Practicum First Week

 Weekly Journal 1

 

Name:	Lance Lhouie M. David
Host Training Establishment (HTE):	Not yet assigned
Week Number:	1st Week
Dates Covered:	August 20 – August 22, 2025
Submitted on:	August 25, 2025

 

Concrete Experience    

    On Wednesday, August 20, our class for HIS196 (Practicum) started. I tried my best to wake up early so I could arrive on time, since being late on the first day of class is embarrassing. The challenges that I faced were waking up early and taking too long to prepare, mainly because of the slow water supply in the dormitory where I stay. However, I still managed to arrive on time. I listened carefully to the orientation about the tasks to do and the requirements that need to be prepared before the start of our OJT deployment. Lastly, I learned that there are many HTEs to choose from when applying.

 

Reflective Observation

    During the orientation, I learned that the practicum is a serious task and must be taken seriously because it prepares us for real-world situations as functioning members of society and the workforce. I also learned the importance of professionalism, as it reflects how we present ourselves, how we act, and the image we project. At times, I feel anxious about this subject because I do not have any work experience. I am a full-time student, and I usually spend my free time playing video games. I am also not very experienced in socializing, as I prefer to be alone or with a small circle of people. Thinking about the practicum as real-world engagement makes me nervous, especially because I’m worried about making mistakes on the job. I can say that the stakes are high when taking part in this kind of activity because both success and failure can greatly impact the overall outcome of ongoing tasks.

Abstract Conceptualization

    During the week, in the days of preparation, I thought that it is logical to train the mind and body to function well in the upcoming tasks and to stay fit both physically and mentally. There was a time when our professor scheduled a parent’s orientation about the status of our Practicum and the possible challenges we might encounter along the way. Although I felt nervous about the upcoming tasks, my mother encouraged me and gave me advice on what to do in certain situations, which made me feel better. This experience best reflects the Attachment Theory, which emphasizes the central role of caregivers (attachment figures) in providing a sense of safety and security. Although I still have doubts about myself, I will make sure that next time I will slowly step out of my bubble and see how far I can go.

 

Future Application

    Due to my lack of social skills in face-to-face interactions, I will try to practice having conversations with people I meet occasionally, and hopefully this will build my confidence in engaging with others. In the coming days, I will also try to learn how to operate things that are commonly used in the office and practice my time management skills so I can quickly adjust to the new environment when my internship starts. These things will help me cope with the situation and perform better on duty.