YUHAO XU

CASS provides various community-based services and activities for individuals residing in Metropolitan Sydney and Wollongong. During my placement at CASS Care, I have had the opportunity to work with older people from East Asian backgrounds. I undertook different tasks during the placement, such as helping older people to fill out the intake form, helping them to make referrals for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care, Home visits and Summarizing case notes. I think the main challenges for me on placement are talking to older people with dementia and Alzheimer, helping them get through emotional challenges caused by their early trauma when doing a home visit, and understanding the funding allocation and supplements for government-funded aged care services. However, these challenges also give me a purpose to expand my thinking and learning. I have developed learnings to interact with older people and use language to demonstrate empathy and identify their practical and emotional needs.

I actively participated in the FASS UG International Peer Mentoring program at the university, where the goal is to help first-year international students transition into university life and provide support wherever possible. As part of my responsibilities, I send weekly emails to remind everyone of important dates and events, organize a weekly Zoom catch-up, and address any queries that may arise. During our weekly catch-ups, we cover a variety of topics, including study and time management, effective notetaking during lectures and tutorials, strategies for making friends, and navigating the university's online learning platform to access study materials for each enrolled unit. Additionally, I share my own learning experiences and offer immediate responses to any questions they may have.

Accessible Diversity Services Initiative (ADSI) is a community-based, non-profit organization established to promote the principles of multiculturalism, access, equity and social justice. For this placement, I worked on Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Program. I need to intake applications and assessments for clients requiring EAPA vouchers over the phone. I need to communicate with different clients from a refugee backgrounds and listen actively to their financial difficulties. Then I helped them to fill out the EAPA application form. Also, I worked with another placement student on a research task, which is that we needed to find out the available scholarship programs in different universities, and we made a list of scholarship information in detail. The information includes submission requirements, eligibility and important dates for applications. I also had opportunities to observe the different interagency meetings, which helped me understand what services are available outside the organization. I think this placement experience helped me realize the importance of active listening, and empowering people to assist individuals and families in reaching their potential.

The daily task is I receive the order from customers and give customers drinks and food items in a friendly manner. Also, I give answers to customers regarding the flavors of tea. Sometimes, I help the stock clerks process and receive ingredients and put them in the stock room.

Most of the time, I took customer orders and delivered food and beverages.Also, I make menu recommendations, answer customer's questions and communicate with kitchen staff to make sure orders are accurate and delivered promptly. On busy restaurant day, I also delivered checks and collect bill payments from customers. I demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed in the job.