Social work is something I have been interested in especially working with children and adolescents. Helping children is something I am passionate about because I feel that children come with so much opportunity for growth, they come full of wonder and passion. Helping children have access to the tools they need to maximize their potential is something I am looking forward to doing. Behind that drive are two social work values that I am passionate about; dignity and worth of people, and that all people have a level of competence when it comes to leading their life.
Having worked with special needs children for over 10 years, I have witnessed the importance of these two values in very practical ways. For example, when I am diapering a child and they have been taught to respect their own needs, the experience feels less uncomfortable and the child appears to be obviously calmer and more self-assured, even though they are in a vulnerable position. This happens because I am viewing the child that I am helping as someone deserving of dignity and someone who also have a tremendous amount to give to the world.
Sadly, there are many children who live in homes that are not safe. Across all communities and cultures, there are kids who need to be taken out of danger. I plan to get involved in advocacy in the foster care system. Understanding the unique vulnerabilities of children, I know that they need more than just a court advocate. Children need to feel safe when they are going thought the process of moving out of their homes. They need to know that they are trusted to report their experiences as accurate experiences and not be afraid that they will not be believed. Children need people to treat them with the respect they deserve. I am looking forward to being able to do just that.
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I once came across a cute cartoon with the line “I know I’m special ‘cuz God don’t make no junk” and every time I think about the cartoon it has the same impact it did when I first read it. Every person has a purpose as well as the ability to achieve it. People often underestimate their capabilities and in doing so, are unable to see all they can accomplish. The more people who we can prevent from underestimating their capabilities, the greater productivity we can have as a society. When more of us focus on building others, the world will become a more accomplished place.
Our actions have motivations that span a diverse spectrum. What motivated me to enter the field of social work? At 19 years old, I met someone who changed my life. I had just entered rehab for alcohol use and believed that I would never amount to anything. I did not think I could ever get better and by no means did I even know what better would look like. There was a social worker there who changed everything. She believed in me before I could believe in myself. She pushed me to grow before I understood what growth was. I cannot pay her back for what she has given me, it is more than anything I can put a price on. I want to do the same for others, in whatever capacity I can.
I have been seeing a therapist since I was 8 years old, on and off as a child and teenager. Many social workers lacked experience and did not know how to deal with me as a child. Many felt disconnected and lacked empathy. I did not feel cared about and validated and therefore, was unable to use the therapy to actually improve my mental health. When working with children, it is important to meet the child where he is at. A child therapist or case worker needs to be up-to date on the lingo, recent movies, and current teen culture. I am looking forward to becoming a social worker who is willing, ready, and able to jump right in and be the person that a child is waiting for.
When researching undergraduate degrees, I was looking for a program that would give me a solid foundation to build my social work career of off. I found a program at Bellevue University with a major in Behavioral Science Human Services. While attending school I worked with special needs children at a respite home. I continued my work at the respite home, being that I really enjoy the many opportunities it affords me to contribute in a meaningful way to children’s lives.
About a year ago I came across the question, “What would you do today if you knew you would not fail?” Since seeing that line, I frequently find myself asking this question particularly when I am hesitant to do something. Social work is a difficult field to work in for many reasons. It is emotionally taxing as well as physically draining. The pay can be low, especially for the hours put in. However, if I want to impact social change, I cannot focus on what won’t work, rather on what will. Society is manmade. We determine how it operates.
As a member of society, I can push for the change we so desperately need. Over the past few decades we have grown immensely in our acceptance of others. The mentally disabled used to be abused, the handicapped used to have minimal opportunity and access. We need to continue moving forward and bettering society. I may fail in my efforts of changing the world, it’s likely that I will stumble and face many challenges along the way. But if I create a reality for myself were failure is not an option, I will be able to do so much more. As a social worker, I hope to do just that.
