Jolene, Social and Independent Living Skills Coordinator
As a Social and Independent Living Skills Coordinator for College Living
Experience, no two days are ever the same.
One of the ways I help students develop their social skills is by
facilitating a group that helps strengthen their communications abilities. Using
interactive, fun activities such as role play, improvisation and other drama
exercises to promote social growth, students learn how to effectively
communicate with peers, professors and others they may encounter on a regular
basis. Our students are incredibly creative, so these activities really make a
difference. The results of these sessions are that students develop more
confidence in navigating social situations and strengthen their ability to
interpret nonverbal behaviors, such as facial expressions or tone of voice.
Another part of my job is to help students develop their social skills
through involvement in activities at CLE and in the broader community. Sometimes
this involves encouraging students to attend movies, dine-outs, volunteer
opportunities, community events, and participate in outdoor activities, among
others. I also help students plan and execute their own social events – like our
student who planned a Wii and pizza party. We made a guest list, decided where
and when to have the party, ordered pizza, and discussed problems the student
might run into – and how to cope with them.
I love working at CLE because the staff witnesses both small and large
accomplishments every day. We have students who were afraid to walk anywhere by
themselves, and now they take the bus – confidently and independently – from
their apartment to their school. In Independent Living Skills sessions, students
who initially could not boil water are now able to plan, shop for food, and
prepare a meal to share with friends. Other students have changed their academic
pattern from one of failure to one of success. CLE staff supports students
everyday through instruction, encouragement and one-on-one interaction – and the
positive growth we see is remarkable.