Playing Dress Up

Playing Dress Up
Brenna wearing Mama's hat.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Approved-501 (C) (3) status

Brenna's Hope Foundation

Not long ago I called upon Senator Crapo to help get this approval finalized and his staff has been very diligent. Thank you.
I just had the call from Senator Crapo's office this morning. IRS has approved BHF for 501 (C) (3) status. Another reason to be thankful this year.

Now I can move forward to the vision of One Mom-One Voice-One Mission---Positive Action Toward the Rehabilitation and Recovery opportunities for those suffering brain injuries, especially those with an HAI.

If I could turn cartwheels, I would. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and encouragement.

Pam

Friday, November 22, 2013

Brenna's 2008 Paper-Past, Present, Future


This paper is the work of the late Brenna Deshawn Dowd as part of her assessment of her life and education after completion of her first four years of education through the University of Phoenix. Copyright 2008

Past, Present, Future
Personal Growth

Part One-Past

    Life has been a learning experience. I grew up as an only child in a two parent home. My mother taught me a love of reading from the time I was a baby. By the time I was in fourth grade, I was reading sixth grade level books.

During my early years, I attended city council meetings with my mother. Many times when meetings ran long, I spent time in the police dispatch where I learned how dispatchers responded to calls. This foundation gave me a maturity and knowledge of community rules and regulations. My mother’s volunteer work as the executive director of a nonprofit for children with life-threatening medical conditions gave me a connection to children who could not help themselves.

During my junior and senior high schools, I was home-schooled. My mother insisted that I correct every missed problem so I could understand the mistake. Many times, I had to write a paper more than once to show I could communicate well with others. For civics class, I observed criminal trials.

My father had given me my first computer when I was four after Santa Claus promised one under the tree. By the age of 12, I could take the computer apart and make minor repairs. My parents provided me with up-to-date software so I could keep my skills honed for the workplace and college.

After receiving my high school diploma at the age of 17, I attended class at the local community college, majoring in theatrical arts and speech. While holding jobs in call centers and customer relations and one summer as a gravel inspector, I realized I wanted something more. I enrolled in a local private technical college with the intentions of working as a medical assistant. I obtained my certification in phlebotomy and was almost ready for my certification in EKG.

My father died and family dynamics changed. For a few months, my diabetes took a bad turn and I had to put my college on hold. By summer, I realized I still was not satisfied in my career and educational choice and began seeking other opportunities. I knew I would never be satisfied with a life of drawing blood and performing EKGs.

Part Two-Present

Within a few weeks I was enrolled in the UOP sister school, Western International University (WIU). My advisor strongly encouraged me to purchase the APA manual. As I progressed through my studies, that manual became my educational bible. While some instructors allowed the junior college level students to slide by on proper referencing, I had one instructor who was very tough. Through many tears and frustration on “getting it right,” I learned referencing. A personal goal is to contact Sarah Coker and thank her for being so tough.

ETH123 Cultural Diversity opened my eyes to the differences in people.  The class helped me to understand why other ethnic backgrounds respond as they do to situations. I learned that diversity includes gender, race and ethnic background, age, sexual orientation, class and disability.  The instructor became personally involved in the class and gave us insight into personal diversity from his own experience. I this class, I learned that society must be more respectful of the rights and needs of others.

Communications 101 was a refresher course in writing skills. In this class, I learned better ways to communicate effectively. In the workplace, I know I cannot succeed if I am unable to communicate with superiors and coworkers. Poorly written messages with improper punctuation and misspelled words create a negative impression and can cause misunderstandings. I learned the importance of writing clear and concise messages.

BSHS 441Advocacy and Mediation taught me about different types of mediation and advocacy. I learned I am an advocate day-to-day in some way. The class made me realize that when I talk to people about my diabetes and insulin pump that I am being an advocate by teaching people about the disease. My willingness to discuss a new therapy can teach other diabetics that life can be simpler. Sharing ideas with the instructor taught me that a person can use illusions or magic tricks to help ease frightened children into speaking of experiences that have caused them to behave inappropriately. This class should be required for all criminal justice students.

CJA433 Research Methods in Criminal Justice is a research methodology class. The subject matter is so varied the class could be extended. The class taught how to collect data, design a research project and analyze the results. I understood the need for research professionals to abide by a code of ethics and respect the rights of others according to the Nuremberg Code.

Part Three-Future

    Education is a life’s journey. Learning keeps the mind active. As I grow and mature, I will always learn something new and useful in my educational study or my career path. Learning everything I can will help me grow and transition from a mature student into a professional career person.

For my educational goal, I am looking to complete a master's degree in general counseling so I am not limited to one area. My personal goal is to move to a new state that can be called home and closer to my family who are important to me. I want to grow more in my faith walk with God. In my professional life, I plan to work with children who have no voice in the criminal justice system.  Eventually, I would like to open a private counseling service for children. To obtain that goal, I will seek a master’s degree in counseling.

I hope to join the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors in my new location. This would give me an opportunity to network with other professionals in the community.  After four years of school with few breaks, I would like to attend a Women of Faith Conference to relax and enjoy spiritual growth with other women from all walks of life. Meanwhile I will continue this journey called education.