Social Work Personal Statement

Words: 502
Pages: 3

I do not subscribe to the idea that one person can ‘save the world’ or that the world wants to be saved. I was not a naïve child when I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work more than 20 years ago, therefore, I did not believe that I could save the world, merely help one person or family at a time. However, I did allow myself to become disillusioned, if not jaded, while advocating for the disenfranchised populations I hoped to serve. Some of the persons I wanted to help the most, were the least resistant to change that could possibly improve their lives. Though I continued to help people any way that I could, I chose to leave the Social Work profession for almost 15 years. I applied at Newman University for admission to the Masters of Social Work program, because my passion to help Wounded Warriors and their families through military red-tape to transition to civilian life, necessitates a master’s degree. The Veteran’s Administration realizes that the mastery of social work skills better serves the Veteran in need of help. I do not expect the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program to be an easy task, but an endeavor, worth the effort. …show more content…
I admit I was ambivalent regarding a placement in a Hospice agency. I do not fear illness or death, my anxiety was caused by not believing that I could help a patient or their family with the end of life process. I am fortunate to be working with Ms. Ross, as the additional credentials behind her name, ACHP-SW mean Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker, a rigorous, time-consuming addition to one’s MSW credentials, indicating that one is culturally competent to practice the specialty of Hospice Social