Social Work Personal Statement

In order to pursue my goal, I needed to finish my degree and gain experience working directly with youth. The first step was leaving my full-time position with DYC and working at one of the staff-secure facilities as a Coach Counselor. I began working part-time at the facility in September 2014 with both DYC and the Department of Human Services youth. My responsibilities include supervising the students during the different elements of their day (we refer to the youth as students or student athletes because our program emphasizes the value of education and the organization and teamwork in sports as a foundation to make positive changes in their lives), providing appropriate and supportive leadership, and being a positive adult role model. This experience has solidified my desire to work as a youth case manager or parole officer. I enjoy working with the students, celebrating their accomplishments with them, and helping them through disappointments and/or set-backs. In addition to my part-time position, I am also in the Air Force Reserves working as a Paralegal in the active duty legal

This position will provide me with the skills I need to better assist individuals, while I learn the fundamental skills that I will use in my career. In Diversity Studies, I have learned how systemic barriers have outcasted marginalized groups, specifically youth of color. I have learned how to critically think about the individual and ways to help promote their wellbeing, rather than being quick to judge their situation. These skills are crucial when working with individuals that have past convictions because it is important not to label the individual, but look at them as individuals who have the potential to overcome their circumstances. That is why I will be a vital team member of the Juvenile Division Department team.

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 I am relatively new to this area of work it is also important to reflect as a youth worker in order for me to be effective and capable within my job. It is necessary for me to reflect on my experiences so far from the year and a half I have spent in college and it’s important for me to continually highlight areas for development while I am on placement. First I must identify the strengths and skills I have acquired and then to plan my development needs. My role requires me develop plans to suit the service users; I feel my current qualifications and experience will develop after my placement. I also feel it is essential to enhance my current knowledge of youth and community work and monitor my progress. I think the important thing to remember is that I am reflecting for my own development.

My journey for school started thirty-eight years ago; I graduated from high school in 1979. I attempted to attend college after I graduated from high school, but I married a few months later and chose to drop out of school. My second attempt was in 1992. I attended community college and was now a mother of three children. Suddenly, my husband passed away.

For the past three summers I have worked extensively with adolescence at numerous summer camps. During this time I will usually work with youth ages 9-14 at a camp setting. Beginning with the position Counselor in Training at the Gardiner School (Boys Club Affiliate) I eventually moved up to the rank of the a Group Leader at the camp as well as another camp known

When my parents first divorced in 2008, I was uprooted from my childhood home to a tiny house on the other side of town. I felt alone and confused, with no one to really talk to. Then, I was introduced to Meredith. We had dinner at my house, and immediately clicked. Soon we were going out once a month, at least, to have dinner, go to movies, or other fun activities run by the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister organization.

One of the most fundamental reasons I am applying to Fordham University to study social work is because I am passionate about helping others. This is a passion that when translated into a career in social work, will not only help me thrive, but also allows me to bring happiness to others. Throughout my professional and social life, helping others has been a top priority. Through both my internships in the social work field and through my extracurricular activities in charitable organizations, assisting those in need is one principle that stays constant. My motivation for becoming a social worker stems from the sweeping social justice issue of substance use and addiction.

I am Veronica Ruiz a first-generation student at Wenatchee Valley College. I will be transferring to Eastern Washington University this fall to pursue my bachelor’s degree in social work. I became interested in social work since I was young. I was born in Morelia, Michoacán and my parents made the sacrifice of migrating to the United States when I was very young. Upon our arrival, we found many support around the community, but in specific I received great help from the school’s social worker.

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.

From an early age, I have accompanied my mother as she lent a listening ear to sex workers, feed the homeless, and visited the elderly in nursing homes; these moments instilled in me a strong desire to help others. Throughout my undergraduate years, I debated whether I would help others on a macro level, by studying economics, or an individual level, by studying psychology. Although both of these fields increased my awareness of systematic and personal issues which kept people oppressed, neither focused on alleviating the conditions of those most in need. After researching several fields, social work appealed most to me because it’s a practical evidence-based profession focused on helping others rediscover their strengths.

The field of social work is boundless, and my educational attainment from the bachelor of social work program at Grand Valley State University has adequately prepared me to enter the field. However, by obtaining a master’s degree in social work, I will only be further expanding my opportunities and amassing my knowledge and understanding of diverse populations and the field. At this time, I am motivated to pursue a master’s degree in social work, because I want to serve our country and practice in the field of social work; I want to be an United States Navy Social Worker. However, the U.S. Defense Department requires social workers to obtain their master’s degree before signing with any military branch. Moreover, I am motivated to obtain my MSW, so

My background, my ambition, and my resourcefulness are ample demonstration of the successful values I have to be in your Social Work program. I am very respectful, hardworking, and nonjudgmental. I am also motivated by challenges and embracing new experiences. The variety of client groups that I have worked with and the complexity of their needs, I have to be dependable, patient, use discretion and be tolerant. I share close bonds of understanding with my target community, and feel that I can make a significant difference in their lives with the aid of a Degree in Social Work from your

My career objective once I get my masters is to become a social worker in an elementary school. I want to have a positive impact on the lives of young children. I want to be able to empower these individuals and families There are many reasons why I chose to apply to this program. First of all, I’m pursuing my passion for advocacy and social justice by working on the front lines. My goal is to work with all kinds of populations who struggle for rights and resources, from the poor and homeless to immigrants, and use my voice to advocate for their needs.