Interest In Social Work

Interest in Social work

​My experiences growing up have shaped me into a helpful, generous, persevering and empathetic individual who would often see the good in others who are deprived in one facet of their lives or another as my responsibility. While growing up, I gained awareness to the work of social workers, child and family to be exact, due to my mother working for the Department of Children and family services for over twenty years. I came to appreciate how much hard work went into their roles and seeing the obstacles they overcame in the name of social justice. I became more invested in social work as I trust it is a profession that will vigorously comprise of me making a difference that is positive in people’s lives who are socially marginalized, underprivileged and excluded through helping to meet their basic human needs, encouraging the realization of their potential as well as helping them identify and exercise their rights.

The areas of social work that interests me are child and family services, as well as school social work. Child and family focuses on addressing the critical needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, youth, and families. This branch of social work contains direct services to individuals and families in government, nonprofit, or other community settings. It is a much-needed safety net for people experiencing socioeconomic challenges, and champions for children and families in need of advocacy.

School Social Work is one of the most dynamic practice specialties in the field of social work. It is a specialized field of practice that’s dedicated to school aged children and families in an educational environment. They wear many hats, which may include student mediator, case manager, truancy officer, counselor, or student and parent advocate. Being able to help children, along with their family in times of need or despair is a passion of mine that will be seen through. People will always need a champion, someone to help them see the light at the end of the tunnel when they don’t see it themselves. This generation of children need to know that it is okay to be vocal. If there are things out of the usual happening, feel free to voice them without the feeling of being chastised or penalized.

I ultimately aspire to become a school administrator. My immediate goal is to finish my Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work, and work in the field post grad for a few years before obtaining my M.Ed. in school counseling. My long-range goal is to become a high school guidance counselor. With the skills I will learn from the social work profession, when the time comes for me to step into the role of guidance counselor I will be well equipped, and knowledgeable enough to challenge and champion the education field.

My background in social work has allowed me to experience individuals from different walks of life and would like to give back to young adults in the community that do not have a mentor, or father/mother figure by helping them navigate through the most pivotal times of their lives. With that said, I would like to start a non-profit organization centered around youth in underprivileged communities. The organization will be a mentorship program that bridges students with professionals that want to help them in areas academically, socially and professionally. These mavens will work with a range of students from middle-school through college.

One of the experiences that led me on the path to Social Work would be my high school matriculation. The reasoning behind me aspiring to become a social worker stemmed from working alongside my high school social worker. During my senior year of high school, my mother moved my family to a new city, unfamiliar from what we were used to. I started a new high school where initially I was of senior status, but unfortunately demoted to junior status due to a foreign transfer credit evaluation. I was given an alternative, which was to either stay and finish, but do an extra year, or drop out and take the GED. I was heartbroken, because I felt my hard work had been discredited.

Luckily, I became acquainted with the school social worker, who counseled and advised me through the process. I decided to stay, and she helped properly acclimate me to the institution. Throughout the duration of my junior year, as well as senior year she made sure I was on top of my academics and made sure I conducted myself as a young adult. We held sessions, where I was able to voice my opinion on things whether it be academics, life, or family related. Our goal was for me to graduate, and head to college that following fall which I achieved.

Another experience that has contributed to my interest in social work would have to be my current job as classroom leader at the Andrew P. Stewart Center. I have a classroom of 12 students, that come from underprivileged neighborhoods and backgrounds. The community which the school is located is riddled with violence, drugs and gang activity. The students see their teachers and staff as family and treat them as such. My students are not afraid to voice themselves on things happening at home, or with other family members. I have had first-hand experience talking to the students’ parents about their child’s developmental and/or behavioral problems, and most seem to not care, and just see the program as a daycare for the children. Meanwhile, the children hurt from the neglect the parents continue to condone.

Graduate school gives students the chance to develop new skills and improve those we already possess. Whether we know it or not, we are also developing skills that go beyond just education and research. Though I have always considered myself a leader, I believe graduate school will help me perfect and hone in on this skill. I want to become someone with more tenacity, more mental toughness, more cogency and more perseverance. I would also like to better perfect my writing and communication skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, and creative problem-solving skills. I have both the drive and passion to see the journey through and am ready to work on the change I wish to see in myself.

My values guide and shape my priorities and reactions. They serve as markers that make sure my life is heading in the right direction and help to design a life that better aligns with my true self. Service is an important value to me. I exhibit service through my involvement in the community and advocacy on behalf of social justice. Another value is social justice. I selflessly work on behalf of social change in oppressed and vulnerable neighborhoods, in efforts of progression and growth. I value the dignity and worth of a person, meaning I treat each person with care and respect, while minding individual differences and cultural ethnic diversity. Lastly, I value integrity. I hold my moral standings and ethical principles to the highest regard, and practice in a manner consistent with them. I believe my values will assist me while working with underrepresented and/or vulnerable populations because they align with the National Association of Social Workers ethical principles and core values. A social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems, while challenging social injustice and respecting those of different values and ethnical backgrounds.

Being an Nigerian-American male, I have encountered people of differing ethnicities and cultures and have worked well with everyone regardless of cultural barriers. During summer of 2018, I was given an internship with a hospitality agency in Cicero, Illinois. The agency was predominantly Latin-American, which was something different from my norm. The experience was by far the most educational I have encountered. I learned the language, as well as the different foods and how to communicate with those who are not as fluent in English. I was also educated on their beliefs and values. I was given interpersonal skills that I will be able to use in my profession which I value the most. (come back in case I need to)

An experience where I exercised leadership would be spring and fall of 2018, where I was appointed the male representation of the social work program at Clark Atlanta University. My responsibilities were to assist program coordinator with student involvement within the BSW program, bring awareness to social injustice issues regarding my platform of mental health wellness, and Implement a series of interactive activities and sessions with BSW students. Between facilitating events and maintaining my student orientation leader role on campus, I was able to uphold 6 courses along with a 3.6 GPA. The experience taught me diligence, determination and patience. It taught me that I can achieve the impossible, and to never give up on any goal or vision one might have for themselves.

Social work is a profession that historically produces agents of change who are not afraid to challenge archaic policies, fight for social justice, and overall make the world a better place. I believe I am an agent of change that has knocked every barrier that stood in the way of not just myself, but others who could not fight for themselves. Everyone matters, including those from trying circumstances. They deserve to have someone on their side willing to champion on their behalf and are worthy of living a gratifying life. I want to be the voice for those who are being overlooked, and feel they are not being heard. Vulnerable populations need the most help, and unfortunately have the hardest time getting it. They need someone who advocates for them and effects change. It will also challenge me in ways no other career can. No two situations are the same, which means as a social work must continuously solve problems, by applying their experiences and knowledge in inventive ways. Social work is an inspiring, life-changing, and growing career that puts people in a position to make a difference in individuals lives. My life is one that has had many detours and road blocks. The road was not always clear for me, and I never want to paint the picture that it was. All that I am today, is because of the things I’ve been through. I want to apply my life experience into my work, so those that encounter me know that I am sincere and on the front line advocating for them.

Graduate education is an investment of both time and resources and shall be treated as such. I plan to live near campus, which will allow me to arrive to class on-time and seek necessary help from professors if needed. My social circle is very understanding and supportive of my educational endeavors. During the program, I will focus solely on professionally developing myself into a remarkable social worker. Financially, I plan on applying for various scholarships, assistantships and grants that will allow me financial freedom or possible relief of debt. I will use the funds to finance my education instead of working full-time to make money. If those funds are inapplicable, I plan to pay with student loans because my education is indeed an investment that will pay off in the long run. It will be an investment into myself, for my family. My family is very supportive of my education, and with them encouraging me to finish my graduate degree the possibilities are limitless. (do I need to add anything?)Interest in Social work

​My experiences growing up have shaped me into a helpful, generous, persevering and empathetic individual who would often see the good in others who are deprived in one facet of their lives or another as my responsibility. While growing up, I gained awareness to the work of social workers, child and family to be exact, due to my mother working for the Department of Children and family services for over twenty years. I came to appreciate how much hard work went into their roles and seeing the obstacles they overcame in the name of social justice. I became more invested in social work as I trust it is a profession that will vigorously comprise of me making a difference that is positive in people’s lives who are socially marginalized, underprivileged and excluded through helping to meet their basic human needs, encouraging the realization of their potential as well as helping them identify and exercise their rights.

The areas of social work that interests me are child and family services, as well as school social work. Child and family focuses on addressing the critical needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged children, youth, and families. This branch of social work contains direct services to individuals and families in government, nonprofit, or other community settings. It is a much-needed safety net for people experiencing socioeconomic challenges, and champions for children and families in need of advocacy.

School Social Work is one of the most dynamic practice specialties in the field of social work. It is a specialized field of practice that’s dedicated to school aged children and families in an educational environment. They wear many hats, which may include student mediator, case manager, truancy officer, counselor, or student and parent advocate. Being able to help children, along with their family in times of need or despair is a passion of mine that will be seen through. People will always need a champion, someone to help them see the light at the end of the tunnel when they don’t see it themselves. This generation of children need to know that it is okay to be vocal. If there are things out of the usual happening, feel free to voice them without the feeling of being chastised or penalized.

I ultimately aspire to become a school administrator. My immediate goal is to finish my Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work, and work in the field post grad for a few years before obtaining my M.Ed. in school counseling. My long-range goal is to become a high school guidance counselor. With the skills I will learn from the social work profession, when the time comes for me to step into the role of guidance counselor I will be well equipped, and knowledgeable enough to challenge and champion the education field.

My background in social work has allowed me to experience individuals from different walks of life and would like to give back to young adults in the community that do not have a mentor, or father/mother figure by helping them navigate through the most pivotal times of their lives. With that said, I would like to start a non-profit organization centered around youth in underprivileged communities. The organization will be a mentorship program that bridges students with professionals that want to help them in areas academically, socially and professionally. These mavens will work with a range of students from middle-school through college.

One of the experiences that led me on the path to Social Work would be my high school matriculation. The reasoning behind me aspiring to become a social worker stemmed from working alongside my high school social worker. During my senior year of high school, my mother moved my family to a new city, unfamiliar from what we were used to. I started a new high school where initially I was of senior status, but unfortunately demoted to junior status due to a foreign transfer credit evaluation. I was given an alternative, which was to either stay and finish, but do an extra year, or drop out and take the GED. I was heartbroken, because I felt my hard work had been discredited.

Luckily, I became acquainted with the school social worker, who counseled and advised me through the process. I decided to stay, and she helped properly acclimate me to the institution. Throughout the duration of my junior year, as well as senior year she made sure I was on top of my academics and made sure I conducted myself as a young adult. We held sessions, where I was able to voice my opinion on things whether it be academics, life, or family related. Our goal was for me to graduate, and head to college that following fall which I achieved.

Another experience that has contributed to my interest in social work would have to be my current job as classroom leader at the Andrew P. Stewart Center. I have a classroom of 12 students, that come from underprivileged neighborhoods and backgrounds. The community which the school is located is riddled with violence, drugs and gang activity. The students see their teachers and staff as family and treat them as such. My students are not afraid to voice themselves on things happening at home, or with other family members. I have had first-hand experience talking to the students’ parents about their child’s developmental and/or behavioral problems, and most seem to not care, and just see the program as a daycare for the children. Meanwhile, the children hurt from the neglect the parents continue to condone.

Graduate school gives students the chance to develop new skills and improve those we already possess. Whether we know it or not, we are also developing skills that go beyond just education and research. Though I have always considered myself a leader, I believe graduate school will help me perfect and hone in on this skill. I want to become someone with more tenacity, more mental toughness, more cogency and more perseverance. I would also like to better perfect my writing and communication skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, and creative problem-solving skills. I have both the drive and passion to see the journey through and am ready to work on the change I wish to see in myself.

My values guide and shape my priorities and reactions. They serve as markers that make sure my life is heading in the right direction and help to design a life that better aligns with my true self. Service is an important value to me. I exhibit service through my involvement in the community and advocacy on behalf of social justice. Another value is social justice. I selflessly work on behalf of social change in oppressed and vulnerable neighborhoods, in efforts of progression and growth. I value the dignity and worth of a person, meaning I treat each person with care and respect, while minding individual differences and cultural ethnic diversity. Lastly, I value integrity. I hold my moral standings and ethical principles to the highest regard, and practice in a manner consistent with them. I believe my values will assist me while working with underrepresented and/or vulnerable populations because they align with the National Association of Social Workers ethical principles and core values. A social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems, while challenging social injustice and respecting those of different values and ethnical backgrounds.

Being an Nigerian-American male, I have encountered people of differing ethnicities and cultures and have worked well with everyone regardless of cultural barriers. During summer of 2018, I was given an internship with a hospitality agency in Cicero, Illinois. The agency was predominantly Latin-American, which was something different from my norm. The experience was by far the most educational I have encountered. I learned the language, as well as the different foods and how to communicate with those who are not as fluent in English. I was also educated on their beliefs and values. I was given interpersonal skills that I will be able to use in my profession which I value the most. (come back in case I need to)

An experience where I exercised leadership would be spring and fall of 2018, where I was appointed the male representation of the social work program at Clark Atlanta University. My responsibilities were to assist program coordinator with student involvement within the BSW program, bring awareness to social injustice issues regarding my platform of mental health wellness, and Implement a series of interactive activities and sessions with BSW students. Between facilitating events and maintaining my student orientation leader role on campus, I was able to uphold 6 courses along with a 3.6 GPA. The experience taught me diligence, determination and patience. It taught me that I can achieve the impossible, and to never give up on any goal or vision one might have for themselves.

Social work is a profession that historically produces agents of change who are not afraid to challenge archaic policies, fight for social justice, and overall make the world a better place. I believe I am an agent of change that has knocked every barrier that stood in the way of not just myself, but others who could not fight for themselves. Everyone matters, including those from trying circumstances. They deserve to have someone on their side willing to champion on their behalf and are worthy of living a gratifying life. I want to be the voice for those who are being overlooked, and feel they are not being heard. Vulnerable populations need the most help, and unfortunately have the hardest time getting it. They need someone who advocates for them and effects change. It will also challenge me in ways no other career can. No two situations are the same, which means as a social work must continuously solve problems, by applying their experiences and knowledge in inventive ways. Social work is an inspiring, life-changing, and growing career that puts people in a position to make a difference in individuals lives. My life is one that has had many detours and road blocks. The road was not always clear for me, and I never want to paint the picture that it was. All that I am today, is because of the things I’ve been through. I want to apply my life experience into my work, so those that encounter me know that I am sincere and on the front line advocating for them.

Graduate education is an investment of both time and resources and shall be treated as such. I plan to live near campus, which will allow me to arrive to class on-time and seek necessary help from professors if needed. My social circle is very understanding and supportive of my educational endeavors. During the program, I will focus solely on professionally developing myself into a remarkable social worker. Financially, I plan on applying for various scholarships, assistantships and grants that will allow me financial freedom or possible relief of debt. I will use the funds to finance my education instead of working full-time to make money. If those funds are inapplicable, I plan to pay with student loans because my education is indeed an investment that will pay off in the long run. It will be an investment into myself, for my family. My family is very supportive of my education, and with them encouraging me to finish my graduate degree the possibilities are limitless. (do I need to add anything?)