Journal 3

Weekly Schedule: Weekly: 33.5 Total: 54.5 hours

Brianna Fuller

Monday: 9-12:30, 1-5 Wednesday: 8-5 Thursday: 8-5 Friday: 9-5

2/1/19

Journal Week 3 This week was my first full week of my internship. I have already learned so much while being here. As I explained before, there is a lot of work that I must complete for the wish process. I have been going through an extensive pile of files that the last intern left for me. I am unsure of what she was doing considering the files dated all the way back to February 2018, which is unacceptable. The process is long, so once the child is referred and we get the file we are supposed to call the families to tell them the good news once they are chosen! During this call we verify all information and request they send us required documents for their file. From the day of referral, there is a 9 month hold while we get the documents. Once the 9 months is up, we gather volunteers to go out and speak with the family and get many options for their wish and fill out paperwork. Because there is an influx of files from last year, this elongates the process time since the last intern was a slacker to be quite honest. My job is to catch up on files, call the families, gather the documents that come in, file them away, take all calls regarding the process, and keep track of what files need what documents, and to document when each file is ready for the next step. This is important and I stay very busy which I cannot say for my other interns who are constantly on their phones/social media all day. I take this very seriously, and it is extremely hard when a child passes before we can grant a wish and I do not want that burden placed on me. I have been skipping lunch and coming in an hour early this week to get as much done per day as possible. My supervisor begs me to just take a walk or something to just take a small break, but I feel like getting 480 hours is

going to be difficult. On the other hand, what I am doing is super important. I am passionate about getting these kiddos on the fast track so their wish can be granted as quickly as our process will allow, so I do not really need a break. I think once I have a good amount of numbers, and my files dwindle a bit I will be able to relax, take my time, and take a lunch break with everyone else. Wednesday, I spent a lot of time providing as much assistance as I can to getting in touch with a family who only speaks Burmese. I had to get in touch with a translator, (which was difficult to find), and then help to break down the process for them to understand. They thought I was scamming them, so it took a while. After the call, I send out a welcome packet via email. The family could not translate the email, so I had to send it in the mail. The tricky part is that the packet is in English. So, I had to create word for word a letter in Burmese using google translate. I am not sure if it ended up making sense, but it took forever. I am also in charge of bereavement cards. This is something I spent a lot of time on, on Thursday, and something I am thinking about for my project. Currently they have me writing a standard sympathy note on a card from the dollar store and sending that by itself to the families who have lost a child. I think this process could be much better with just a little effort, and creativity. I think we could easily provide something that is much more meaningful, long lasting, and personal so the families know we care. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far. I have been extremely busy day in and day out, but I enjoy my job so much!