santablue
Nov 5, 2014
Graduate / What is my "gift" and what is my purpose in this world? Master of Social Work [8]
Thank you for your feedback. It has helped me immensely. I have edit a lot, please take a look.
I was always a strong advocate for the underdog. In school, at home, or on the playground, I always stood up for what was right. In many ways, the role of a social worker was always present in me. It was important that others had equal opportunities and were able to advocate for themselves. If a person was not able to speak up and be heard, I was their voice. Some how, I chose a different career path. I became involved in Educational Technology. When I think back, technology was merely another vehicle to exercise my passion for helping and providing a voice to others.
At the age of 15, I tackled the most traumatic experience of my life. I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a form of cancer that resulted in a partial mastectomy, which had a major effect on my life. My initial reaction was that of emptiness. I was so confused and hurt that I isolated myself. I lost my voice. I wasn't able to understand what I went through and had no one to relate. I wasn't able to express my feelings and grew with a great sense of loneliness. It was too painful. Instead, I grew numb and did not allow myself to grieve. Those feelings of emptiness and hurt later became a relief for those who asked me for help. It was because I was able to relate that I began to heal and forget my trauma.
With the help of a tremendous team of doctors, social workers, therapists, and mentors, I was able to SURVIVE physically and emotionally. I regained my voice. I vowed that I would always express my true feelings and help those who struggle with expressing theirs.
Experiencing such trauma early in life made me the person I am today. It made me more caring and understanding to those who have suffered trauma and loss in their life. It gave me a new perspective. I was able to view society in an empathetic way. It became clearer to me how I could help my community. I did it through my work at the Boys & Girls Club.
I currently work at the Waltham Boys & Girls Club part-time. There, I work with at-risk youth in the Licensed After School Program and provided an exciting outdoor camp experience as Summer Camp Director. I chose to work at the club because I want to continue to help families. It allows me to stay committed to changing the lives of youth, while exploring options to enter the social work field.
I quit my job of 7 years, as Technology Director at the Boston Boys & Girls Club, which I loved very much. Unfortunately, It was no longer fulfilling. I grew bored and unchallenged. There was this internal tug of war with what was comfortable and what I had clearly outgrown. I needed a change.
On paper, most of my background was based around technology and youth development. I wanted something that would marry my skills and qualities into one profession. When exploring the idea of becoming a social worker, I was immediately impressed with the diverse roles a social worker undertakes in society and the workforce. I love the fact that they are the helping voice of the underserved. Choosing this career, will allow me to continue my mission of being an advocate for those who need it most.
As Technology Director, I was able to foster many relationships with youth. It was always such a rewarding job. To hear kids say they felt at home or mistaken me for an older sister or mother, confirmed I was doing something right. It was because of these relationships, I was able to build trust and seek the help that was needed for many youth. As a result, I created programs that focused on the uplift of youth's self-esteem and self-confidence. I created a group called "Passion 4 Fashion". It provided girls with a "safe space" to be themselves and express their individuality through the use of fashion and technology. I loved this program, because I saw these girls grow into more confident young women. I also organized a technology conference called "Tech Girls Rock". It focused on the emotional needs of girls and their interest in pursuing a degree in the field of technology.
My greatest accomplishment was witnessing a grand transformation in one of my youth. He started off as a very aggressive and disrespectful child and later evolved into a leader within the club. This particular person is Deaf and had no way of communicating with staff and other youth. This made him frustrated and act out. His struggle fueled my determination to help. I made it a point to learn ASL. Being able to communicate with each other helped him change his ways for the better. I gave him a voice and with that, he was able to reach his full potential at home, as a club member and as a student.
As a youth worker, I felt very prepared to work with any dilemma that surfaced. I participated in countless workshops catered to the empowerment and protection of youth, i.e. Life is Good Play Training, Children with Disabilities, Child Trafficking, Grief, CATCH Healthy Living, and Inclusion workshops to name a few.
In college, I naturally gravitated to community activities and events concerning youth and their empowerment. As President of the Video Club, our goal was to involve our neighboring community to support and be a part of our club and campus. I initiated many community events, such as annual holiday activities and fundraisers. These events inspired new members to create "Modeling for A Cause", a fashion show that donates its proceeds to select charities. Last year's recipient was Horizon for Homeless Children. I continue to volunteer my time and skills to the club.
Involved in so many activities and juggling a busy schedule. I was blindsided by a silent blow. The poor grades I received in my last year were a reflection of an emotional breakdown. It was a point in my life in which many things from my traumatic past began to resurface. I did not know how to handle such strong emotions. At that time, I was recently promoted to Technology Director and that too suffered as a result of my emotional rollercoaster. I wanted to prove to myself that I had it all under control. I admit that I did not hold myself accountable and instead let the pressure take over. I could have done better.
I am very capable of being in this rigorous program. I have the passion it takes to succeed and finish strong. I have seen myself excel and know that I will excel in this program. As a result of this difficult time and the mistakes I have made. I have grown into a stronger, dedicated and more resilient person, both mentally and emotionally. I vowed that I would never be that person again. I got the help that I needed and took those failures (lessons) and applied them to my work and final classes. In turn, I became very successful at work. I was named Technology Program Leader for all Boston Boys & Girls Clubs, Summer Camp Director and wrote and received various grants and awards for my programs.
With my extensive experience in youth development, I believe I would be a great asset to the program and resource to students interested in working with children and youth. I chose Simmons School of Social Work for my graduate studies because of the great feedback, small classes and flexibility of its online program. Attending the information sessions gave me a better sense of the program. Through the testimonies of past and present students and professors, I was able to identify with kind of experience I wanted from this program and knew this was the right place for me.
This challenging journey has prepared me more than ever to go on to the next chapter of my professional career. Since, I no longer have such a busy schedule. I found this time to focus on my interests and build a career in the social work field. My main goal with this degree is to help others find and/or regain their voices through different vehicles, i.e. technology, arts, languages, etc. I have realized that with my skills and passion, I can add a different way of learning and healing to those who need it most. Being in the MSW program, will provide me with many learning opportunities, create a strong foundation and build up my expertise in the field of social work.
The greatest reward is to hear the words "I am a better person because of your help". To know, I had such an impact in another person's life is priceless. In the words of Confucius, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life". For this very reason, I see myself in the social work field.
Thank you for your feedback. It has helped me immensely. I have edit a lot, please take a look.
I was always a strong advocate for the underdog. In school, at home, or on the playground, I always stood up for what was right. In many ways, the role of a social worker was always present in me. It was important that others had equal opportunities and were able to advocate for themselves. If a person was not able to speak up and be heard, I was their voice. Some how, I chose a different career path. I became involved in Educational Technology. When I think back, technology was merely another vehicle to exercise my passion for helping and providing a voice to others.
At the age of 15, I tackled the most traumatic experience of my life. I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a form of cancer that resulted in a partial mastectomy, which had a major effect on my life. My initial reaction was that of emptiness. I was so confused and hurt that I isolated myself. I lost my voice. I wasn't able to understand what I went through and had no one to relate. I wasn't able to express my feelings and grew with a great sense of loneliness. It was too painful. Instead, I grew numb and did not allow myself to grieve. Those feelings of emptiness and hurt later became a relief for those who asked me for help. It was because I was able to relate that I began to heal and forget my trauma.
With the help of a tremendous team of doctors, social workers, therapists, and mentors, I was able to SURVIVE physically and emotionally. I regained my voice. I vowed that I would always express my true feelings and help those who struggle with expressing theirs.
Experiencing such trauma early in life made me the person I am today. It made me more caring and understanding to those who have suffered trauma and loss in their life. It gave me a new perspective. I was able to view society in an empathetic way. It became clearer to me how I could help my community. I did it through my work at the Boys & Girls Club.
I currently work at the Waltham Boys & Girls Club part-time. There, I work with at-risk youth in the Licensed After School Program and provided an exciting outdoor camp experience as Summer Camp Director. I chose to work at the club because I want to continue to help families. It allows me to stay committed to changing the lives of youth, while exploring options to enter the social work field.
I quit my job of 7 years, as Technology Director at the Boston Boys & Girls Club, which I loved very much. Unfortunately, It was no longer fulfilling. I grew bored and unchallenged. There was this internal tug of war with what was comfortable and what I had clearly outgrown. I needed a change.
On paper, most of my background was based around technology and youth development. I wanted something that would marry my skills and qualities into one profession. When exploring the idea of becoming a social worker, I was immediately impressed with the diverse roles a social worker undertakes in society and the workforce. I love the fact that they are the helping voice of the underserved. Choosing this career, will allow me to continue my mission of being an advocate for those who need it most.
As Technology Director, I was able to foster many relationships with youth. It was always such a rewarding job. To hear kids say they felt at home or mistaken me for an older sister or mother, confirmed I was doing something right. It was because of these relationships, I was able to build trust and seek the help that was needed for many youth. As a result, I created programs that focused on the uplift of youth's self-esteem and self-confidence. I created a group called "Passion 4 Fashion". It provided girls with a "safe space" to be themselves and express their individuality through the use of fashion and technology. I loved this program, because I saw these girls grow into more confident young women. I also organized a technology conference called "Tech Girls Rock". It focused on the emotional needs of girls and their interest in pursuing a degree in the field of technology.
My greatest accomplishment was witnessing a grand transformation in one of my youth. He started off as a very aggressive and disrespectful child and later evolved into a leader within the club. This particular person is Deaf and had no way of communicating with staff and other youth. This made him frustrated and act out. His struggle fueled my determination to help. I made it a point to learn ASL. Being able to communicate with each other helped him change his ways for the better. I gave him a voice and with that, he was able to reach his full potential at home, as a club member and as a student.
As a youth worker, I felt very prepared to work with any dilemma that surfaced. I participated in countless workshops catered to the empowerment and protection of youth, i.e. Life is Good Play Training, Children with Disabilities, Child Trafficking, Grief, CATCH Healthy Living, and Inclusion workshops to name a few.
In college, I naturally gravitated to community activities and events concerning youth and their empowerment. As President of the Video Club, our goal was to involve our neighboring community to support and be a part of our club and campus. I initiated many community events, such as annual holiday activities and fundraisers. These events inspired new members to create "Modeling for A Cause", a fashion show that donates its proceeds to select charities. Last year's recipient was Horizon for Homeless Children. I continue to volunteer my time and skills to the club.
Involved in so many activities and juggling a busy schedule. I was blindsided by a silent blow. The poor grades I received in my last year were a reflection of an emotional breakdown. It was a point in my life in which many things from my traumatic past began to resurface. I did not know how to handle such strong emotions. At that time, I was recently promoted to Technology Director and that too suffered as a result of my emotional rollercoaster. I wanted to prove to myself that I had it all under control. I admit that I did not hold myself accountable and instead let the pressure take over. I could have done better.
I am very capable of being in this rigorous program. I have the passion it takes to succeed and finish strong. I have seen myself excel and know that I will excel in this program. As a result of this difficult time and the mistakes I have made. I have grown into a stronger, dedicated and more resilient person, both mentally and emotionally. I vowed that I would never be that person again. I got the help that I needed and took those failures (lessons) and applied them to my work and final classes. In turn, I became very successful at work. I was named Technology Program Leader for all Boston Boys & Girls Clubs, Summer Camp Director and wrote and received various grants and awards for my programs.
With my extensive experience in youth development, I believe I would be a great asset to the program and resource to students interested in working with children and youth. I chose Simmons School of Social Work for my graduate studies because of the great feedback, small classes and flexibility of its online program. Attending the information sessions gave me a better sense of the program. Through the testimonies of past and present students and professors, I was able to identify with kind of experience I wanted from this program and knew this was the right place for me.
This challenging journey has prepared me more than ever to go on to the next chapter of my professional career. Since, I no longer have such a busy schedule. I found this time to focus on my interests and build a career in the social work field. My main goal with this degree is to help others find and/or regain their voices through different vehicles, i.e. technology, arts, languages, etc. I have realized that with my skills and passion, I can add a different way of learning and healing to those who need it most. Being in the MSW program, will provide me with many learning opportunities, create a strong foundation and build up my expertise in the field of social work.
The greatest reward is to hear the words "I am a better person because of your help". To know, I had such an impact in another person's life is priceless. In the words of Confucius, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life". For this very reason, I see myself in the social work field.