Autobiographical Learning Essay By Arrica Bryant

Autobiographical Learning Essaystudent Arrica Bryanti Was Born In A S

Autobiographical Learning Essay Student: Arrica Bryant I was born in a small town located in the northern parts of Florida, some call it the “Panhandleâ€, but the correct name of the town I was born in is Panama City, Florida. Known for its beautiful white sand and turquoise beaches, I never thought I would ever relocate from such a wonderful scenic place. However, I did, and I would not change that decision. Miami, Florida is another place known for its vibrant nightlife, diversity, and beautiful beaches. Having a child at the young age of 16, I understood the importance of advancing my education to better provide for my son.

After graduating from high school as the Senior Class Secretary in 1996, I began college studies at a local college in Panama City, FL. Being a single mother, my prospects appeared limited, leading me to drop out and take jobs that didn’t suffice financially. While on public assistance and caring for a child with sickle cell disease—causing frequent hospital visits—I struggled to maintain stable employment. I experienced recurrent hospital stays, which further disrupted my work life. During this turbulent period, I became pregnant again. After 1 ½ years, I decided to relocate to Miami, FL, in July 2000.

Arriving in Miami with limited connections, I was initially shy but eager to connect with less fortunate individuals. I volunteered as an Outreach Coordinator for Jesus Mission to Feed the Hungry, a nonprofit organization, which allowed me to utilize my communication, administration, and interpersonal skills. In this role, I coordinated food distribution, communicated with warehouse staff regarding pickup orders, ensured correct loading, and signed off on orders. I also helped facilitate food distribution to customers, conducting assessments on their demographics, needs for independence, and goals with the aim of fostering lasting relationships.

After five years of volunteering, I paused my activities to focus on my children, especially my son who faced several crises over two years, which imposed significant mental stress. Seeking stability, I applied for employment that offered flexibility and career growth, eventually securing a position with the State of Florida as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I on October 5, 2007, which was also my birthday. This role was a significant achievement, as I quickly grasped the importance of the position and learned the necessary policies and regulations to determine eligibility for public assistance programs. I processed data, entered information into eligibility systems, and handled high-volume, deadline-driven workloads, often interviewing applicants in both English and Spanish.

As I matured professionally and socially, I recognized the importance of interpersonal skills, especially when communicating with colleagues and clients. Unfortunately, health setbacks required me to request a demotion to Clerk Typist I in September 2008 to continue working while managing my health. In this administrative support role, I explained public assistance processes, managed case information, and provided clients with login credentials, demonstrating my ability to communicate effectively and ensure smooth office operations.

In December 2009, I advanced to the position of Interviewing Clerk (screener), where I created client registrations, researched state clearance information, and assigned cases, demonstrating proficiency in decision-making and problem-solving. These responsibilities necessitated critical thinking, cross-referencing information, and adhering to complex regulations to determine eligibility efficiently. Over nine years, I became one of the top performers, continually honing my interpersonal, administration, and research skills, which strengthened my confidence and ability to serve diverse populations.

My engagement extended beyond daily duties— I actively participated in the agency’s Black History Committee from October 2012 onward, volunteering as its Administration and Booking Manager for Mime Over Matter from March 2013 to August 2018. I employed creativity and communication skills to suggest event ideas, assist with venue decoration, and coordinate logistics. My role involved managing ticket sales, collecting funds, and liaising with team members, which enhanced my interpersonal and administrative capabilities. This experience also helped me network with other nonprofit and for-profit organizations, expanding opportunities for Mime Over Matter to perform at various community events.

Additionally, I was involved in the agency’s charitable contribution campaign from October 2014 to November 2016, where I organized fundraising events such as preparing meals for contributors, demonstrating my capacity for project management, teamwork, and communication. These activities culminated in my promotion back to Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I in August 2018 after completing the Florida Integrated Pre-Service training, a 12-week intensive course covering essential policies, procedures, and critical thinking skills necessary for eligibility determination.

During my tenure as an eligibility specialist, I handled complex tasks including client interviews, counseling, and processing benefits—all while adhering to strict federal and state regulations. I collaborated with veteran colleagues to improve my productivity, especially during initial weeks. Despite health challenges that occasionally caused absences, I maintained commitment and sought opportunities to improve my performance. I adapted by implementing systems to handle documentation requests efficiently, even during stressful periods involving high document volumes and language barriers. My dedication was recognized in 2021 when I received Employee of the Month honors in acknowledgment of my hard work and dedication.

My leadership abilities were further demonstrated when I was entrusted to facilitate and coordinate office functions during staff absences, and to train new employees, including those assisting Spanish-speaking clients. I also helped ensure that office equipment functioned properly, contributing to a smooth operational flow. Celebrating fifteen years of service, I consider this a significant milestone—a testament to my perseverance and desire to build a sustainable career within the agency.

Throughout my professional journey, I have accumulated diverse experiences across three main disciplines: Communication, General Administration, and Behavioral Sciences. Most of my experiences are rooted in Communication, where I have developed notable skills in training, meetings, volunteering, and daily interactions. Effective communication has been crucial in all my roles, allowing me to relay information clearly, build relationships, and assist clients and colleagues effectively. I attribute 50% of my professional growth to this discipline.

In the realm of General Administration, I managed tasks including overseeing office operations, facilitating trainings, handling legal documents, and ensuring policy adherence—activities comprising approximately 25% of my experience. These duties required organizational skills, confidentiality, and procedural knowledge to support efficient service delivery and maintain compliance with regulations.

The remaining 25% of my experiences align with Behavioral Sciences, emphasizing my lifelong commitment to assisting individuals in a human services capacity. Working with some of Florida’s most vulnerable families has provided me with insights into behavioral and social sciences, applicable to my current educational pursuits at Barry University. I have also supported coworkers on personal matters, blending professional and empathetic interactions that underscore my dedication to human services.

My academic endeavors at Barry University have equipped me with additional tools to succeed professionally and personally. I eagerly anticipate graduating in May 2023, which will open opportunities for me to pursue a master’s degree. I aim to continue mastering skills in communication, administration, and behavioral sciences, applying them not only in my career but also in service of the community and those in need.

Paper For Above instruction

Arrica Bryant's autobiographical journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to personal growth and service. Born in Panama City, Florida, she moved to Miami with the aspiration to better her life and provide for her children, overcoming early hardships such as single motherhood, health issues, and financial instability. Her willingness to volunteer and serve her community demonstrates a deep-rooted dedication to helping others, which continually shaped her skillset and career path.

Starting with volunteer work as an Outreach Coordinator for Jesus Mission, Bryant utilized effective communication and organizational skills to coordinate food distribution efforts, build relationships with clients, and support community outreach. Her compassionate approach enabled her to foster trust and deliver impactful services, which laid the foundation for her professional development. After a brief hiatus to focus on her children and navigate personal health challenges, she seized an opportunity in 2007 to join the Florida Department of Children and Families as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Specialist I. Her dedication to service and her ability to quickly learn policies and procedures positioned her as an essential team member responsible for determining applicant eligibility for public assistance programs.

Throughout her tenure, Bryant displayed exceptional proficiency in processing high-volume workloads, bilingual communication, and policy interpretation. Her decision to accept a demotion to Clerk Typist I to continue working during health setbacks reflects her resilience and prioritization of stability. In administrative roles, she further developed her skills in case management, client interaction, and office logistics—proficiencies that contributed to her promotion back to eligibility specialist after successful completion of the Florida Pre-Service training. Her commitment to excellence was recognized through Employee of the Month awards and leadership roles in agency committees.

In addition to her core responsibilities, Bryant actively engaged in extracurricular activities that enhanced her interpersonal and administrative competencies. Her involvement in the Black History Committee and as the Booking Manager for Mime Over Matter not only showcased her creativity and event planning skills but also expanded her network and outreach. These roles required effective communication, planning, and resource management—skills transferable to her career in human services and furthering her educational aspirations.

Throughout her career, Bryant has cultivated a holistic skill set spanning communication, administration, and behavioral sciences. Her experiences underscore her understanding of cultural competence, client advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Completing the Florida Pre-Service training and her ongoing education at Barry University exemplify her commitment to continuous learning. Her goal to obtain a master’s degree aligns with her vision of making a broader impact in human services, leveraging her accumulated expertise to serve vulnerable populations more effectively.

In summary, Bryant's autobiographical narrative reflects a life dedicated to overcoming adversity and dedicating herself to others. Her journey highlights the significance of effective communication, organizational agility, and compassionate service—attributes that underpin her aspirations to excel academically and professionally in the realm of human services. Her story serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, purpose, and lifelong commitment to community upliftment and personal development.

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