Gerontology Personal Statement

When I began my education as an undergraduate student, my primary goal was to have a career in the criminal justice field. However, I chose to pursue a degree in social work because there would be more opportunities made available to me throughout this program at Central Connecticut State University. The Social Work program at CCSU required 680 hours of field experience, which included four 70-hour volunteer field placements and a 400-hour yearlong internship. When choosing my field experience settings, I made a conscious effort to work with a variety of populations to expand my knowledge-base and explore other possible areas of interest. It was through these field experiences that I developed an interest in Gerontology. I believe Fordham University will provide me the opportunity to cultivate this passion.

I began my junior year of college by volunteering at Buckingham Estates Memory Care Community, an assisted living facility serving individuals living

As a social worker who specializes in aging, I will have the opportunity to work in senior centers, mental health clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, or private agencies that offer a number of different services. I would be able to implement individual counseling and support groups aimed at improving quality of life for older adults, their families, and their caretakers. Such services will be instrumental in providing these individuals with community resources, offering a safe environment to vocalize their feelings, work through challenges, and learn new ways of coping with the stresses of such challenging chronic illnesses. As a social worker, I am determined to make macro-level changes through community organization and political action. It is my belief that Fordham University will provide me with the appropriate resources to develop the necessary skills to serve this aging