Finding Purpose in Human Service Profession

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Recommended: Effects of childhood abuse to adulthood

I have felt drawn to support and strengthen the communities I am connected to for several years now. Although it took sometime to trace my passion for helping those in need, upon reflection I am able to clearly see a pattern of people, agencies and institutions that provided the additional support I needed to be successful. This support is the primary reason I have chosen the human services profession. From an early age I witnessed how social workers can help those struggling to find the resources they need to foster change. When I was 11 years old, my brother attempted to commit suicide. The reason I mention this horrific part of my life is because I remember not understanding why my brother was in so much emotional pain, this period is still …show more content…

This year I was given the opportunity to become the Director of a Program called “Opportunity Youth” which provides services for participants ages 16-24, in hopes of finding permanent employment, gaining work readiness skills and or achieving educational mobility. Initially, when offered the position I was startled I thought to myself “what if I am not ready to carry out this program in a meaningful and successful manner?” The underlying reason why I was questioning my abilities were due to fear of failing. I then came across an email from a young man, age 14 who was a participant in the Summer Youth Employment Program in which I was the Assistant Director; the email in essence was to thank me for being encouraging, supportive and overall for giving him the opportunity to have a wonderful first work experience. Reading this email really influenced by decision to both accept the job offer and to start looking into a Social Work Masters program because it gives me a sense of purpose to know that the work I do is appreciated even if it is just one person whose life I am affecting positively. Imagine the girl who at one point in her life did not have any dreams or aspirations running a program for disengaged youth and applying to The School of Social Work at Columbia

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