PEN International- Day 5 (last day!)

Today is the last day of the institute. I am disappointed that it is coming to a close. I am just beginning to grasp on to the ideas and concepts of the content and I want to learn more!

This morning we all started off excited and disappointed because it's our last day. Cassie Franklin provided a workshop called Transition After College. She created a diagram with seven circles which are connected to each other. Each circle represents a concept or idea which includes Values, Identity, Education and Goals, Intra and Interpersonal Skills, Communication (accommodations), Support System, and Knowledge of Rights and Responsibilities. Cassie discussed each of these areas and gave examples of each one. Then we each of us had come up with our own examples which we all shared with each other. I think I put the highest value on this workshop. The content was so relevant and included content which is relevant life long and for any age. I feel that is was one of the most important workshops of the week long institute for all of us.

We end the institute with that last workshop titles “From Networking to Employment”. Scot Atkins and Denise Kavin explained how important it is to network with others and stay in a network. One statement from the lecture sums it all up very nicely "Networking is a philosophy of life. It is an opportunity to help people and be helped by the people you have met."

For the remainder of the day, we completed evaluations and each student gave presentations on what we learned from this institute after that was finished we had an AWESOME reception. We were each given an award and had a group photo outside in front of the castle. There also were two birthdays this week as well. They each got a cake. The cake tasted different than back home. I really like the cake back home better. On this last night we spent playing games and most of us students stayed up till 4 am. I went to back 11 30 because I was so tired and we has to leave 7am for the airport.