I first become interested in a career in social work when I was employed as a classroom teacher at Marshall-Starke Head Start. The Marshall Starke Head Start program specializes in providing young children, living in low income families, with school readiness skills to prepare the children for success upon entering kindergarten. The responsibilities of this position provided me with an abundant sense of pride and meaning as I was able to make a difference in the life of each child that was part of the classroom that I piloted, along with each of the families that I assisted in one of many countless ways that I had the ability to do so, and the contributions that I made to the organization as a whole. Through this experience, I quickly identified my calling to go beyond supporting children in the classroom to supporting children and families with creating change in their lives that would improve their overall circumstances and situations. With an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, the first step in pursuing a career that allowed me to help others create change I needed …show more content…
I have worked intensely to become more knowledgeable in the areas of assessment skills, advocacy and leadership, and interventions by attending monthly individual and group supervisions, reading current research studies and articles, and accepting and valuing guidance from supervisors and coworkers. While I continue to increase knowledge, I have several well established strengths to offer the social work field including a clear understanding of human relationships, strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills, a robust respect for diversity, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and most importantly a desire to help others create change that promotes the wellbeing of children and
...l in an urban area. When working closely with students in the past, it was difficult knowing that I could provide extensive support but didn’t have the expertise. I 've explored different careers involving help children and their families but it always led back to social work. As a graduate student, I expect to be challenged as a student and a professional. I expect to learn all the different theories, practices and policies in place to properly help students. I look forward to the combination of coursework and practicums to enhance my skills. In retrospect, practicums can be the most challenging areas. To overcome this challenge, I’ve observed the school social worker at my current position and have developed a better understanding of the daily responsibilities. I am confident that I will succeed and to be able to help and advocate for students through social work.
I knew I loved to help others but it was not until I was an emerging adult that I knew what my calling was. My devotion to improve the quality of life for those who are disadvantaged is one of the reasons I have chosen to pursue a Master’s in Social Work. After obtaining my masters, I plan on diversifying my masters by getting licensed and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I would like to study social work because I feel it will lead me directly to one of the most emotionally fulfilling careers available, as well as giving me the chance to combine helping people 's mental well being with their physical
I come to Fordham University with expectations of completing my Masters of Art degree in Social Service. As a single parent, I have faced many challenges raising my special needs child. My innovation to help disadvantaged children with social and emotional problems encompassed me to continue to pursue a career in the Social Service Profession. This will increase my chances of being a successful Child Therapist. I am aware, prepared and committed to devoting my time towards my studies at Fordham University as well as taking advantage of all the necessary resources that Fordham University has to offer. My personal, academic and profession experience has given me the opportunity
Having spent the last two years working as a volunteer in the social service field, I have come to realize that my passion lies in helping people, who are in a position of less advantaged. With a view to accomplish my ambition to become a social worker I am currently taking an access to a master degree of social work.
I have known that I wanted to go into the field of Social Work since my first year of undergraduate studies at SUNY at Fredonia. I entered SUNY at Fredonia as a major in secondary education, with a concentration in English. It was during my first semester of my freshman year that I had taken an introductory course in psychology. I realized then that I wanted to work with people, but not in the capacity as a secondary education teacher, but in a career in mental health. My professor spoke with such enthusiasm about the subject of psychology and psychopathology and soon, I found myself intrigued with these subjects. I wanted to help individuals who needed the help, especially knowing the stigma mentally illness exists in society.
Zlotnik, J. L. & Cornelius, L. (2000). Preparing Social Work Students for Child Welfare Careers:
Being given the opportunity to intern with the staff at the Family Resource Center in the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) has been a tremendous learning experience thus far. The opportunity has truly surpassed my expectation of what I imagined the journey of internship would be like and how it would help me to evolve into the professional arena as a social worker. I see myself transforming and viewing the community in which I live, the clients served, those deprived, and the tremendous job that we as social workers are tasked with to advocate for those in need from a more open-minded perspective. By enhancing and developing my personal and professional skills, such as active listening, observation, and professional comportment, I will be
Personal statement. In contrast with the formal writing sample, we use the personal statement to get to know you a little better. The personal statement should be a maximum of 1700 words. Please use the personal statement address the following three questions:
My interest in becoming a social worker started at a very young age. I remember always possessing the desire to help people who were in need and have frequently being the person who others have approached when faced with difficult situations. Often, I felt as if listening was not enough. I remember feeling unequipped to help them. When I spoke about this career choice with some of the big influences in my personal life, I was told no matter what situation I have ever been faced with I have always managed to handle myself appropriately in what were, sometimes, delicate situations. Whether these situations were with complete strangers or people I have known for years, mediation, has been something that has come naturally to me. In addition to
As a student who began her college career without specific objectives, I never thought I would be writing a personal statement for an application to receive a Master’s Degree in the social work profession. However, I feel now that there is no other future for me than that of offering my education and personal commitment to vulnerable individuals in order to stabilize their lives. After careful consideration of all areas of social work, I have found that my main area of interest is in providing resources and encouragement for individuals with disabilities to gain the freedom to live independent lifestyles without discrimination. My personal goal in this profession is to make every possible effort in assisting these individuals with finding the means to satisfy their needs.
Whitaker, T., Reich, S., Reid, L.V.B., Williams, M., & Woodside, C. (2004). “If You’re Right for the Job, It’s the Best Job in the World”: The National Association of Social Workers’ Child Welfare Specialty Practice Section Members Describe their Experiences In Child Welfare. Retrieved from http://www.naswdc.org/practice/children/NASWChildWelfareRpt062004.pdf
My interest in social work stems from a love of volunteering that I possessed ever since I was a young child expressing great enthusiasm for church and school service events. As I grew older, I began volunteering for many other community events, such as serving over 200 hours at a local hospital, helping with free cancer screenings, and fitting children with free bike helmets. I even created my own donation drive for a local women’s and children’s shelter. I feel the best when I am striving to create positive changes in my community and for struggling, marginalized individuals. Social services have been a part of my life for a very long time, and I want it to continue to be on a professional level.
Working with others and improving own learning and performance are highly essential skills in social work. In this essay I will reflect on how well I have developed these two skills and what I need to do to improve them.
Social work practice has become a vital part of our society. They are found in almost every aspect of our community as well as our schools. Social workers are problem solvers that help people deal with daily issues that may become problems that affect them. As our society becomes more challenging, social workers help bridge the gaps for people who face extraordinary challenges in their lives. The social worker’s scope of practice may contain helping at risk or overwhelmed individuals find resources, develop new coping strategies, resolve problems and conflicts, and secure opportunities to improve their quality of life. (Flynn, 2013) Although the scope of practice is basically the same, there are various types of social workers with various levels of education. It doesn’t matter if you are a medical, clinical, school, military, psychiatric or community social worker, the goal is
I have always known that I wanted to become a social worker, advocating for defenseless older adults and young children. I knew that I needed to change my life in order to achieve the goal that I set myself. Although I dropped out of high school at the age of 16, I knew that it was essential for me to return to school; so that I can begin my journey and achieve my goal. Two years after I left school I received my General Education Diploma. I enrolled at Citrus Community College and became the first in my family to receive an associate’s degree. I decided to continue my education at the University of La Verne and I a...