Social Work Personal Statement

My background, my values, my beliefs, my dreams, and my hopes are the reasons I have selected to pursue the social work profession. I genuinely want the best for those who surround me, and more so, for the future generations who will follow in our footsteps. Someone with wise words, once said, “this degree does not define you; it’s who you already are.” As most social workers are, I’m in this profession, as most of us to help others. My whole life goal is to make a difference in the life of a variety of kids. Honestly, working with children is not just a passion of mine; it is a lifelong commitment. Additionally, my mission is to help them overcome challenges, become better individuals in society, reach their dreams, and stride through the

I will work to the best of my ability to function as a learner when I engage with individuals who have certain distinctions that make them unique. As the text claims, “social workers must also continually update their knowledge about the strengths and resources associated with individuals from diverse groups to increase the sensitivity and effectiveness of the services they provide to those clients” (HRRG 8). With this being said, continually educating myself and being up-to-date will be essential to my field of work because I need to be aware of the resources available, and how to interact appropriately with every client that I come in contact with throughout my career. The purpose of my chosen profession is to “promote human and community well-being, enhance quality of life, and promote social and economic justice and the elimination of poverty” no matter someone’s race, ethnicity, spiritual beliefs, socioeconomic status, experiences, etc. Furthermore, social workers are inclusive, and sensitive to all individuals they

Every person, whether they want to or not, experiences unconscious bias of others. Our life experiences, cultural upbringing, and the values that we hold create a reality for us. One article I reviewed claimed that as social workers we should begin with a “childlike mind,” or a fresh slate when we begin to interview clients. Moreover, the article states, “when we are willing to question our assumptions and the ingrained beliefs that sit behind them we become open to discovering our limitations. It takes a willingness to be brutally honest with ourselves” (Community Care 2015). I believe this is what it takes to not just be a decent social worker, but a phenomenal one. Your primary duty is to understand yourself more than anything by answering questions such as “what are my biases,” “what are my privileges,” “what is my past,” etc. Becoming familiar with the answers to these particular questions can allow a social worker to work more open-minded instead of letting our preconceived notions stand in the way. We want to be able to serve the clients the best we can, and it takes a full understanding of ourselves first to effectively achieve