reading it). It is a post meant to be your final thoughts on your co-op experience. What thoughts would you like to leave behind - to those who are still here? To those starting shortly after you? To those to come a year from now?

Click the link below for an example of my "last lecture" from my first co-op here!

http://collectivereality.blogspot.com/2009/03/as-we-go-on-we-remember-all-times-we.html

From Ann:

One thing I would like to accomplish before leaving SHM would be attending a chapter meeting event (hopefully going with Wendy to Baltimore!) and to update my LinkedIn account information/profile.

Advice I would give to incoming M.A.'s would be to articulate! It is so important to know how to express your likes, dislikes, interests, ideas, etc. Formulate opinions, voice them and often.

From Puja

Okay so some of the MAs are having weird problems with the blog. Here is Puja's advice:


Always be open! Whenever you are bored with your work, or don't have a heavy workload, always ask if there's anything different/new you could work on. The Q.I. team is always giving out a variety of projects every day. If you're open to the team, you may just learn something new from one of your projects.

?

Ask as many questions as you have. If you have a question ask it, you can never ask too many questions.