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Welcome to the first edition of the Health Careers Connection! The purpose of this quarterly electronic newsletter is to inform middle and high school students in Northeastern Wisconsin about items of interest in our region related to health careers. Our goal is to provide information that is both useful and interesting to you. We encourage you to provide content suggestions for future editions of this newsletter. Email Jill Niemczyk
In each newsletter we will feature a different health career.
Featured Health Career - Art Therapy Art Therapy is a health service profession that is based on psychological theory and research. It employs art and other creative modalities in support of the client's goals. It also endorses the idea that the process of making art is inherently therapeutic. Art Therapy takes into consideration thoughts, feelings, behaviors and spirituality within the counseling process. It can be used to explore issues of relationships, family, loss, life transitions, abuse, and development. It may include interventions to: resolve emotional conflict, increase self-awareness and self-esteem, build social skills, change behavior, increase coping skills, and develop strategies for problem solving. Interview with an Art Therapist  Jill Wargolet holds a masters degree in Art Therapy. She works for the Youth and Family Project, Inc., which is a non-profit agency, with offices located in Ozaukee and Washington Counties. Jill provides a variety of counseling and support services aimed at reuniting families divided by crisis and enriching family relationships.
Why did you choose this career? Art therapy has been a part of my life since middle school although I didn’t know it at the time. Art making and creativity helped me through some difficult times including the divorce of my parents. My grandmother (also my number one mentor) was a watercolor artist / illustrator. She also healed herself through art making when my grandfather died of cancer. I have known for many years that healing happens when one becomes engaged in the art making process. Art becomes a vehicle toward leading a healthy, aware life. In college I found that I also had a high level of interest in the dynamics of relationship and psychology, then became completely enthralled in art therapy when I learned there was a field of study around the healing arts I had discovered so long ago. Describe a typical workday. During the day we are available to go into middle and high schools to counsel with individual youth. We also have the opportunity to create groups to address current youth issues like dealing with anger, stress, self-esteem or body image. In the evening and after school we offer groups for teens, parents and children. What do you like best about your work? I really like my job. I love the flexibility and variety. My work is not separate from how I live my life. But I what I like most is when clients use art making and find personal insights that lead to both change and growth. But I what I like most is when clients use art making and finding personal insights that lead to both change and growth. What do you like least about your work? Some days can get long because of the day and evening hours. Sometimes it is difficult to be flexible when crisis occurs. What is your education and training experience? I hold a Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) with a minor in psychology. My Master’s degree (MS) is in Art Therapy. Work experience and training include: Medical art therapy (Cancer Patients and Families); Mental Health (inpatient hospitalization) and Crisis Intervention with teenagers and their families. What advice would you give to students interested in Art Therapy? Follow your heart. If you have a passion for art in whatever form, that passion will lead you. Learn to love psychology and the developing mind. |
HEALTH CAREER PREP CHECKLIST
General Guidelines  Take challenging courses in math, science, and communications and start thinking about which courses in high school will help prepare you for a health career. Make a connection with your Guidance Counselor.
Make a connection with the Area Health Education Center in your region. NEWAHEC
Check out different ways to save for College and start saving for college. EdVest.com
Complete at least one job shadow with a health professional in a career area you are interested in. LSHCA Job Shadowing
Middle School  Begin exploring health careers. WI Health Careers Talk to people you know who work in a health profession; the library and internet are good resources.
Develop GOOD study skills.
Freshman Year  Enroll in the classes that are designed to prepare you for college; especially math and science.
Set up appointments with your high school counselor, talk about classes and careers and professions that interest you.
Do some volunteer work in a health or social service organization.
Sophomore Year  Volunteer at local hospitals, nursing homes, and/or clinics.
Talk to college representatives when they visit your region.
Attend health career camps. Health Careers Summer Camp
Junior Year  Learn about the admission requirements for colleges that interest you.
Visit college campuses you are considering.
Think about people who might write you a recommendation; start with teachers, counselors, and employers.
Senior Year  Write to colleges you are considering to request application forms, catalogs, and financial aid information. (July and August)
Check with your counselor to determine which tests are required and the deadlines for applying to colleges.
Set up calendar for taking tests (SAT, ACT) and completing college applications.
See your counselor before the end of the school year to request that a final transcript be sent to the college of your choice.
For the complete Health Careers Checklist, visit www.newahec.org. |
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