Gaining Insight Into Yourself as a Helper

Gaining Insight as a Helper

Gaining Insight as a Helper

by Katie Dougherty -
Number of replies: 2

1. What were your motives for helping this person?

I recently had a student come to me looking for financial assistance in order to come back for the school year. My motive behind helping this person was to help her get back to college so she could finish her degree. I wanted to connect her with the resources she needed to be back at college.

2. Did you benefit from this relationship in any way? How?

I benefited from this relationship because I was able to get to know the student more to understand where she was coming from. I also, was able to learn more about financial assistance resources available. 

3. What was your role in the helping relationship? In what way do you think you helped this person? Looking back, is there anything that you might have done differently?

My role in the helping relationship was to first listen to the student. I needed to know her situation in order to best support her. Next, I was a connector - I help connect the student to resources available to her so she could return to college. Finally I continued to work with her to develop a budget so she feels financially secure. 

4. Was there anything that this person did, said, or believed that you did not agree with? How did you react?

As I was getting to know the student I found out she didn't have a job all summer. At first this was disappointing to hear, but i continued to listen to her story and found out there was more behind it. I also motivated her to realize she could find a job that would work in her schedule. 

5. Did you learn anything from this relationship?

I walked away feeling more comfortable working with individuals who are going through a financial hardship. I still believe I have more to learn. 


In reply to Katie Dougherty

Re: Discovery

by LaVerne Zephir -

I discovered that we have similar stories, and our "why's" mirror our motives for helping. Your role as a Career Service Provider is significant to the success of the student. They need guidance on how to navigate the job search process, as well as connecting them with the resources to minimize their stress. As we adapt to working virtually during the pandemic, you are responsible for helping students navigate a job market quickly upended after months of near-record-low unemployment rates. I could only imagine the many hats you are wearing. I have discovered in your post that your availability and the creation of a contingency plan was a success story for this student.    

In reply to Katie Dougherty

Re: Gaining Insight as a Helper

by Charise Wilson -

What a great example, Katie!

You were really applying helping relationship skills here. The listening with a non-judgmental attitude probably helped your student to open up and to trust you. It also helped you to learn more about the situation without being closed-minded. Well-done!