1. I am applying for the advanced standing program.
2. I am pursuing an MSW at this time with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker in order to provide advanced substance abuse and mental health counseling in western North Carolina. I have many work experiences that contributed to my choice of social work as a profession. I am currently a certified substance abuse counselor intern as well as a certified minister. I provide counseling for members of the congregation I serve.
I have been involved with various types of social work for most of my life. I have been a minister for 17 years in which I experienced working with people from all age groups. Even before becoming a certified minister, I sought opportunities to
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I also gained experience working with and serving the LGBT population. I enjoyed learning about the various cultures of my clients, and strived to deliver excellent service to all participants.
While working in W.I.C., I became aware of the need for substance abuse and mental health counseling in western North Carolina. Therefore, in April 2013, through grants offered to veterans, I returned to college to begin my education in social work with a concentration in substance abuse and mental health counseling. I had previously obtained an A.S. in Christian Education and found that the knowledge gained through those classes was foundational and relevant to the social work field.
In June 2014, I registered with the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board for certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, and began private supervision. I passed the state examination the following year. Through discussions with my colleagues and professional supervisor, as well as interactions with university professors, I developed a desire to provide advanced counseling through social work practice. I believe social work provides the best means to provide healing for the whole person in their environment.
3. My own values can be best exemplified through my desire to provide advanced social work for people with substance abuse (SA) and mental health (MH) needs in
Harris, I strongly consider choosing social work as my professional career. Dr. Harris finished our interview saying that “A great social worker and counselor is a person who is completely committed to the clients they are serving. They understand that to become the best in their profession, they must be engaged in continued growth professionally and personally.” He challenged future social workers and myself with helpful advice. He encouraged me to finish school with a Bachelors in Social work, enroll in a master’s degree program in social work, seek internship opportunities and gain my license to become a Professional Licensed Social Worker. Despite of the problems and help needed in our community, research indicates the shortage of African American Social Workers. I want make a difference, advocates for social justice and change. It is important for me to speak up on important issues especially surrounding the African American community. Witnessing my uncle, Dr. Rodney Harris, a successful African-American male in this profession, encouraged to push harder to graduate from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW). He provided me with more drive and determination to confirm my decision and career chose to become a Licensed Professional Social
As stated earlier, I believe that the social work field will allow me to bring attention and professional support to disadvantaged populations. Persuading the MSW program at this moment in my life will not only allows me to help those in need, but it will strengthen my personal values and approaches that I consider to be essential in order to efficiently help others. My approach stems from three concepts that I find to be vital: humility, optimism and determination, regardless of the circumstances. Hoping to be permanently guided by those principles, I will continue to embrace my commitment to the disadvantaged and to be a voice for the
Choosing North Carolina Central University as the institution to pursue my Masters in Social Work was not a choice that had to be made. As an alumni of the great institution, I was familiar with the strong tradition of teaching, research, and service that prepares students to become global leaders and practitioners who transform communities. As an African American female who believes education is able to solve most problems, I was eager to learn that North Carolina Central University and the Department of Social Work continues to affirm its tradition of serving African American students while expanding its commitment to educate a
I am writing to express my interest in the full-time counselor position at Community Substance Abuse Centers – Boston. After learning about the program from a fellow student and from the website, I believe that with my knowledge and skills of helping clients in recovery and my passion and eagerness to learn, I would be a committed member of CSAC Boston.
It took a long time and a lot of careful thinking to decide to pursue the Social Work field of education now. Although I attempted to pursue my Masters in Education 16 years ago, I discontinued that program due to the realization that I was not mature enough to keep balancing school demands along with my full time workload. Reflecting back, I was more pursuing my Masters for the purpose of pleasing my family considering I was the first female in my family to even graduate with a Bachelors here in the United States. Fast forward, 16 years later, I’ve concluded that furthering my education with a Masters in Social Work is the best match and fit to continue enhancing my career in social services. As a Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist providing supported employment services, I support and guide my clients by taking steps toward their own career goals. I have found my purpose in life, which is to support transformation in others by connecting any type of community resource they may need in order to overcome their barriers toward their career choice. I have seen first hand how “work is therapy” and knowing that I supported and contributed to my client’s career plan, gives me the drive to keep enhancing my skills to impact my community even more. I am highly motivated to pursue a Masters in Social Work so I may have the access and ability to build and manage a team or organization that is just as passionate in supporting and guiding others. I’m also eager to provide
I have been working as a social worker for the past three years. In all these years, it has always been my desire and passion to acquire enhanced social skills and knowledge to help me empower disadvantaged individuals and families take control of their lives. My desire therefore to pursue a Masters of Social Work degree (MSW) has been inspired by over three years of continuous work with families, children, youths and adults who require support to cope and combat oppressive structures and social injustices. It has therefore been my dream to pursue MSW program which I believe is the only program that can help me to accomplish my goal.
It is my passion that has driven me to peruse a career in Social Work. My father struggled with alcoholism for years. It took his life suddenly in 2010 when I was just sixteen. When he passed, I was not so much sad, but angry. Angry at my Father for choosing alcohol over me, angry with my Mother for never getting us out of the vicious cycle of abuse we were enduring, and angry because I was confused. In the year after his passing, I let my anger transform into passion. I enrolled in college to get answers, to hopefully understand what made him do what he did. In my undergraduate education I began to understand alcoholism as a disease. It wasn’t simple he couldn’t just stop, and it wasn’t simple for my Mother to just move my brother and I away.
Making a difference in improving people’s lives fascinates and motivates me. During my tenure at Community Systems Inc., I served as an Assistant Manager and currently serve as a Residential Educator Counselor. These two positions have allowed me to support dually diagnosed individuals in their residences and community. I now have a great appreciation for people’s difference that in turn has taught me patience and empathy for others. I also have learned to handle unpredictable high -stress situations and have resolved each situation with composure. I have excellent work ethic, verbal and writing skills in both English and Spanish. I understand that the Social Work career is high paced and demanding, but it comes with the reward of knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of others. Working in the social service field has given me the experience and strength in leadership, maintaining calm and caring demeanor in times of crisis, strong work ethic and teamwork. Therefore, I am ready to formally become a social worker with all the needed credentials to continue to learn and grow in the social service
Values were a huge part of my childhood and show a large part in my lifet today, as they support my thoughts and actions. As a social work student I have to question my personal morals, opinions and ethics as these will have a large impact on my performance as a expert. My private values are consistent to the values of social work, which is the motive as to why I have chosen a career in a social care. These values are self - determination to promote social justice, being kind and accommodating toward others, honesty and respect. Working with troubled youth in my past helped further develope my interest in promoting social justice and social change on behalf of my community. I recognize, that as a social work student I have to act in unity
My interest in the social work profession is grounded in my persistent desire to help individuals marginalized by society. The correlation between the core values of social work and catholic social teaching values also attract me to the profession. Growing up catholic, I have always identified strongly with the church’s call to justice, helping others through acts of selfless service. My passion and respect for the programs and people I have worked with and their effort to empower at-risk populations has inspired me to work within the nonprofit sector and help people in need; Organizations which feed and clothe the homeless, poor, and vulnerable individuals of our society, creating opportunity for those who think God has forgotten, a woman
My interest in pursuing a graduate education social work was fostered by my observation of the usage of the health care system. Through interactions with those around me, while volunteering and working in my community, synagogue, and camps, I saw how often the health care system was not conducive to providing the change in others lives. These opportunities of working with youth and families provided me a glimpse of how there was a need by individuals for emotional and psychological support and it was not being met. I saw how often times these individuals did not know to how to utilize resources and obtain support services. Frequently I saw how when an individual or their family member had a mental health crisis, the situation was compounded
This letter includes details of my personal background, career objectives and personal evaluation relevant to the application for a Master’s of Social Work. As part of this letter, I will include personal life experiences that I consider the key characteristics of my life that have defined my character and have shaped my values and beliefs. Furthermore, I will relate my career goals and the reasons why I consider that I would be an effective clinical social work student and discuss what makes me ready for graduate school. I will my weakness and strengths. In addition, I will explain why I believe that Widener University is the best fit for me and why I am a suitable fit for Widener University.
My life experiences from my childhood has shaped my desire to go into social work. I believe that I could use some of my personal experiences to help others in this world. Some of my relatives suffers from mental illnesses and has no resources to get the help they need. They received no treatment and some of them eventually were
I have acquired many skills that are transferable to the field of social work. In fact, from my experience at the treatment facility I developed a strong understanding of the need for empowering people to make positive choices, regardless of
I am a strong believer in completing what I start. I’ve pushed myself to excel above average and graduate from each school that I’ve attended with a 3.0 or higher. While completing my undergraduate degree in Social Work at The University of Southern Mississippi, I was exposed to multiple areas within the field. I particularly took an interest in the classes that focused on human diversity, social justice and child welfare. After receiving my Bachelor of Social Work degree with Honors, I have decided to continue my education in hopes of earning a Master of Social Work degree from your prestigious university.