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Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio

Jean Gorman TroutBA Psychology, 2011

Personal Statement

My interest in art dates back to my earliest years in school. Without realizing it at this young age, I would relieve the stresses of growing up by spending hours drawing the world around me and become totally engrossed in my work. Through drawing I developed a sense of attention to detail and observation. Sequential events began to catch my attention and before I knew it, I was analyzing events and individuals who entered my artistic viewpoint.

My ability to observe has assisted me throughout my life in numerous areas. As a childcare worker I possessed the ability to soothe toddlers who were not yet verbally communicative by observing their agitation and responding appropriately to their individual needs. My creative abilities also contributed to my promotion to head teacher and an eventual position as director of a private daycare.

I continued my interest by studying fine art and art education until I became the successful owner and operator of my own business designing and painting murals in homes throughout the Phoenix, Arizona area. I derived great pleasure from being permitted to create works of art in my client’s homes and often developed close relationships with many of my customers.

I had established a career as a painter and could not believe I was getting paid to do something I loved. However, I still had an intense interest in observing people’s behaviors and often tried to figure out why they did the things they did, acted a certain way, or what was meant behind the things they said. I needed to somehow focus this enthusiasm for attending and so I decided to complete a BA in Psychology.

Personal Statement

After 13 years away from the world of academia, I enrolled in Argosy University and immersed myself in my classes. It was as if the pieces of the puzzle were finally coming together. I felt empowered, achieving almost all A’s throughout my time at Argosy and was inducted into The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I have overcome many obstacles while pursuing my degree and simultaneously managed the lives of myself, my husband, and two children. I will be graduating in April with an estimated cumulative GPA of 3.77 and hope to begin working in the field of mental health to gain experience while I pursue a Masters in Art Therapy.

My artistic training has taught me to view the world from a different perspective; each painting becomes a case study with its own mood and difficulties. Much like psychology, a painting needs to be analyzed and pieced apart before it can be brought together as a whole. My goal is to use the skills I have acquired as an artist in combination with techniques of psychology to help others experience varying perspectives within their own lives. I am especially interested in working with individuals who are challenged in their communication skills such as stroke victims and those suffering from autism spectrum disorder. Through my training and creativity I would provide these individuals the opportunity to communicate through artistic expression and alleviate the frustrations of their non-verbal world.

Resume

Professional GoalA career in the mental health field which would present me the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience while working toward certification as a licensed art therapist

Education• Argosy University Online

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology April 2011 Specialization: Criminal Justice Grade Point Average 3.76/4.00

 • Camden County Community College

Associates in Fine Arts 1992 • Rowan University

Coursework in Art Education 1992 – 1996

Honors:National Society of Collegiate Scholars April 2010

Resume

Experience

Artistic

Small Business Owner, BelLissa Designs Arizona/New Jersey

• Designed and painted custom mural artwork for both residences and business

• Mentored and managed the artwork of one employee • Created, painted, and executed 3 dimensional installations 

Design Specialist, Childscapes January 1999 – February 2000Chandler, Arizona

• Designed and painted custom mural artwork for residences and business

• Created, painted, and executed 3 dimensional installations• Rehabilitated work done by others that was unsatisfactory to client

Resume

Early Childhood Education/Private Home Care

Director of Childcare, International Precious Metals May 1997 – March 1998Tempe, Arizona

Private Nanny, various families February 1992 – July 1998New Jersey & Arizona

Assistant Teacher, The Goddard School September 1990 – January 1992

Responsibilities:• Provided full care for children from infant – 12 years• Researched, designed, and executed lesson plans and activities appropriate for

age• Incorporated art projects into daily schedule• Organized and managed field trips• Prepared meals, snacks

Resume

Additional Activities

Girl Scout Leader, Troop 30385 September 2006 – June 2009

• Completed Junior Bronze Award 2008• Completed Junior Bronze Award 2009

ReferencesAvailable upon request

Reflection

The past two years of my life have presented me with unique challenges that I never would have encountered as a young college student fresh out of high school. As an adult learner here at Argosy University I have learned a great deal of information on the subject of psychology, but also about life in general and the effort it takes to achieve a long time goal. Through many hours of research, writing, sacrifice, and discipline, I have achieved that goal and I am a better person because of it.

I have developed much strength as an online learner beginning with the development of critical thinking skills. By analyzing and reflecting on several psychological perspectives I am capable of formulating an educated opinion on a variety of topics. I have also strengthened my abilities in understanding research methods by gathering information and organizing it in a scholarly essay using supporting sources to emphasize my topic. I have also been taught how to summarize a research design and analyze statistic data relevant to a research topic.

Through a multitude of courses I have learned pertinent psychological concepts including how to apply them to real life situations using appropriate communication skills both written and verbal. I have mastered APA formatting in presentation and am capable of witting using clear concise information and utilizing appropriate language.

Reflection

Argosy University has exposed me to a variety of topics concerning diversity in the field of psychology and its importance of awareness and knowledge when applying multicultually-sensitive theories to specific psychological issues.

Lastly I have acquired an elevated level of understanding of interpersonal effectiveness by applying various theories concerning communications skills ranging from active listening to the value of silence within an interviewing situation.

In addition to the academic learning I have achieved, through the online learning environment I have learned the importance of clear effective communication skills while utilizing correct “netiquette” appropriateness. Time management is of the essence as one must master an effective balance of school, work, and family. Where on campus learning has its benefits, in the online environment the student is responsible for summarizing, analyzing, and integrating all subject matter on their own which results in a deeper understanding of the topics. In my opinion, an online learning environment is much more challenging and allows an individual to develop skills outside of the classroom one cannot always learn when attending on campus.

My Future in Learning

As I complete my BA in Psychology I feel a sense

of a long awaited accomplishment. I am excited to

begin my working career in psychology as I continue to

grow and learn within the field. My educational career

is not over as I plan to continue on and achieve a

Master’s in the field of psychology. I hope to someday

achieve certification as an art therapist as I bring the

experience of expression to those in need. As I combine

my educational experiences of psychology and art I

understand that learning is a lifelong process as we

learn something new each day. I plan to continue with

what drove me to college in the first place which is my

desire to research and learn. The world holds endless

interest as I continue along my journey.

Contact Me

Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio.

For further information, please contact me at the e-

mail address below. jeenie25@yahoo.com