Social Work Personal Statement

My main reason for applying to the Simmons School of Social Work is that it is an accredited university with an excellent reputation as an educational institution and offers an MSW program that is predominantly online. I attended Thomas Edison State University online and earned my bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.9. Once I made the decision to continue my education, I searched for MSW programs that were available online with CSWE accreditation in compliance with New Jersey State social work licensure. I found that Simmons’s specialized program in clinical social work is well suited for my educational needs.

When I first heard of human services, I was first confused with being human resources. Back then about two years ago, I made the decision to go with social work from my original psychology prerequisites. Calling the CSU, Dominguez Hills office, I was actually confused of the word human services when I actually called for information on social work. After some research with human services, I've decided to major in the field and to attend at CSU, Dominguez Hills. How I got into human services/social work, it was a long personal journey I had to take that lead me to this field.

Name: Zebra A. Seabron Degree Sought: Master of Social Work/Management and Policy School Selected: Rutgers University – Newark Term Desired: Summer 2018 Personal Statement for the Master of Social Work Program Rutgers University was listed “among the world’s top 1,000 Universities measured in 2017 by the United Arab Emirates-based Center for World University Rankings.” “Rutgers ranks 49th in the world, 32nd among all Universities in the United States, and 15th among Public Universities in the United States.” According to U.S. News and World Report, “The Rutgers School of Social Work is ranked among the best Social Work Graduate Programs in the nation and has one of the most ethnically, and racially diverse student population in the nation.”

As a veteran of the U.S. Army, I have always been committed to selfless service. It seems to be a natural transition to pursue a career as a social work educator and researcher. As an educator, I would like to enhance students' ability to observe, critique, and question the things that they learn regarding social issues. This will enable students to become stronger advocates for social justice while allowing them to think critically about how the larger societal systems have an impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. My pursuit of research stems from the desire to gain and add knowledge around issues that impact urban communities.

I have always desired to work with children. Growing up in an urban area you’re able to observe numerous family types and see firsthand abuse and neglect. Sadly, this was my motivation to go into the Human Services field. To reach my goals, I realize that I must pursue a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. I would like to obtain my Masters, but I figure one degree at a time. Obtaining this degree would contribute towards my efforts in working as a Social worker.

There are many reasons why I want to join the undergraduate program in social work. Many of these reasons come from both academic and personal experiences. As a child I lived in a poor neighborhood where I was surrounded by people who were experiencing poverty, homelessness, cultural and language barriers, unemployment, discrimination, and other problems. I also saw friends and family later in my life go through hardships that ranged from child abuse, domestic violence, to drug addiction. These experiences greatly affected how I saw the world.

I am a Latina, a solider, and a soon to be Social Worker born to Dominican immigrants in an impoverish neighborhood in Spanish Harlem. I am the first in my family to purse a bachelor’s degree and would also like to be the first in my family to purse a Master’s degree. I will like to demonstrate to other Latino’s and the younger generation in my community that getting an advance degree is very possible. I knew that obtaining any degree would be financially challenging for me living in a single parent household. However, I know that being successfully is not an easy walk in the park.

My path to a college education has been bumpy and full of roadblocks. The path has not always been clear, but I remain focus on my goals so I don’t look in any direction but ahead. My commitment and motivation to study Social Work came about during my temporary position at One Stop Career Center and volunteering in case management. For example, working amongst case workers or medical social workers that provide community resources shined a light on my future. These professionals may also act as liaisons in court cases; report particular physical or substance abuse; and provide consultation to individuals seeking employment.

I have always been interested in clinical social work in fact that is the reason why I got into the social work graduate program. Lately, I have been feeling unsure about becoming a clinical social worker. What I hope to gained from this class is to increase my knowledge about the field and discover if clinical social work is for me.

I intend to earn my Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work so I can pursue a career in clinical private practice with the elderly. In addition, I will double minor in gerontology and sociology to further prepare me for my future career. Because of my credits from high school and work ethic, I will be able to graduate with my Bachelor’s in just three years, which will result in significant savings of college expenses. Due to my past experiences with bullying in which my supposed good friends over a three-year period, I always knew I wanted to work in the social work field. Since Rhode Island College has one of the top social work programs in the country, I was sure this school would be a great fit for me.

Since I was a child, I always knew I wanted to be employed in a field that involved helping others in some fashion, such as teaching or counseling, and eventually realized social work was my calling. While I struggled to decide on a college to attend since I was two years younger than the average freshman, RIC seemed to be a great option and now, I could not be more thankful for the experience. The social work program here is truly inspiring and challenging and the connections I have made, both academically and socially, will last me a lifetime. Currently, I am a junior applying to the major this year with minors in sociology and gerontology. After earning my MSW, I intend to work with the elderly since this has become my passion over the years.

I have spent the past twenty years working in the social work field, and my passion has not wavered. I feel that I am a strong candidate to your program, because of the many valuable experiences in social work and my desire to continue to help others. I want very much to continue my education because it will open up more career opportunities to help people that I cannot with a bachelor’s degree. If I am accepted into your program, I feel that I am able to address obstacles to successfully complete the master’s program.

Growing up, I couldn’t imagine myself studying social work. Never pictured myself ever trying to work for Child Welfare especially. I didn’t like what social workers represented and I also didn’t like how they made my siblings and I feel. After many years later I am about to graduate with my bachelors in Social work and applying to the Calswec program. Studying social work here at Humboldt state really gave me a different perspective and a positive one too.

I have reviewed the entire Bachelor's program and I am most interested in the introduction to International Relations, Sociology, General Social Psychology, and State Politics and Governance course. I am originally from Sierra Leone and have had first-hand experience with social breakdown including civil conflict, lack of education and poverty. In Sierra Leone, there was a huge problem of child soldiers. Global campaigns and national efforts have reduced the problem through the application of social science. I always inspired to be more empowered to deal with social problems in society.

I am applying to the two year program at Stony Brook University because I want to further my education so that I can pursue my goal of helping others achieve a successful and productive life. My passion originates from realizing that there is a need for social workers who can make a difference in people’s life by being supportive and providing the necessary aid needed for everyday survival. Therefore, I believe by completing my master’s degree in social work I can help build a better world by providing care and services that is imperative and vital for survival. There have been many experiences that have influenced my goal to be a social worker. I have learned through personal and profession experience that helping people can have a huge impact.