I have always been deeply committed to helping
others, especially helping those who come from similar backgrounds such as
mine. Several experiences have stimulated my attraction to the field of social
work. The first step towards my passion to study social work was formed when I
was about four. My parents were unfit to raise my siblings and me, which
consequently led to foster care. At age four I had no idea that day would lead
me on the path of becoming an effective agent for social work. While in foster
care, I met some amazing social workers who went beyond the call of duty. My
social workers were talented, committed, and hard working. As I became older,
my interest in social work grew. I started asking my social workers how do I
become a social worker. In so many words, they explained that I have to do well
in school, and go to college. While in college, I can major in the field of
social work or closely related field. My social workers were my first insight
to what a social worker is and what a social worker does. The fact that my
social workers were committed to my well-being and pushed me to my full
potentials demonstrated their concern for me as well as their ethical
commitment. Secondly, are the three premises on which social work is based on.
Which are very straightforward. First is that the person or group is important.
The person or group has a problem that may arise from many different factors,
and lastly finding a solution to help solve those problems so that person or
group can live a better life. Finally, is the range of opportunities for a
social worker in the field of social work. Social workers can be found in
hospital, schools, community health agencies, and international organizations
just to name a few. I give my social workers credit for the knowledge they have
shared with me as well as encouraging me to reach my personal goals to become a
social worker.
Some
people fail to realize the impact of encouraging words to others. I can
remember when I was in the twelfth grade my social worker Tameko was picking my
sister and me up from school to help us fill out some important paper work for
college. On the way home, she explained to us that we are smart and beautiful
girls who can be anything we put our minds to. Do not let our circumstances
define who we are. That moment of encouragement has not only stuck with me but
has changed the way I think about my life. I then realized that I determine my
future and should not be ashamed of my parents mishaps. Studies show that the
cycle of poverty repeats it self for at least three generations. I new at a
young age I did not want to repeat the cycle of abuse, poverty, and addiction
so I worked hard to accomplish my goals. In practice, I have had an opportunity
to work with Independent Living Program.
I
chose social work, but in retrospect, I think social work chose me too. I often
wonder what kind of career I would be interested in if I was never in foster
care. My own personal background would make me an effective helping person.
Growing up in the foster care system I will be able to relate to the youth and
families I will be serving. I know what it feels like to be sent to different
foster families. I know how it feels being afraid to trust people and being
afraid to talk about being in foster care. I believe that children who have
been abused and neglected find it difficult to trust people. I believer
children in foster care would feel a sense of understanding, being that I have
came from similar backgrounds. My personal strengths that I posse are the
willingness to help others unconditionally. My social workers were very
committed to me, and I want to share that same commitment with others who are
vulnerable. My experience has taught me how to be non-judgmental, how to
demonstrate empathy, and how my improbable journey can inspire others. In
addition, my undergraduate study in Psychology-Counseling has provided me with
a better understanding of why people think, feel, and act the way they do. I
believe that understanding the behaviors of people is very important tool to
posses in the fields of social work. I also understand the importance of
volunteering to help improve my community and neighborhood. I am currently a
foster care club member as well as an on line message board member for foster
care. I also volunteer in the Jefferson County Public School system and
Woodhaven Place social committee. Volunteering is one of my most rewarding
experiences for me and it gives me an opportunity to help my community as well
as gaining skills to better help others. With my experiences during my
undergraduate studies and currently I know that social work as a profession is
ideal for me.
