Clinical Placement: Imagination into Reality

5 weeks placement buddies

Being a little bit of a social phobia, I did not look forward to the placement at all. Yes, Me, SOCIAL PHOBIA. For people who knows me well probably think I'm joking, more or less, I do afraid to socialize with people because I am afraid of being judged negatively.

So, did I look forward to the placement? NO. Did I enjoy the placement? YES.

This was not my first time having placement at the Mater, in fact, I had already had two weeks placement there November last year. Yet, that didn't make me feel any better knowing that I was going back to the same hospital for another 5 weeks placement. However, I must admit, at the end of the placement, because of what an amazing time I have had over the 5 weeks, I did feel sad to leave.

To sum up the experience,

As a student, I turned theory into practice.
As a learner, I gained tips and tricks to improve my skills.
As a member of a team, I learnt the essence of working with different people.
As a person, I picked up some lessons of a lifetime.
As a Christian, I finally know how difficult it is, to be true light and salt in a community.

A brother in Christ once said, it is easy to be who you want to be in a group of people who share the same beliefs as you, but it is a challenge to stand strong in a group that doesn't. It is true.

Especially for a person with social phobia, I do not like being looked at differently, so I would try to blend into the group, which is not a good testimony for God. Throughout the 5 weeks, everyday I would start my day by having devotion and praying that I would show my Christian identity through the rest of the day. By the end of the day, I would pray for God's forgiveness for the things I did or said that didn't impress God. Though it makes me feel rather disappointed in myself, it also helps me create a stronger bond with God. I know God understands my weakness, and I believe He will strengthen me. So I know there's nothing to be ashamed of because I will only grow into a more mature Christian.

 So for the Christians out there who are / going to be in a similar situation as me, whether it is changing your workplace, moving to a new town etc. Remember, you are not alone. Be proud of your Christian identity, don't be afraid of the challenges awaiting, for the Bible tells us:
 ³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5: 3-5
 ³ 不但如此，就是在患难中也是欢欢喜喜的；因为知道患难生忍耐，⁴忍耐生老练，老练生盼望；⁵盼望不至於羞耻，因为所赐给我们的圣灵将神的爱浇灌在我们心里。 羅馬書5：3-5