Component Evaluation: Capponi’s Journey

Timing: 30 Minutes
Mode: In-Class; Online

Pat Capponi’s story depicts her boarding house journey as one from dislocation to empathy to activism. Students can explore a similar journey and develop empathic critical thinking skills and a set of ideas for a successful job interview at the same time. 

Directing students to all or a selection of the unit components before class (online), ask them to begin by reflecting on what specific aspects of Capponi’s narratives they recognize in today’s mental health world and how they honestly responded to Caponi’s descriptions of her fellow boarding house residents

Then tell students that they have a job interview for work in a supportive housing project.  Capponi is on the hiring committee and wants them to answer 2 challenging questions that require they demonstrate empathy, critical thinking, and an appreciation for successful advocacy and activism.

• There are a number of lessons that can be learned from my stories. Which one is most relevant today?

• How would you work with me, and what could we do together that we couldn’t do alone?

Instructors can create a scoring guide or rubric for assessing interview answers or have students do this so they can consider elements of a high-quality response.