You might not that think that focusing on economic development in Durham has anything to do with becoming a doctor. As a pre-med student, I should’ve chosen a program focused on global health in India or Tanzania, right? The past two weeks I have had the privilege of working at the Durham Career Center located on Briggs Avenue in southern Durham. This eye opening experience has taught me lessons I believe are more valuable than working at a hospital this summer or participating in a medical focused DukeEngage program. I have had the opportunity to work people from a completely different background, gaining a whole new perspective and honing my skills working with people one-on-one.
The majority of my time at the Career Center has been spent in the Career Resource, which has 12 computers for unemployed people to search for jobs, create resumes, and submit online job applications. Most of these people lack computer skills, and thus the simplest tasks like filling out a job application or even signing into their email accounts can be difficult and require help. I help in around the center, jumping back and forth between jobseekers helping them navigate the computers.
Working one-on-one with jobseekers has taught me some valuable lessons that will help when working with patients. First, I’ve learned I must be polite. I was working with a woman last week that was struggling getting her log-in information correct and was laboring through the application for unemployment benefits due to her lack of computer skills. She continued to rudely complain of the troubles she encountered and how long it was taking. While she may have been rude, I could not afford to snap back at her. Being polite helped mitigate the situation and eased tension. Second, I’ve learned how important it is to be patient. These people struggle with the most basic tasks on the computer and it can be frustrating they find difficult what seems so easy to me. Instead of getting discouraged, I learned I must patiently guide them through the process, allowing them to do it. These skills will certainly help me working with patients.
I have also been exposed to a completely new demographic in Durham. Everybody needs healthcare, so doctors see much diversity. Working with people from very different backgrounds can be good preparation. Most of the people who come into the Career Center are poor, uneducated, and African-American. In some cases, I have been shocked at what I’ve seen. The other day, I helped a man who couldn’t read. Yesterday, I worked with a man who had been released from 15 years of prison. It’s hard to imagine that there are people like these in Durham, but it is important to know that there are. Exposure to these people and the opportunity to work with them will serve me well in the future.
Most importantly, throughout this time I have thoroughly enjoyed working at the career center. I love helping these people and I love how busy I am. It can be hectic and stressful, but it’s always interesting and gratifying to help them succeed. Next week, when we go to England, I will be working with inmates at the Durham Prison. I can’t wait for that challenge!
The majority of my time at the Career Center has been spent in the Career Resource, which has 12 computers for unemployed people to search for jobs, create resumes, and submit online job applications. Most of these people lack computer skills, and thus the simplest tasks like filling out a job application or even signing into their email accounts can be difficult and require help. I help in around the center, jumping back and forth between jobseekers helping them navigate the computers.
Working one-on-one with jobseekers has taught me some valuable lessons that will help when working with patients. First, I’ve learned I must be polite. I was working with a woman last week that was struggling getting her log-in information correct and was laboring through the application for unemployment benefits due to her lack of computer skills. She continued to rudely complain of the troubles she encountered and how long it was taking. While she may have been rude, I could not afford to snap back at her. Being polite helped mitigate the situation and eased tension. Second, I’ve learned how important it is to be patient. These people struggle with the most basic tasks on the computer and it can be frustrating they find difficult what seems so easy to me. Instead of getting discouraged, I learned I must patiently guide them through the process, allowing them to do it. These skills will certainly help me working with patients.
I have also been exposed to a completely new demographic in Durham. Everybody needs healthcare, so doctors see much diversity. Working with people from very different backgrounds can be good preparation. Most of the people who come into the Career Center are poor, uneducated, and African-American. In some cases, I have been shocked at what I’ve seen. The other day, I helped a man who couldn’t read. Yesterday, I worked with a man who had been released from 15 years of prison. It’s hard to imagine that there are people like these in Durham, but it is important to know that there are. Exposure to these people and the opportunity to work with them will serve me well in the future.
Most importantly, throughout this time I have thoroughly enjoyed working at the career center. I love helping these people and I love how busy I am. It can be hectic and stressful, but it’s always interesting and gratifying to help them succeed. Next week, when we go to England, I will be working with inmates at the Durham Prison. I can’t wait for that challenge!