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.

The decision to take the clinical route as a second year MSW graduate student, was one that took no hesitation to make. My passion for children and the preservation of families have been a propelling factor in my Social Work career; both academically and professionally. These two entities have motivated me to remain steadfast on the journey to obtaining my MSW so I can continue to be a vessel for children and families who are in need of support and empowerment. The clinical spectrum of social work practice has strengthened my ability to work proficiently with multiple clients and perform well when assisting families in different realms of social work practice. The knowledge gained during my four years as an undergraduate BSW student and

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 am a young woman of Vietnamese heritage; born and raised as a resident in the United States since birth. I graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Health Science field with a minor in Psychology. Though I have completed my undergraduate studies, I feel that my academic path is not yet complete in that there is more I can contribute to the field of social work, given further guidance and education. Through both my obstacles and accomplishments, I see that with further education combined with my drive and determination to help families and children achieve stability, I can contribute further and create a lasting impact not only towards my community, but in a macro sense, change the world for the better.

My interest in creating positive relationships and helping others has always been something that I have desired to develop into a professional career. The idea of helping others figure out ways to improve their well-being and quality of life has peeked my interest in exploring the social work field even deeper. As stated earlier, while working I have gained many skills that I believe will assist me within the MSW program. Specifically, my experience with being a counselor for teens and adults. Working with different age groups has shown me that being open and available is one of the most important ways to helping others.

I come from a family of 10, not including my parents. I was adopted from Haiti, by a kind spirited, Christian, couple who were doing what the Lord sent them to do. They were missionaries, and nurses, serving abroad and ended up coming home with five babies from over there. It wasn’t something that was planned, but just happened for them. In the same sense that is how I came to the Social Work profession.

Upon entering my undergraduate years, I searched for a school of study that would allow me to work alongside these vulnerable populations and fortunately found social work. Over the next four years, I saw my interests range from school social work to international social justice to health care and beyond. The ability to study so many different areas of social justice appealed to me, as this BSW degree equips me with the generalist practice knowledge to enter practically any practice setting. No matter where this degree takes me, social work offers thousands of career options, so I know I will revel in this long-term commitment to the profession.

1. Reflect briefly on your reasons for selecting social work as a profession. How has this semester and your field experience affirmed and/or prompted you to question your “goodness of fit” for the profession? I feel that my experience in field has been very rewarding and eye-opening at the same time. My time at Refugee Services of Texas has affirmed my fit for this profession because I now have a better grasp of what is expected of me as a social worker.

Being an only child from a middle class family, I grew up a very sheltered life. My biggest worry under the age of 12 consisted of getting my homework done in time to play outside before the street lights came on. My favorite childhood memories all revolve around my grandparent’s beach house where I would spend my summer’s with my family and friends. I was naïve to the fact that every other child in the world didn’t think of their family and friends as their biggest support system. I was naïve to the fact that every other child in the world didn’t experience the sense of happiness in life as I did.

I wanted to study the mind and it fascinated me and that’s when my career took a spiral turn. I also was dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression and hoped that majoring in this field would help me cope better with my stress, and it did. Also, being there for families that are going through the same struggle. It’s very overwhelming to deal with knowing what your child has, but it doesn’t stop there for the parents and caregivers. Next, you have to be overwhelmed with all the resources that are out there and find something that fits your child’s needs.

I would like to express my interest in social work. I chose the social work field. Because I grew up in a troubled home, and always wished there was a voice for me. I was a child of a single mother who was in several violent relationships. Because of my past, I’ve always had a passion for troubled children.

Late one Monday night in the midst of fall semester turmoil, a group of hurting and broken ladies began to share their burdens. I was grieved for the young women sitting before me; however, I could not discern how to react or bring clarity to their diverse situations. I could contribute my opinions, and relay advice on how to best adapt to the setting at hand; yet I quickly realized I was not equipped for this job. Attending the University of Alabama has been one of the most treasured moments of my life thus far.

My name is Sarah Cameron and I am currently enrolled at Casper College as a social work major. This spring of 2018 I will have completed my associates and am looking to pursue my bachelors degree at the University of Wyoming. When I first became interested in social work, I had already completed 2 years of coursework through Casper College and had declared majors in two fields I knew were unsuitable for me (dental hygiene and Occupational therapy assisting). I knew that whatever I majored in I wanted to be able to help people and influence their lives in a positive way. I knew that social work was a good fit for me because I am an open minded person who has a desire to help people and make a positive change in the world around me.

My interest in pursuing a professional career in social work came from my passion to help others. I come from a Hispanic family that migrated from Monterrey, Mexico to Houston. I remember my parents having a difficult time adjusting to a new environment. My mother’s sister was her only resource. She was her go-to for everything, and although she had been living in the United Sates for a long time, she was not aware of many of the programs available for low-income families, like us.

I am applying for the Social Work Master's Degree because primarily making a difference in people’s lives is the most important aspect of a future career to me, than any other. By being at your College and qualifying as a social worker, I believe I can achieve this and become a supportive and caring member. While growing up, I have gained some insight into mental health when I looked after my 92 year old great grandmother. All the difficulties and challenges she had with eating and remembering things. I would like to gain further knowledge on this. Another family member had a drug and alcohol addiction and I got to witness how it affected his mental health and his interaction with others. These personal experiences inspired me to further the desire to become a social worker.