WEEKLY REFLECTIVE ESSAYS/PROGRESS REPORT

Name: Morish Roi F. Yacas

Subject and Section: PSY 1305 Section 1

Progress Report No. 1

Part I: Summary of Task

1. Internship Orientation
 Participated in a structured and comprehensive onboarding experience of facilities’
procedures and policies presented by our site supervisor and the facilities’ personnel
2. Lectures and Familiarization of Tests
 During the orientation, our site supervisor provided an overview of psychological
testing, including practical and theoretical applications.
3. Forming and brainstorming of groups for group activity
 At the conclusion of the orientation, our site supervisor gave us interns advice on how
to divide up the labor more effectively by grouping us.
4. Introductions and rapport building with facility residents

 First of the many conversations that interns will have with facility residents, building
rapport and trust that can help the residents feel at home and at ease.
Part II: Insights

Professional Insights (as a Psychology major)

The first day of the internship can be described as rather procedural in the sense that it
focused on establishing the preparatory conditions for our working environment. We had a very
good ‘getting to know you’ session which was done by the site supervisor on the facet, its
mission, aims and objectives of the facility, and the organizational structure of the internship
program. In addition, there were stern reminders on the basic ethical requirements that should
be observed and the level of discretion expected as well as the degree of professionalism that
was expected from the personnel for any situation, which was very essential. It set the tone for
how seriously the facility and its personnel take its responsibilities toward its residents. Even
the tics and habitual activities of each resident were shared. While there was a lot of
information to absorb, it was reassuring to know that support was readily available. The days
that follow are both knowledge-filled and tiring by all accounts. We attended a number of
lectures about different psychological measurements including both cognitive and personality
tests. Since I was a psychology major, I was somewhat acquainted with these tools; however,
witnessing their application clinically was a completely different thing. The lectures also
addressed the specifics of each test, its purpose, and its role in a client’s treatment plan. I liked
that in our learning process, in which we actually had practical opportunities and were allowed
to spend time studying the content and mastering materials. Also, one of the exciting aspects
that we were given from the start was to work with other interns to come up with group
activities. The focus was on creating an atmosphere of trust and safety, which is so important
for us. Still, meeting the residents was definitely a highlight. I made an effort to greet the folks
and keep the interactions friendly but polite and formal. For me, it was about being present and
showing genuine interest in their well-being. Building rapport with them? (Fingers crossed), Any
kind conversation made is vital in laying the groundwork for future interactions. I’ve learned
that patience and empathy go a long way here. As for interns, the task was to work out such
activities that would not only be entertaining for the residents but also would help us assess
their psychological well-being. It was necessary to consider some issues, such as the age, level
of intellect, and the mood of the participants. It made us use every ounce of flexibility and
creativity that we can muster, but imagining the potential impact these activities could have
was really motivating.

Personal Insights (as an individual)

The internship kicked off with orientation, which felt like stepping into a new world. It
was both thrilling and nerve-wracking as I acquainted myself with the facility’s structure and my
role. I understood that whatever line of work you undertake in the medical sector, things like
confidentiality, professionalism, and the value of compassion will always be emphasized no
matter what shape it takes, which helped soothe my early worries. It was comforting to see the
facility’s commitment to creating a supportive environment. Psychological assessment tools like
cognitive tests and personality inventories took on new meaning in a real-life clinical setting,
and I felt the weight of how these assessments shape patient care. These mix of feelings of
fascination and demand to fully understand the tools in practice, not just in theory. Meeting the
residents puts things into perspective. It was first all about making the right impression, but it
soon became clear that simply being there and sincere was the best strategy. Being genuinely
caring and attentive become the most important aspects of developing a rapport. However, it
became evident that patience and consistency would be necessary to build deeper bonds. This
experience was eye-opening for me because it gave me a deeper awareness of the internal
battles, we all face on a daily basis, how they may influence us in the years to come, and
human resilience in general. Finally, brainstorming group activities with fellow interns felt like
an exciting blend of creativity and strategy. We wanted to do activities that not only engaged
the residents but also encouraged emotional expression and community building. From art
therapy to social games, it was a rewarding challenge to balance different needs and abilities
while keeping the focus on supporting residents' mental health in meaningful ways. At the
same time, it was really fun for me to know my fellow interns from being strangers to each
other’s savior in times of panic and crises.