Hello and thanks for visiting my Capstone Portfolio! My name is Jaemee. I have recently graduated from Western Washington University with my Bachelors of Arts Degree; major in Human Service in June 2011.
I am very active with my community on and off campus serving as a volunteer at Oak Harbor Elementary and member of the Parent Teacher Association at Oak Harbor Elementary.
I interned for Habitat for Humanity of Island County and Northwest Youth Services in Skagit County. I work part time as a Certified Nurse Aid and recently ended my contract (June 2011) as the Western Pride Student Coordinator for the Get Your Blue On Program for the Alumni Association of Western Washington University.
I have been honored to meet so many diverse individuals and value
every relationship in my life. The most
valuable relationship I have is the one with my son. He came in my life just in time to inspire me
to change the world. Yoko Ono once said,
“We are all the dreamers creating the next world, the next beautiful world for
ourselves and for our children.” I want
to make a difference in the world to better enhance the lives in my community,
and I know I can’t make these changes over time, but I look forward to all the
opportunities that will allow me to make a difference and secure a more dynamic
society for my son.
"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up." - John Andrew Holmes Jr., American writer and minister
Philosophy of Helping
I have had a unique and inspiring life that has contributed to me becoming a Human Service Professional. I take pride in coming from a matriarchal family. All of the women in my life have, in one way or the other, altruistically contributed back to their communities. My great grandmother provided free health services in the Philippines, my grandmother made sure all were fed, and my mother made sure family and friends have food and clothing. We acknowledge that we may not have a lot, but what we do have we share we others. This may include material, financial, and consumable items. My passion to help others started when the Navy evacuated my family from the Philippines when Mt Pinatubo erupted in 1991. I was still young and did not understand what was going on around me, but I was old enough to acknowledge the numerous strangers who opened their homes and hearts to us. We had nothing, and the community reached out to us by providing us the basic essentials to get by. I have never forgotten their generosity and want to make them proud of taking a chance in helping us out during our darkest times. We often take the small things in life for granted, but until you are forced to face your ultimate fears you don’t realize how much you have missed out on. I was raised to appreciate the little things in life in fear that one day it might all be gone. I can empathize with clients who have lost everything, and I sympathize with those who are in need of guidance. I have devoted myself to help my community and help them through their struggles as they did with my family. Now it’s my time to pay it forward and help families through their darkest times.
“Every great dream
begins with a dreamer. Always remember,
you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for
the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman
Professional Goals
I started the Human Service Program anticipating that I would pursue a Master's Degree in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education. I have always been active with student life when I attended Oak Harbor High School and Skagit Valley College-Whidbey Campus. I have always been passionate in helping others and implementing programs to better enhance student life. I’ve worked with a diverse group of individuals who have taught immeasurable life lessons. Throughout the last two years I have had the opportunity to explore the different ways on how I can influence change in my community through internships. I was honored to intern for Northwest Youth Services – Skagit County where I worked with homeless youth for six months in living in transitional housing and referring them to local services. Since the beginning of the year I have interned with Habitat for Humanity of Island County directly working volunteers through various agency programs. From these experiences, I knew I was destined to work with families. I hope to pursue my Masters in Social Work or Public Health to further advocate and enhance the lives of my community.
Overview of Portfolio
I originally created my digital portfolio during my Portfolio Learning course {for more info} in which I started a Weebly {for more info} account. I have updated my portfolio through the Human Service Program at Western Washington University to document my journey through the program. As you explore through my accomplishments in
the last two years, please note that as you read through my essays I have various
links in pink font color that will direct you to an example of my work and may require you to download the file. These examples are just a sample of what I
have accomplished as a human service student.
I have provided the most up to date examples; including files that have been corrected or in their original state without notations from the course instructor. I do have other non-evidence links throughout my website that are in noted as "{for more info}," these are various websites and/or programs I have utilized in
correlation with my coursework. Please note that I have taken all of the published images throughout my portfolio, those that are not are credited and appreciated for their contribution.