Personal Statement : Becoming A Social Worker

My passion for helping the vulnerable is one reason I ‘am inspired to become a social worker. I also want to be available to provide support to those who have nowhere else to turn. My experience in social work has taught me to celebrate the small victories towards positive changes. I look forward to gaining the skills and knowledge to aid me in becoming a successful social worker.

In applying to Arizona State University’s School of Social Work (ASU SSW) Ph.D. program, I aspire to peruse a career as a social work educator. I plan to use this platform and newly acquired skills developed with the university, to advance the field

When I first entered the field of social work at Southwest Mississippi Community College, I was clueless as to what the social work profession entailed. At Southwest MS Community College, we mostly focused on perquisites and a few classes related to family. After, leaving Southwest MS Community College and entering Jackson State University, I realized my previous college did not teach me anything relating to the field of social work. However, my entry in my first class Ethics and Values at Jackson State University taught me about the six core values in social work, such as service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. Upon, my entry into JSU, Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) program, I understood that social work was not about assisting only children. There is masses of people who need, social workers to advocate for better housing, food, medical care and other basic necessities to survive everyday life.

Choosing to pursue this education to become a Social Service Worker has been a life long passion; living a so called “roller coaster” of a life and being subjected to many things, enjoyable and regretful has helped me in many ways to comprehend what it is to truly have human empathy and compassion for others. A veteran at life in its lowest and highest forms, and feeling completely alone and hopeless at times; being subjected to sexual and physical abuse, seeing what alcohol and drugs do to families, how poverty effects children and loved ones. Fortunately there were a few individuals that reached out, bring me up out of the darkness. This is something that I feel in my heart that needs to be given back, for me to provide someone the empowerment that others have given me, to show that there is hope and give reason to keep going, individuals who feel desperate, help to raise their chances, dreams and the basic needs of life. Having the knowledge of education to give these resources for expert referrals to assist people in desperate times, so they can live the life that is deserving and fulfilling to them, therefore this is my ultimate goal!

December 2016 I received my bachelors in social work. Through earning this degree I have learned so much more than I could have ever imagined. From all the papers, group projects, presentations, volunteer work, and field placement I not only grew as a future social worker, I grew as a student. Over the past two and half years, I learned to be a confident presenter, work as a team member, ask for help when needed, and stay true to myself. With that being said I have also seen my grades improve, writing skills improve, and people skills improve.

After getting experience with my mentor I have seen the advantages and disadvantages to being a social worker. You have to work long hours sometimes and the salary isn’t always satisfying just depending on the state you work in. Mentally you have to be prepared for different situations whether they are good or bad. Many children and adults go through many things that I may not have. That meaning, I learned from my mentor that I have to put myself in others shoes and sympathize with them to get them through their hard

What do I want to be? It has always been an interest of mine in wanting to help people. I have had a lot of experience that has attracted me to this specific work of wanting to become a social worker. I can remember when I was in high school and I was always the person my friends would come to for help.

My second career option would be a Social workers, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook(OOH) “Social workers help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives(“How to Become….Social Worker”2015). There is a wide range of jobs opportunities with being a social worker. “One group of social workers—clinical social workers—also diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues(“How to Become….Social Worker”2015). This career would suit me very well, I enjoy to help adults/kids no matter what they are going through. I feel that adults/kids need to have someone they can turn to when things go bad in their life. I believe I could be that person people can turn too, I want to be that

I believe that I’m suitable for practice in social work, because of my character most importantly. I used to think that it was weird that people felt comfortable talking to me, even if they were my friends or not. Even if it was the most inopportune moment I would still take time out to stop and listen, because if I was having a rough day I would want someone to do the same for me as well. In my human services and social work curriculum I definitely have noticed that without knowing I’ve been practicing things such as attentive listening and helping people without doing too much for them. Of course it was on a much smaller level, but it was still a good feeling to help.

In 2016, I was very unhappy in my career, and my place of employment didn’t make it any better. I called my girlfriends crying because I was so unhappy. The next day I woke up at 7:30am and applied for a job, and started 2 weeks later. My current position, is working with homeless men, and women. I love everything about it!

As a young girl, I watched about three different social workers come to my house for my older sister. Each social worker took a different approach and had a different effect on my family. Although the social workers were there for my sister, everything that was done included my family as a whole. As I was watching each social worker, I realized some of the pros and cons of the career and I became interested. At that time, I was unsure of what I wanted to become once graduating from high school. The only thing I was sure about was that I wanted to help others and I liked children. I knew my stomach was too weak to become a nurse or doctor, so I had to think of other options. By watching these social workers, it helped to make my decision. No

Professor Heintzelman was involved in the University she worked in, and the community she resided in. She wanted to bring change in the area in which she lived. Another core value is the importance of human relations. It is essential for professors to get to know their students, and be understanding of the different situations they come from. Being able to connect with students is imperative to being an effective teacher. Dignity and worth of a person is an important core value for social worker. With the demands placed on social workers it is important that they know they are worthy of time for themselves. Being able to recharge after a long day is crucial to a happy

Social Services The thought of children just brightens my day, so why not help the ones who are in need? Social Workers have a lot to do in helping children and helping them find better and safe homes. The basic description, training, and education requirements will be mentioned. The benefits of this job will leave everything with so much to offer.

One of the main roles of a social worker is to do what is in the best interest of the client

Three years ago, I dedicated myself to beginning the journey to becoming a social worker. My turbulent personal history with my dysfunctional family, abuse, and trauma implored me to assistance others the way that I had needed help many times in my past. I was told since childhood that education is not necessary for me because I was a Muslim girl and my life was to be poise and ready for my future husband. I wanted to be more and so I fought; I fought against the restrictions my family placed on me, the limitations of going to a public school in a poor city placed on my education, and the language and social barrier born from not knowing English proficiently. Teachers who witnessed my hunger for knowledge took me under their tutelage and