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Bringing The Meaning in Life: Why I Want to Be a Social Worker

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Words: 964 |

Published: Apr 15, 2020

Words: 964 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Personal experience as a driving force, embracing flexibility as an asset, the perfectionist's dilemma, works cited.

  • Humphrey, C. (2011). Social work, social justice and human rights: A structural approach to practice. Policy Press.
  • Mathiasen, H., & Larsen, L. B. (2016). Core social work values and ethics: A critical review of the literature. Social Work Education, 35(1), 11-25.
  • National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of ethics. NASW Press.
  • Payne, M. (2014). Modern social work theory. Oxford University Press.
  • Reamer, F. G. (2013). Social work in a digital age: Ethical and risk management challenges. Social Work, 58(2), 163-172.
  • Ruch, G. (2010). Relationship‐based social work: Getting to the heart of practice. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • Saleebey, D. (Ed.). (2013). The strengths perspective in social work practice. Pearson.
  • Schiele, J. H. (2014). Social workers' attitudes toward self-disclosure in the therapeutic relationship. Social Work, 59(2), 145-153.
  • Todd, S., & Bohan, J. S. (2013). Online social work: Is it for everyone?. Journal of Social Work Education, 49(2), 212-226.
  • Vourlekis, B. S., & Greenfield, E. A. (2015). Ethical considerations in geriatric social work. In Handbook of geriatric social work (pp. 325-341). Wiley.

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10 Reasons Why A Social Work Degree Is Perfect For You

10 Reasons Why A Social Work Degree Is Perfect For You

*"Choose a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life." * *– Confucius*

Social Work Programs You Should Consider

School of Social Work (Virginia Commonwealth University)

Virginia Commonwealth University

Online master of social work.

Many aspiring Master of Social Work (MSW) students wonder if they really have what it takes to enter the social work profession. The job is not without its rewards, but it can also be stressful, emotionally taxing, and physically demanding. Working conditions and pay can be just as daunting at times.

The fact is, entering this helping profession is not for everyone. It takes a certain kind of person to become a social worker. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree just to get started—a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) if you don’t plan to get an MSW. For many of social work’s most compelling professions—including clinical practice treating mental illness and other emotional challenges—your social work education will have to include an MSW.

Are you cut out for this path? Here are ten reasons why you should choose a career in social work:

1. You want to help others

Social work gives you a professional platform with which to engage your inner helper. An MSW degree will allow you to help people from all walks of life with all kinds of problems. Are you genuinely concerned about the mental and physical well-being of others? If not, this is not the job for you.

“I Want to Be A Social Worker!”

Explore these related degree programs, 2. you have deep insights about people and about what makes them tick.

You’re interested in feelings, behavior, and overall mental health. You’re perceptive about what motivates people. You know that people’s lives change when they are empowered, and you find the work of helping them rewarding.

3. You had a rough childhood, or went through a challenging period of time yourself.

Many social workers enter the profession after personally experiencing some adversity. Some survived difficult circumstances and now want to help people in similar positions; their experiences inspired a lifelong passion to advocate for child welfare or human rights issues, or simply to perform public service. Others want to continue their journeys of overcoming as part of their day-to-day jobs. As long as your career doesn’t become a never-ending odyssey of self-help, you’ll find yourself in the company of other professionals whose personal paths are similarly intertwined with social work.

4. You need to live a purpose-driven life

Sure, some of your friends are off to glamorous careers or riches. But those things won’t satisfy you. You need a sense of meaning and a job that makes an impact to feel fulfilled, even if that job is less financially rewarding than others.

5. The principles and values of social work line up with your own

You may have been raised to believe in the good of others, or in doing good work yourself. Perhaps you want to live an ethics-driven life of integrity. As licensed professionals, social workers are not just do-gooders; they adhere to a high level of standards and ethics as defined by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

6. You’re excited by all the career possibilities

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , the field of social work is projected to grow by 16 percent over the next decade. That figure leaves a lot of other professions in the dust, and positions you for numerous employment opportunities. You could start off in the medical social work field, for example, switch to providing counseling, and then go into administration or return to case management. As a social worker, you have the option to reinvent yourself while staying true to your profession—whether you’re helping someone manage mental health issues, acquire necessary health services, claim victim rights, or overcome substance abuse challenges.

7. You are committed to social justice

Becoming a mover and shaker is in your blood. You possess a sensitivity to those who are marginalized and victimized. You won’t stop until the inequities in the world are righted. You are primed for a mezzo- or macro-level social work career.

8. You understand and appreciate that social work has broad applications for other fields

Licensed social workers are positioned to work in many fields and organizations. Some non-traditional areas of social work include tech, human resources, fundraising, philanthropic giving, diversity leadership, high school counseling, and college consulting. You won’t be confined to one limited career path when you earn your bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in social work. A social work degree delivers BIG career options.

9. You need to be engaged and feel alive in the work you do

A mundane desk job just won’t cut it for someone with your energy. Whether you choose to counsel individuals in private practice as a clinical social worker or champion social change as a community organizer, you want to be immersed in and committed to every moment of your working day. You are a full-time carer and doer.

10. You’re not just compassionate, you’re resilient and resourceful

Doing whatever is necessary to get the job done is your signature style. In the face of adversity, you are steely and strong. And you know how to stand up to injustice. You have strong feelings about what is right with the United States and the ways in which it can be made even better. You have the skills and commitment to do whatever it takes to reach the level you need to reach to be effective: by completing all necessary degree programs and certifications, earning your licensure, even pursuing a PhD if that’s what it takes to achieve your goals.

Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

About the Author

Ms. Nedda Gilbert is a seasoned clinical social worker, author, and educational consultant with 25 years of experience helping college-bound and graduate students find their ideal schools. She is a prolific author, including The Princeton Review Guide to the Best Business Schools and Essays that Made a Difference. Ms. Gilbert has been a guest writer for Forbes and a sought-after keynote speaker on college admissions. Previously, she played a crucial role at the Princeton Review Test Preparation Company and was Chairman of the Board of Graduate Philadelphia. Ms. Gilbert holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University and is a certified interdisciplinary collaborative family law professional in New Jersey.

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Why do you want to be a social worker? 7 sample answers

World isn’t a beautiful place for everyone . Just walk down the street of any big city and observe the faces of people you pass. Facing financial pressure, health issues, family problems , or even worse things, many people find it hard to cope, and they need help . Luckily at least in the “western world” everyone can seek assistance of social workers , regarding of their financial situation. And before we look at 7 sample answers to the question, I want to thank you for choosing this career . Because it matters, and every social worker who does their job with love and respect is incredibly important in our society. Back to the question though.

You can face this question when applying for your first job in social work , but also when trying to get to the college and study social work. As a rule of a thumb, you can always refer to the meaningful purpose you see in this type of work. But you should elaborate on it. Explain how the field is a good match to your personality and strengths , to your expectations and career goals. At the end of the day, they should get an impression that you really want to do social work , and aren’t just following a dream of your parents, or applying for jobs at random, because you need a source of income. Let’s have a look at the sample answers.

7 sample answers to “Why do you want to be a social worker?” interview question

  • I want to be a social worker because I am deeply concerned with the state of affairs in human society. The inequality is as obvious as ever, and many people struggle with bare survival. What’s more, it has an impact on everyone, including children , who often lack opportunities to study and develop their full potential…. I know I am not going to save the world as a social worker. But I can play my part in making a positive difference, at least in a local community. And it is incredibly motivating to me . Social work is a great match for my personality and for what I’d like to achieve in my professional career.
  • I’ve had great role models in my life. Honestly speaking, I did not have an easy childhood. My father left the house when I was just four years old, and we always struggled with money. Luckily enough, my mother loved me unconditionally, and she did what she could for me, including involving social workers from the municipality in our situation. They visited the house regularly, and helped me with study materials, gave us a computer, and did many other things for the family. What’s more, they gave me a lot of encouragement and in way one of them played a role of a father I didn’t have. To sum it up, they had a profound impact on my life , and I would love to do the same thing for a living–having a profound impact in the lives of underprivileged children. But first I have to earn a degree from social work, and that’s why I am here today.
  • Since I was young I’ve always felt a need to help someone . Nothing gave me the same feeling of satisfaction. I’ve always enjoyed volunteering in local organizations , be it for visiting lonely people in nursing homes, cleaning church, or helping with an organization of some events at school. Now I am a bit old for volunteering though, with bills to pay and everything that belongs to a life of an adult. But I would love to stay in the field, to see meaningful purpose in my job, instead of working for some corporation sitting in front of a computer, not really understanding what I am working on , and having little contact with the real world outside of the office. That’s why I decided for social work, and would love to work especially in gerontological care .
  • It is the next logical step in my career , one I’ve been pursuing for years. I’ve earned my bachelor in social work and later my masters in mental health social work , and now I’d love to provide therapy to, and coordinate the care of people with severe mental illnesses. Finally, after long years of studies, I’d like to apply what I’ve learned in practice, and cannot wait to start working at your mental health clinic. That’s why I want to be a social worker, and not, let’s say, a teacher or an engineer….
  • I know it may look strange, considering I’ve worked as a software engineer for fifteen years . Let me try to explain it though. I’ve worked super hard for the last seven years, often more than 250 hours a month. And I’ve experienced a complete burnout , and could not tolerate sitting in front of a computer for more than an hour a day any longer. I knew I needed a career change , and decided to take six months off, to reassess my priorities and see what’s next for me in this life. After considering everything I came to a conclusion that I want to work with people , and I want to help. I dream of having a positive impact on lives of real people with real problems , instead of just solving some coding riddles and designing one of the millions of mobile apps. That’s why I did my course, worked on my education, and now I am applying for jobs in social work. And I must tell you that I am incredibly excited about what’s ahead of me .
  • I’ve been doing social work for seven years already , and see no reason why I’d not continue in the field. I just want to switch from military social work to child welfare , because I learned by experience that children are the target group I want to work with . I do not want to say that I did not enjoy the work with the Veterans. But it wasn’t my cup of coffee, and I came to a firm conclusion that child welfare social work will be a much better match for my personality and strengths .
  • I’ve considered a lot of careers with the help of our counselor at school. Because I am a good student, was blessed with intelligence, and definitely have many options in life. Thinking about the impact I’d like to have in the country, as well as about typical day at work in various jobs, and my goals in other spheres of life , I eventually decided for social work. I find it a perfect match to my personality and goals, and at the same time it is a well-paid career in which one can have a real impact on the people they work with. I also like that we can specialize in different fields of social work down the road, such as clinical, forensic, pediatric, psychiatric and so on. These are the main reasons why I chose social work for my field of study.

Do not forget on your non-verbal communication

Your talk about your career choice should not sound like some rehearsed speech . They should not get an impression that you’ve saying what you are saying just because you need a job, or want to get your place in the study program. They should sense spontaneous joy in your voice , and see some sparkle to your eye . And that’s why I actually suggest you against preparing a word-to-word answer to this questions upfront.

You should know your “ Why? “, which can be one reason or more reasons , and you can find an inspiration on my list of sample answers. Then just keep the reason on your mind, and spontaneously talk about it, with enthusiasm, while explaining why you decided to apply for a job or study program in social work. In such a case your non-verbal communication will correspond with your words , and they will trust you…

why i choose social work essay

The more specific you are the better

Social work is a broad field . When applying for a study program in it, or when getting this question on any other occasion, I suggest you to be specific when talking about your future plans and goals. You can pick one field of social work and explain why you want to work in it.

You can take this even one step further, picking a particular community of people , or even a particular institution or place of work , explaining the impact you’d like to have in it while doing social work for a living. Specific goals are always more motivating than some general goals (such as wanting to help people), and interviewers will also find it easier to imagine you in your future role, helping a specific community, following a specific purpose, and thriving along the way…

Ready to answer this question? I hope so! Do not forget to check also answers to other tricky interview questions for social workers:

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses as a social worker?
  • Have you ever worked on a project that was a failure?
  • Tell us about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma.
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Why I Want to Be a Social Worker, Essay Sample

Essay about my passion and purpose as a social worker.

It has been a long journey for me, but I have finally accepted that I want to be a social worker. After much deep reflection and consideration, I have realized that this career path best suits my values and passions. This essay, which I have written using a custom essay writing service , will explore why I want to become a social worker, what skills and qualities make me well-suited for the profession, and how I plan to use my knowledge in the service of others. 

Why I Want to Be a Social Worker 

First and foremost, my passion for helping those in need is why I want to become a social worker. From a young age, I’ve always been passionate about helping people. I have always had an insatiable curiosity about the world and its people. As I grew older, my passion for helping others turned into a desire to pursue a career as a social worker. It perfectly combines my love for people, my compassionate nature, and my dedication to social justice. 

Whether it’s providing financial assistance or offering emotional support – it all matters. By becoming a social worker, I will be able to use my experience and education to directly help people who are struggling with various issues such as poverty or mental health problems. 

What is Social Work? 

Social work is a profession that focuses on improving the welfare of individuals and communities by providing counseling, advocacy, education, and other services. Trained professionals known as social workers provide assistance to individuals from diverse backgrounds such as children, families, immigrants, elderly persons, victims of abuse or neglect, veterans, and homeless individuals, to help them achieve their goals and live fulfilling lives. They provide support services such as case management; counseling; referrals; crisis intervention; advocacy; community outreach; and education. 

Skills Which a Social Worker Should Possess

There are many different jobs within the field of social work, but they all require knowledge of the law, psychology, and sociology. Social workers must be compassionate, caring individuals who can put themselves in another person’s shoes. They must be able to understand what it feels like not having food or shelter, or even just having someone to talk to when things get tough.

I have witnessed firsthand the struggles that some people face in their lives, including poverty, homelessness, and mental health issues. Seeing the impact of these issues on people’s lives has made me want to help in any way I can.

A Social Worker Plays a Really Crucial Role in Society

Social workers are essential parts of any community. They are always there when people need them most, and they always do what they can to ensure they get the care they need. Social workers also make sure that people have access to all kinds of services, such as mental health care or substance abuse treatment services if needed. By working in this position, you can help improve many people’s lives in your community!

Exploring My Calling to Become a Social Worker 

I want to be a social worker because I believe everyone has the potential to lead fulfilling lives regardless of their circumstances. By working with vulnerable populations – such as marginalized groups or those facing poverty or displacement – I can help empower them to make positive changes in their lives and create better futures for themselves. 

By the way, I am committed to advocating for social justice initiatives that combat racism and unequal access to resources throughout our society. Through my training as a social worker, I will be able to gain the skills necessary to advocate for these causes effectively. 

Why I am Appropriate for This Job

In addition to my passion for helping people, I want to become a social worker because of the qualities that make me an ideal candidate for the job. As someone with strong interpersonal skills and an innate ability to understand people from different backgrounds and life experiences, I believe that these traits will serve me well when it comes time to interact with clients individually. 

Conclusion                 

All in all, becoming a social worker has been one of my life-long aspirations because it allows me to combine my love for people with my commitment to advocating for social justice initiatives. With this essay, I have attempted to explain why being a social worker is essential and why this career path resonates deeply with me – my passion for helping others and the satisfaction of impacting someone’s life. If you share these values, perhaps you should consider becoming a social worker too!

Tips and Tricks on Writing an Essay About a Social Worker 

Writing an essay about a social worker is both a rewarding and challenging task. It can be difficult to capture the complexity of the social work profession in one essay, but it is definitely possible. Here are some tips to help you write a personal statement essay that accurately portrays the work of a social worker. 

Research Carefully 

Before you start writing, it’s important to do your research. Look into what social workers do on a daily basis, their roles, and their responsibilities. Understanding these aspects will ensure that your essay accurately reflects the work of a social worker. 

Organize Your Ideas 

Once you have done your research, it’s time to organize your ideas into a cohesive structure. Start by creating an outline that clearly states the main points you want to cover in your essay and also includes any relevant facts or quotes that may be useful for supporting information. This will help ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to another and allows for easy reading for your audience.  

Be Clear & Concise 

When writing about social work, there is no need for lengthy explanations or unnecessarily complicated language – stick with straightforward sentences that get the point across without being too verbose or convoluted. Be sure to edit your work carefully, too; even small spelling errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay.

Why Someone Might Want to Become a Social Worker

Social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities improve their well-being and quality of life. Social workers play a critical role in advocating for vulnerable populations and providing support and resources to those in need. Here are some of the key reasons why someone might want to become a social worker:

Note that these are just some of the reasons why someone might want to become a social worker. Social work is a challenging but deeply rewarding profession that requires a strong commitment to helping others and promoting social justice.

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why i choose social work essay

MSW Helper

How to answer “why I want to be a social worker” in your personal statement

Graphic - How to answer why I want to be a social worker in your personal statement. Image - student holding books

If you are applying to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, you likely need to write a personal statement as part of the application process. The vast majority of Schools of Social Work ask applicants to discuss what motivates them to become a social worker.

In this article, we will be discussing how to discuss your motivations for becoming a social worker in a strategic way.

What admissions committees are looking for

MSW admissions committees are looking for applicants to demonstrate a combination of the following:

·       Evidence of critical thinking and analytical abilities

·       Potential to contribute to the field in a meaningful way

Admissions committees are looking for applicants to show that they have thought through their decision to become a social worker. They want you to have a strong understanding of social work theories and ethical values, and that you have a strong mission that is guiding your decision to apply to the Master of Social Work program.

With that in mind, when it comes to answering “why I want to be a social worker” in your personal statement, it’s crucial that you answer in a manner that demonstrates your critical thinking skills and potential to contribute to the social work field.

Avoid saying you want to “help people” in your personal statement

why i choose social work essay

One of my biggest pet peeves is when MSW applicants say that they want to become a social worker “because they want to help people”.

Why? Because it’s boooooring. It doesn’t tell the reader anything interesting about you, why you’re unique, and how you’ll stand out as a social worker and contribute to the field in a meaningful way.

It doesn’t even tell the admissions committee why you want to pursue social work. If your goal is to help people, why not become a nurse, doctor, or lawyer? There are many professions that help people.

Finally, it’s something that so many people say in their personal statement, and it doesn’t stand out.

social work buzzwords checklist to help you sound like a social worker in your personal statement

Get a copy of the social work buzzword checklist

One way to stand out in your personal statement is to sprinkle in some social work lingo. Use the Buzzword Checklist to sound like a social worker in your personal statement.

How to write an impactful personal statement

When writing your personal statement it’s important to dig deeper to show admissions committee’s why you would be a great fit for the program. Here are some examples of what to say instead:

Solve a social justice problem connected to your experience

Think about your past experiences. What problems or barriers did you notice, and why did that motivate you to become a social worker?

Example: “In my past role, I noticed (a problem), so I want to become a social worker so that (I can solve that problem).”

Be specific about how you’ll contribute to the field

It’s important to be specific about who you will help as a social worker, and how.

Example: “I want to become a social worker so that I can become a therapist on the children’s mental health team at my local hospital and (work towards solving said social justice problem).”

The MSW Personal Statement Template was designed to help you dig deeper and reflect on your experiences and identify how you’ll contribute to the field in a meaningful way.

Work in a different capacity

Image - talk about how a MSW will enable you to work at a different capacity

You may also want to discuss how an MSW will allow you to work with clients in a different capacity. This is especially true if you have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), as a BSW gives you the capacity to do a lot of the same work as someone with an MSW.

Example: “I want to become a social worker so that I can not only make a difference on an individual level, but also commit to social justice at the macro level”.

If you have a BSW or you work with clients in some capacity, you’ll want to think about how an MSW will allow you to work with clients or pursue social justice in a different capacity.

Be aligned with social work values

Finally, schools of social work are looking for applicants to show their alignment with social work values.

Example: “As a clinical MSW, I’ll learn the skills I need to become a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and social-justice oriented therapist”

If you are applying to your Master of Social Work be sure to review the NASW Code of Ethics (if you are in the US.) and the CASW Code of Ethics (if you are located in Canada).

You can also get a copy of the free social work buzzword checklist to get some inspiration for showing your alignment with social work values.

Create a personal statement mission statement

Discuss your mission for pursuing a MSW

Finally, I often recommend that applicants create a mission statement, or elevator pitch, when writing their MSW Personal statement.

An elevator pitch is a short statement that tells the reader everything they need to know about your application, and serves as an anchor for your personal statement.

To create a personal statement, you’ll want to summarize your goal as a social worker, and why you’re the right person to pursue that goal in a concise manner.  

Example MSW personal statement mission statement: “Because of my (experience), I am confident that I will be an asset to the Master of Social Work Program and to the field as a whole because (of the social justice problem an MSW will allow you to solve).”

There are many ways to write a mission statement that captures the reader's attention and helps your personal statement stand out. In the MSW Personal Statement Writing Workshop , you’ll learn how to create an impactful mission statement for your personal statement.

You should include your mission statement at the beginning of your personal statement so that the reader gets an idea of what you will be talking about, and you should re-iterate it at the end of your personal statement to leave them off with a summary of why you’re unique and how you will contribute to the field.

 In conclusion, when writing your personal statement for the Master of Social Work program you must demonstrate your critical thinking skills and potential contribution to the field. When it comes to answering questions about why you want to be a social worker you can demonstrate why you would be an asset to the program by digging deeper than saying you simply want to help people, and by creating a strong mission statement to anchor your personal statement.

If you are applying to your Master of Social Work check out this 30-minute training on writing a personal statement that stands out .

why i choose social work essay

Michelle Bruxer is the Founder & CEO of MSW Helper, and a Registered Social Worker in Ontario.

MSW Helper is a resource hub designed to help future social workers get accepted to their dream MSW programs. Through our personal statement editing services and free resources, we’re here to help you write your MSW personal statement with confidence.

MSW Helper is the ONLY grad school application service designed specifically for students who are applying to social work programs. Learn more about MSW Helper here.

How to write your social work personal statement

Applying to master of social work programs in canada.

NASW, National Association of Social Workers

Why Choose the Social Work Profession?

Social work is the helping profession.

mid-career social workers speaks with client

The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. If you’re looking for a career with meaning, action, diversity, satisfaction, and a variety of options, consider social work.

Social work is different from other professions, because we focus both on the person and their environment. Social workers deal with the external factors that impact a person's situation and outlook. And we create opportunities for assessment and intervention, to help clients and communities cope effectively with their reality and change that reality when necessary. Social workers help clients deal not only with how they feel about a situation but also with what they can do about it.

In thousands of ways, social workers help people of every age and background, all across the country. The most well-known aspect of the social work profession is providing direct services or therapy directly to clients. We help guide people to critical resources and counsel them on life-changing decisions. We also advocate for change to improve social conditions and strengthen the social net.

There are more than 600,000 professional social workers in the United States, and we all either have a BSW, MSW or a DSW/PhD in Social Work. There are more clinically trained social workers than clinically trained psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses combined.

What Do Social Workers Do?

Social workers help relieve people's suffering, fight for social justice, and improve lives and communities. Most people think of social workers when they think of poverty alleviation and child welfare. Many social workers do that kind of work — and we do much more.

Some of society's most notable helpers were social workers. Jane Addams is the founder of our profession. Frances Perkins was President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Secretary of Labor, and Dorothy Height and Whitney Young were both civil rights legends. All of these people were social workers. They made great contributions to our society during some of our most troubling times. These pioneers laid the path for social workers of today. They set a great example for our commitment to advocacy, social justice, and helping individuals, families, and communities who need us most.

We can be found in hospitals, helping people cope with acute conditions and chronic illness. We provide therapy and community health centers and help prevent students from dropping out of school. We help prisoners as they reenter communities and provide rehabilitative support in drug and alcohol centers. We provide outreach and long-term care in nursing homes and homeless shelters. We are clinical therapists to members of the military and veterans. And we are first responders during natural disasters. Social workers are executive directors of nonprofit organizations, community organizers, and professors. We are corporate leaders and members of Congress.

If you see yourself in any of these roles, you should consider joining the social work profession.

  • Learn about different types of social work
  • What are social work values?
  • What type of social worker will you be?

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Meet NASW Members

We interview NASW members in every issue of Social Work Advocates magazine.

Read stories about NASW members

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Social Work Talks Podcast

Hear from social workers in a wide variety of practice areas about topics that effect their work.

Listen to Social Work Talks podcast

Social workers - Help starts here

Help Starts Here

Helps Starts Here is your source for professional advice, inspiring stories, and a social worker directory.

Visit Helps Starts Here

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Choices: Careers in Social Work

This popular brochure describes the diversity of career options in detail and provides information about specific areas of social work.

Purchase at NASW Press

Social workers are people who care about people, who want to make things better, who want to relieve suffering, and who want their work to make a difference.

The Inside Word at the University of Auckland

Why I Chose Social Work

by Eunice Amante | Oct 5, 2017 | Education , Inside Word 2017 | 1 comment

why i choose social work essay

I am currently surrounded by what seems like a sea of assignments and surviving off of the caffeine running through my veins. It has not been an easy week to say the least.

why i choose social work essay

Daydreaming about my short visit to Wellington during the mid-sem break

There will be times where you’ll be so overwhelmed with assignments, work, life and the amount of tabs open on your screen that you’ll start to question why you’re doing what you’re doing. In these moments I’ve found that the only thing that keeps me from giving up is my dream of being a social worker.

why i choose social work essay

Buying plants is my idea of self care.

Social work is one of those career pathways that everyone ‘sort of’ knows what it is, but ‘sort of’ don’t. The common depiction of social workers is that they’re the heartless people who take children away from their parents. They’re the ones who bring the bad news. On the other extreme people may view social workers as people who work as martyrs to help save people in poverty for very little pay. The low pay is true, the other stuff not so much.

According to the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW), social work is a “profession that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.” Yes, it is broad and a little bit confusing. Essentially social workers walk alongside and advocate for people during tough times. Our job is to empower people and assist them to become autonomous.

why i choose social work essay

My BSW gals

why i choose social work essay

These two make a full day of uni bearable

Social work is a very broad profession. You can work in many different sectors such as: health, justice, community, children and family, education, and business among other things.  These areas in which social workers practice can sometimes overlap. To give you a better picture, a social worker in the health sector can work at Starship Children’s Hospital. They may be involved in walking alongside a family whose child is diagnosed with an illness. As a social worker you could help them by referring them to a support group, finding them financial assistance and making sure they have the resources to deal with the changes. Working at Starship would mean holding knowledge about the health sector as well as working with children and families. Another social worker may work within the community, advocating for better living conditions. This may lead to involvement with politics. Studying social work can lead to other career pathways such as counseling, psychology, teaching and corrections. The variety of options are endless within the social work profession.

why i choose social work essay

Passing out food during a missions trip in the Philippines (2014).

I knew I wanted to be a social worker before I even truly knew what it was. I was 12 years old. All I knew at the time was that I wanted to help people (children especially), but I didn’t know how. I originally wanted to work in the medical field as a doctor until I released you had to study cadavers (I don’t do well with blood lol). Then I volunteered at a children’s foster care event; that changed my whole world. Seven years has past and I’ve definitely learned a lot more about social work since then.

why i choose social work essay

My twelve year old self apparently also wanted to be a model lol.

why i choose social work essay

Advocating women’s rights at the Women’s March

I chose to be a social worker because I want to empower people, battle social injustice and create a positive difference. Everyone I have met taking a Bachelor’s in Social Work entered into the profession for similar reasons. I definitely didn’t go into social work for the money, if you can’t tell, social workers are really under payed. In fact, a lot of people discouraged me from pursuing social work because of the low income, but my passionate hard head didn’t care. I do, however, care that there are families unable to afford housing, children going to bed on empty stomachs and people fleeing their homes because of war and persecution.

why i choose social work essay

During my stay at the Village of Hope orphanage in Bohol, these hugs gave me life.

I want to be a social worker because everybody needs help sometimes.  I long to help people see their strengths when they can only see their weaknesses. I want to lend my ears to those who have no one else.  I yearn for people to see their potential and worth when they may have been told otherwise. I want to help provide families with necessary knowledge and resources to flourish. I desire to give marginalized people a voice. I chose social work because I am motivated by the belief that by empowering one person at a time it becomes a ripple effect into the world.

That is my ‘why.’

– Eunice

If you want to learn more about the BSW at UoA:  https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study-options/find-a-study-option/bachelor-of-social-work-bsw.html

If you want to feel inspired:  http://confessionsofabanshee.com/what-it-really-means-to-be-a-social-worker/

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Hey Eunice, your desire to help others is a strong inspiration to some of us. I have always desired to have some sort of fulfillment in my line of work, but that has alluded me until Recently when i stumbled on an article which really changed my outlook on life. I have taken the necessary steps to set a career path in the social work field. though am 32 years, i still believe it is better late than never. Continue the good work you are doing. I guess some of us are solidly taken the educational steps to join the team of social workers out there.

God bless you.

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SocialWorker.com

Why I Want To Be a Social Worker

Franklin cloud

Franklin cloud

By D'atra Franklin

     Last night I cried for what seemed like forever. I cried for all the times I was misunderstood. For the times I was left alone. For all the times I was hurt. I cried because I was so different from my friends.  Being different made me feel alone, and maybe if I could be more like them, I could be happy.  But how could I make myself like everybody else and still be true to me? It was so confusing.  Why wouldn’t my tears cease to fall from my bloodshot eyes?

     From the time I was seven and I lost my mother, I felt different. I felt like my being on this earth was for a reason and that I was destined to do something great with my life. I did not fit in with my family.  I spoke different, and I thought different.  I had goals that no one could fathom. How stupid that a child would dream of saving the world, a world that she had not yet even experienced.  But that would all change on my 14 th birthday.

     I was abused emotionally, mentally, and physically at the hands of people who were supposed to guide me in the right direction, love me unconditionally, and help me to reach my goals, encourage, and never neglect me. Instead, I was emotionally abandoned. My childhood was taken from me. I was made to clean, cook, and take care of my infant sister and brother. I wasn’t a child learning to live; I was a slave with no worth in my own home. I had to leave, and I thought that any place on earth was better than living with my father and stepmother. Whether it was homeless or in a shelter, I knew I deserved to be treated better.

     When I was fourteen, I ran away from home. I didn’t have anywhere to go, and I didn’t know what I was going to do, but one last strike of my stepmother's hand drove me into the streets of West Palm Beach, and the streets were no place for a fourteen-year-old girl.  But I didn’t care, and I fled that hellhole so the voice inside of me, crying out for something better, wouldn’t die.

     I lived with extended family members and a few friends until I found a shelter that would take me in. I lived in that shelter on and off for three years. It was home. I felt loved there. I made friends, and I even got a job. However, school was suffering, and I had to start anew and focus on school. When I was seventeen, I went into a more stable group home environment and lived there until I was eighteen. I was so happy there I actually got to celebrate Christmas, something other kids took for granted, but to me it was new and amazing. I was finally in a stable living environment.

     And here I am now, at a job that I love in the social work field, where I’ve been asked many times; “Why do you want to be a social worker?” The answer is quite simple. I want to be a social worker because I have a passion and need to help people.   My passion stems from years of abuse and neglect.  My need comes from knowing that changing the world starts with helping one person and being able to empathize with them. I have been in their shoes. I want to be a social worker because it feels right. I enjoy seeing the smiles on kids' faces when they get to see their parents or family members who they haven’t seen in weeks, months, and even years.Those smiles are what make my pain and sad experiences tolerable.

     I can say that being a social worker was never in my plans. I wanted to be a high school history teacher, and I thought I could change the world by sparking the love of learning in children, making history come alive.  But then I took a job in the social work field, and I instantly knew that this is what I was meant to do. This is what makes me different. All over the world, there is and will always be abuse. That’s the reality of it, but here I am working toward changing a child’s reality one day at a time, changing my knowledge one class at a time, and changing my life one step at a time. It all starts with me, and while I may not be able to save the entire world, I saved myself and by saving myself, I will be able to save others.

D'atra Franklin's mother died when she was a young child, requiring her to take care of herself from an early age. She moved from relative to relative and friend to friend, which forced her to become self-sufficient to survive and eventually go into foster care as a teen. She aged out of care and became independent. She then enrolled in college, graduated with her associate's degree, and went on to Florida Atlantic University to earn her bachelor's degree. She loves to write, read, and dance.

All material published on this website Copyright 1994-2023 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. Please contact the publisher for permission to reproduce or reprint any materials on this site. Opinions expressed on this site are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Keuka College

Why I Became a Social Worker: 8 Inspiring Social Worker Stories

Why I Became a Social Worker: 8 Inspiring Social Worker Stories

March is a month when many in the social work profession take time to reflect, recalling the stories and experiences and reflecting on “why I became a social worker.”

As community-focused professionals who may spend their days connecting with children who are struggling in school or coming alongside older adults as they transition into late-in-life care, social workers deserve to have such moments of reflection and celebration throughout the year.

But in March, we get to especially thank and honor them, because March is National Social Work Month, and additionally, March 15th is World Social Work Day.

Whether you are a veteran member of the profession or considering becoming a social worker, both of these special occasions present the opportunity to reflect on social work and its impact on the world. At the individual, family, community, and national levels, social workers have been making a positive impact in society.

At Keuka College, we would like to take this month to remember social workers of the past and celebrate the social workers of the present. We invite those who are interested in becoming social workers to read on and find inspiration, motivation, and next steps toward their career in this important field.

How Five Social Workers in History Have Changed the World

The Difference Social Workers Make: How Five Social Workers in History Have Changed the World

American history is full of stories of people who saw injustice in their communities and decided to do something about it. In doing so, they became the first known social workers in the United States. While there are many names that deserve to be remembered and honored for their contributions to their communities, the five described here represent some of the most prominent early Americans who took to social work to become change agents in their societies.

Jane Addams (1860–1935)

In the early 1900s, Jane Addams set out to make a difference in the lives of poor immigrants in Chicago. Addams founded Hull House, the first American settlement house with her friend Ellen Gates Starr. An advocate for the impoverished, women’s suffrage, and labor reform, Addams was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Due to her remarkable achievements on behalf of communities in need, Addams became known as “The Mother of Social Work.”

Ida B. Wells (1862–1931)

Born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Ida B. Wells dedicated her life to social justice. As the first person to document the lynching of African Americans, Wells took to writing to advocate for social change. Wells helped to found the Alpha Suffrage League, The Negro Fellowship League, and the NAACP. A few more examples of her many achievements include opening settlement houses for African Americans migrating from the South to the North and advocating for women’s rights. Wells also worked with Jane Addams to oppose segregated schools in Chicago.

Frances Perkins (1880–1965)

Frances Perkins was inspired to work on behalf of her community when she witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in 1911. Just under 150 workers, including children, died in the fire because they were unable to escape due to locked doors. Perkins set out to lobby for industrial reform, which would ultimately lead to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt appointing Perkins as Secretary of Labor. In that position, Perkins was instrumental in changing the workweek for women from 58 hours to 48, advocating for a minimum wage law, and drafting several acts including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Social Security Act.

Harry L. Hopkins (1890–1946)

Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Harry L. Hopkins began his social work career by the age of 22. Named Executive Secretary of the Board of Child Welfare in 1914, Hopkins would go on to lead the Gulf Division of the American Red Cross and Department of Civilian Relief’s Red Cross mission to aid Mexico. Hopkins drew the attention of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt when he founded a Red Cross relief program during the Depression. Roosevelt established Hopkins as director of the Federal Emergency Relief Agency and appointed him to the President's Draught Committee, the National Resources Planning Board, and the National Emergency Council. Hopkins also served as Secretary of Commerce for Roosevelt.

Alfred Neumann (1910–2002)

Born in Austria and forced to flee Nazi-occupied Vienna, Alfred Neumann came to the United States and received his master’s degree in social work in 1941. Building on his experience of aiding Jewish families as they fled to Austria, Neumann’s American work took the form of working in Jewish family and children's services agencies. Neumann consulted for the Office of Economic Opportunity and Head Start. He served as the executive director of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Colorado for 28 years.

A Day in the Life of a Modern Social Worker

A Day in the Life of a Modern Social Worker

If you are thinking about becoming a certified social worker, you may be considering several potential roles. For example, you may be interested in working with children and families. Perhaps you have a passion for rehabilitation services provided to people struggling with addiction or substance abuse. Or maybe you want to embark on a career of service to veterans, the elderly, or people with disabilities. Whatever your specific interest is within the social work sector, learning about the day-to-day schedules of social workers can help you understand what current professionals in the field find most rewarding about their jobs and what it may be like to set foot on a social work career path.

Like the historical figures discussed earlier, these modern-day community workers personify the seven core principles of social work : service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Their examples demonstrate what social workers are passionate about and what motivates them to do the often difficult but deeply rewarding work that they do.

The Road to Rebuilding: A Mass Casualty Mental Health Social Worker

Mental health social worker John Weaver grew up with a keen awareness of mental illness due to his father’s own struggles. As someone who was passionate about combating stigma both around social workers and mental illness, Weaver told The Guardian that he set out to “advocate and educate around those issues and try to change some of the public perceptions.” Weaver specifically works with mass casualty situations. His days may look like meeting with the grieving widow of a plane crash victim or supporting children whose parents have died.

“I think some of the best social work I’ve done has been in the aftermath of some of those horrible plane crashes,” says Weaver. “Just to support families and friends of folk who were lost in those kinds of events, and help them get started on the road to rebuilding their lives.”

Commitment to the Role: A Suicide Hotline Social Worker

When Cassie Mills Flagler , a graduate of the Keuka College Bachelor of Social Work degree program, began her field practicum, it turned out that she was beginning the next phase of her career as well. At Contact Hotline & TeleCare at Contact Community Services in East Syracuse, New York, Flagler spent her practicum building relationships with hundreds of people through telephone conversations. She stayed calm, shared resources, and provided support to callers who were in a suicidal crisis.

Her excellent work not only served hundreds of people—thousands if you include the families and friends those people have—it led to Flagler being named Contact Community Services’ 2020 Hotline Scholar.

“Cassie immediately rose to the top of our list of candidates,” said Contact Program Manager Kristine Knutson. “This recognition is given annually to a hotline volunteer or intern currently in school. Cassie was recognized for her positive attitude, commitment to the role, and strong telephone counseling skills. In fact, we loved her so much that we hired her after her internship ended.” 

Now a graduate of Keuka College, Flagler works at Contact full time as a training and data manager.

Providing a Small Space: A School Social Worker

Providing a Small Space: A School Social Worker

Ericka Santiago-Diaz , a school social worker at College Achieve Greater Asbury Park Charter School in New Jersey, knows that the key to student success is empowering them both in and out of school hours. That is why she delivers school supplies, technology equipment, food, and donated clothing to students at their homes. Santiago-Diaz conducts in-person home visits on a daily basis, ensuring that families and students have what they need.

At school, Santiago-Diaz works hard to ensure that students know her office is a safe place to come, process their feelings, share their struggles, and even “break down.”

Santiago-Diaz checks on students who are enrolled in school virtually by occasionally attending virtual class sessions and then sending private Google Meet link to students who seem like they could use some extra support. That way, she can meet with them individually, provide counseling and resources, and help them get on with their day in a more productive and supported way. Santiago-Diaz has office hours where students can come—either physically or virtually—and take a break from their day.

“I provide them that small space for them to just decompress if they need to,” Santiago-Diaz told The Hechinger Report. The same goes for the parents, Santiago-Diaz says. “They know I’m here for them.”

Write Your Own “Why I Became a Social Worker” Story with an Online Master of Social Work from Keuka College

If you find yourself saying “I want to become a social worker” after reading these inspiring accounts, the Online Master of Social Work (MSW) at Keuka College could be the ideal program for you.

Our clinically-focused MSW will prepare you to become a licensed clinical social worker with a fulfilling career and the skills necessary to meet critical needs in society. The curriculum is delivered through online courses providing the knowledge you need to become a social worker. Classes cover topics such as working with diverse groups, assessment, and treatment of trauma, professional ethics and examining social systems.

The Keuka online MSW features dedicated field placement services so that you will be supported in finding a local, hands-on setting to complete your practicum.

Our program offers two tracks: an advanced track for those with a BSW and a traditional track for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field.

If you already have a BSW degree, then you can complete your MSW degree program in less than two years, comprising 33 credit hours and 55 field placement hours.

If you earned a bachelor’s degree in another field, our traditional track is the best fit for you. Allowing students to continue working and study part-time, takes only three years from start to finish and includes 60 credit hours and 900 field placement hours.

Are you ready to find out if Keuka’s Online MSW is a fit for you? Download your digital guide.

Learn more about Keuka College’s online MSW program

Melissa Kilmartin - Enrollment advisor

Schedule an appointment with one of our dedicated admissions advisors today to get more information about:

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Why Should You Pursue an MSW Degree?

why i choose social work essay

By Joseli A., BUSSW Student Ambassador

Choosing to pursue a master’s degree program is a big decision to make no matter what your professional life goals are. Your mind races with questions like:

What do I want my future to look like? 

What degree would make the most sense for me? 

How much of an impact would this degree have on my career path? 

When I was in the process of selecting a master’s program, I knew that I wanted to find a program that would allow me to work in a broad array of fields, and also give me the practical skills I would need to make a positive change in the lives of others. There is no question that other paths could have satisfied what I was looking for, but a Master of Social Work (MSW) stood out to me because it is a versatile and well-respected degree. I knew that social work’s core values in social justice would take me on a journey of discovery about both myself and society as a whole.

The social work field connects MSW graduates to employment opportunities in every population and with all systems, from small non-profits to government agencies or schools. For these reasons, I quickly refined my search to social work because I knew that an MSW would strengthen my skills and employability. 

Here are a few more reasons why I chose to pursue an MSW:

Social work is everywhere

Many studies have shown that social work is a growing field, which makes sense because it is everywhere. Social workers can be found in politics, corporations, healthcare, education, law enforcement—you name it. Social workers are also a vital asset to all work environments because we are able to bring compassion, critical thinking, strong communication, and a strength-based perspective to the workplace. We are trained to advocate for change and to improve others’ lives, whether at the macro or micro level. 

Creating positive change for a living

I personally chose an MSW because I wanted to combine my background in anthropology and psychology in a useful and practical way. I also wanted the opportunity to have variety within my job—I have never enjoyed monotony. I am passionate about confronting barriers, loopholes, oppressors, and systems. Social work provides me with a platform where I can directly address these issues and be employed to do so. 

Never-ending growth

I know some people argue that the profession is not financially fruitful, but I think that’s because they are not aware of the opportunities within the field. Given the wide range of professional options that social work provides, there is a lot of space for financial and professional growth. Seeking out licensure, professional organizations, and continuing education courses are all ways that you can keep growing in your career even after graduation. With an abundance of skills and opportunities, many social workers are able to build successful careers that they enjoy both financially and professionally. 

At the end of the day, the decision about what masters program to pursue comes down to what makes the most sense for you. As you think about which program best suits you, just remember that an MSW is a versatile degree that opens many doors to a successful and impactful future.

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Why did you choose social work.

Ask a social worker for the reason they chose the social work profession and the standard answer is “I want to help people.”  I think this is the expected answer.  This is what the person asking wants to hear because it validates their impression of social workers and social work.  Social workers are soft, bleeding hearts, want to save the world types.  Their impression is read on their faces and in their tone as they respond, “Oh, well, that must be very rewarding.”  Then the subject changes.

None of us would dare say we went into social work to make money.  That statement would probably send listeners into a fit of hysterical, belly laughter.  As a matter of fact, we would probably start laughing before finishing the sentence.  No one, however, would laugh if a doctor or lawyer made that statement.

I think that many of us chose social work because of the good feeling that we get when we help someone.  There are other reasons, as well, based on our skills, abilities and interests.  Some chose the profession because of strong problem solving abilities.  Others chose the profession because of exceptional analytical skills.  Still others chose social work because of their proficiencies in verbal and written communication.

Do our skills have a positive influence on others?  Yes!  Does our collective ability create a powerful force in the community around us?  Absolutely!

What would happen if our response to the question was answered more definitively?  We would educate the public regarding the skillset, the complexity and the extensive nature of the work and of the social work profession.  We could also transform opinions regarding the assets contained within the profession.  Here are a few examples of answers to the big question.  Statements directly related to our skillset need to be a part of our daily conversations.

I chose social work because:

I enjoy coordinating multiple systems

I get to use my planning, managing and organizing skills

Problem-solving is my thing and I get to do a lot of that as a social worker

I can develop programs based on new technology and research

I can use my creativity in many areas within the social work profession

I want to make lots of money. (Especially true for social workers who are entrepreneurial minded)  

Why did you choose social work?  I would love to hear from you, post your answers on Twitter @Marcyline #LCSW15 , on our Facebook fan page REAL Social Workers Online Magazine or join the “Social” Social Workers Project .

8 thoughts on “ Why Did You Choose Social Work? ”

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I really feel like I was BORN to be a social worker! I love helping people organize their lives:)

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In Denmark an education as a ‘social advicer’ gives you the opportunity to work in many dirrerent fields – in public service, hospitals, drug treatment, prisons, private organisations. The many possibilities were very important to me. I like that every day is different and that unexpected things happen. I’m strong in communication both face to face and written. And of course I like people – everybody has got an interesting story to tell!

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My chief reason for choosing the field of social work was to give back; to assist a young person feel valued, to use my gift of words to have the silence filled with wonder and with joy. I wanted to empower,to challenge the broken in spirit to soar past their adversity.

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I chose Social Work as a profession because I want to help to bridge the gap of broken families together. Also to teach and help to build healthy parenting and family relationships.

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I chose social work because I`m a disabled person working with disabled people and one of the socoal workers role is to change the way we solve problems and if I don`t do it then who will ?

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I didn’t choose social work initially, it chose me. I went into my first job in social care over 25 years ago not really knowing what I was doing or about to experience. After about a week I realised that this was what I was meant to do all along. I have progressed in my career, gone into management and got qualified, but I still recognise that working with and for the people I work with and helping them realise their true potential is what keeps me engaged with my work.

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I did not choose Social Work. It chosed me by virtue of all the Social related things I was engaged in. But my overriding goal is to give a voice to those who otherwise will not be heard ie. Children seniors refugees etc

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I became a social worker because of my mother and a social worker who helped me when I was very young. I have found great enjoyment in working as a medical social worker. It was a great mix of social work, helping people and medical knowledge.

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Why I Want To Be A Social Work Essay

I am applying for a place to study social work because I have always wanted to be able to make a difference to people's lives. With social work I believe I can do this in a caring and supportive way. Many of my life experiences have led me to who I am today. The first thing I remember that caught my attention was how my cousin would always stay with my family. He would be spent weeks with at my house without contract with his parents. When his mom would pick him up you could tell she was on something or just came off the “high” from whatever drug she was taking at that point. My parents, especially my dad who has grown up around that type of situation, did not want to give him back each time. His father would beat his mother in front of him, which …show more content…

I want to strive to be a better person, so I could make a change in a young person’s life and know when I go home on a night, that I made a difference and that's why I want to pursue my career as a social worker. When I realized that I wanted to be a social worker, I was in my junior year of high school. I knew I wanted to help people, children especially, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to go into. I thought I wanted to be in Neonatology or another profession like it. When I first witnessed a social worker, I was getting a treatment in the hospital and saw a social worker working with a family who child had a broken pelvis. This child kept crying even after they nurses gave them medicine for pain. The nurses were concerned about the child always crying and called the social worker to come talk to the parents about the situations. I have tested my interest at Gateway Children’s Advocacy Center under Diane Rodgers. I loved volunteering at Gateway, it’s showing me the bad and the good side of social work . Gateway also helped point me in the direction of where I want to go in the social work

Multidimensional Biopsychosocial Assessment

It is the on-going social worker’s responsibility to provide professional child welfare social work services, through home visits, to the family. This is done by assessing the family’s strengths and needs, developing

Personal Narrative: My Haitian-American Family

I have struggled to keep my school work a priority as I need to balance it with my part-time work and with the things I like to do to keep my life as normal as possible (like cheerleading and spending time with my friends). I am very honored and thankful to be the first the person in my family to attend college fall of 2016. As I strive to end my senior year positive, I always remember to tell my younger siblings to try as hard as they can in school, because “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I’ve decided that I would like to get my degree in social work, specifically working with children. Growing I’ve been around kids that are unhappy with thier home, but couldn’t do anything about it.

Social Work Self Analysis

In this paper, I will assess my identity and my personal history and how it relates to social work professions. I first address my personal history and cultural background, where I came from, as well as my experience in working in the community. I then talk about my overall strengths, both in personal and professional lives. My strengths are listening skills, open-mindedness, respect for diversity and eagerness to learn and improve my weaknesses. Afterward, I discuss my weaknesses, such as nonassertive communication skill and low self-esteem problems, and how I plan to address these issues.

The NASW Code Of Ethics In The Field Of Social Work

“A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds” (“Child Abuse Statistics”). Social workers help the children who are abused get out of their unsafe homes and getting them proper education and care. As one prepares for a future in the field of social work, one must consider the job description, educational requirements, the NASW Code of Ethics, the duties and responsibilities, the type of social work, the work environment, and the wages and benefits. There are many different types of social workers, but they all have one thing in common: helping people. Social workers help with people's problems ranging from mentally, emotionally, physically, or even just helping with their daily lives.

Human Service Interview

After this assignment I have learned that Department of Social Services provides a lot of different services to those in need. Just from hearing and reading stories those who work in the field of Social Services aren’t always given a good rep, especially those who work in Child Protective Services. From doing this interview I was pleasantly surprised as to how much work Social Workers do to provide children with a safe and stable environment. There is a lot that goes into what they do every day. I have always known I want to work with children.

Social Work Personal Statement Examples

I am confident that the skills that I will gain from completing a social work master’s degree will help me collaborate with people in need and aid sustainable growth in their lives. My first introduction to social work as a profession came while living on a small

Social Worker Personal Statement

The quality MSW program offered at Our Lady of the Lake will enable me to conduct research into, and increase my understanding of the diversity this program entails. I know that my adaptive personality will help me to form lasting connections to further build my professional goals. I believe that I my passion, drive, having an open mind and willingness to learn will grant me success as a Social Worker. I am determined to do all that I can to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work and commit myself to improving the social and personal experiences of family’s, geriatrics, and children. After receiving my degree, I want to find a career in Child Welfare, while also servicing the geriatric

Examples Of Career Goals In Social Work

The Profession of Social Work as a Career Goal Graduating from high school, I have always had a passion working with kids. I never put into thought exactly what I wanted to do with kids, all I knew was that I wanted to work with kids. At first, my career choice was to become a midwife. There were several complications down the road, in which I could no longer pursue that career choice.

Personal Narrative: My Role As A Social Worker

Social work is a profession that dedicates its efforts to ensure the well-being of individuals and the well-being of the society as a whole. The primary mission of social workers is to meet the fundamental needs of every person, especially the ones with special needs such as those who are oppressed, vulnerable and the people living in poverty. As a social worker, I intend to use these core values such as service, integrity, and dignity as guidelines to my work to make a difference in the lives of as many needy people as I can. My main goal will be to offer services to needy people to help them solve and overcome social problems that they encounter each day in their lives.

Social Work Philosophy Statement

I’ve been asked many times; “Why do you want to be a social worker?” The answer to that is quite simple. I want to be a social worker because of the happiness helping others brings me. I thought I could change the world by influencing future generations through

Letter Of Intent For Social Work Research Paper

Letter of Intent What is your understanding of the social work profession? My understanding of the social work profession is that it’s a career path that concerns itself with the welfare of people from all backgrounds. Individuals in this career field have the wherewithal to handle with the continuously changing demographic in which they serve.

Essay On Social Work

Childhood should be be filled with memories of happy times, love and warmth. Sadly not every child is blessed with a stable home life and parents who care about the overall well-being of them. Child welfare social work is a field of social work that makes sure the child’s needs are met. Being a social worker you work with children and families in need. It’s a hands-on job combined with a necessity of being able to handle a heavy workload.

Social Work Self Reflection

Over the semester I have learned many new aspects of social work that have helped deepen my understanding of what social work is really about. This course has taught me things that will help me become a better person and will also help me with my future working with children. Self reflection is a key skill to have when working in social work. We need to understand how we are, and our social location, influence everything we do with social work. My beliefs and values would be beneficial for being a social worker because I have a caring no judgment, personality that allows me to be a neutral and to listen to people.

Essay On Social Work Experience

I feel that my education at the University of North Texas has prepared me for a career in social work because it gave me opportunities to branch out of my comfort zone and become familiar with multiple populations of people. Before entering the BSW Program at UNT I was set on working with the geriatric population. I had worked with geriatrics before and was very comfortable with them, forming connections was easy, and I felt this was the population I was meant to be working with. Once I was accepted into the program though I learned that just because I had experience and was comfortable working with this specific population, it didn’t mean I had to continue working with them. My professors provided us with many opportunities to learn about and become familiar with many different populations.

Essay On Values In Life

Values are principles that people hold important to them in life. As I gotten older my values have changed based on my experience, knowledge, and goals. Since I am in college and the field of social work forced me to open my eyes to different things and ideas I would 've never thought of. Five values that are important to me while I am on this journey of becoming a social worker is my education, positive energy, not judging people based on their past, a reflect and meditate on my life, and be a generous to other.

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Social work scholarship essay examples

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In April 2016, I won a full scholarship from the National Council of Social Services (Singapore) to read Social Work in the University of Nottingham.

why i choose social work essay

I thought I would take the chance to share the examples from my scholarship essay that helped me to get into the interview. I hope students reading this will have a clearer guide on how to write their own scholarship essays.

Whilst the scholarship essays from Singapore might differ to other countries, I provide principles here to guide your writing. Throughout this article, I will also include examples from my own personal scholarship essay application. Through this, I hope you gain better ideas on how to use them for yourself.

Writing a scholarship essay can seem unnerving. For one, they ask many why questions. They also seem to expect you to know what you are going to do with your life in 5 years’ time. You might not even know what you are going to do with your life tomorrow!  

1. Include stories 

A public speaking coach once told me, ‘Facts tell, stories sell.’ Humans are story-telling creature. Without stories, our lives would be less rich. But more importantly, without stories, we make less of an impact on the panel of assessors reading through our applications. 

When you tell your story, try to keep it to one. Unless it’s a full essay, including only one will help you to go in-depth into the story. 

Focus on the things  you  did that might relate to social work. What impact did it make? 

why i choose social work essay

Write about what others might have said of your contributions. 

2. Ask someone else to read through your essay. 

Example 1: about yourself.

During Sunday afternoons, I volunteer my time with the intellectually disabled, and see them as no more different from any of us. One of my most impactful moments came when I was teaching one of the trainees how to write in block letters. We are trying out the alphabet “A”. After the umpteenth time, he looks at me, bites his lip, and exclaims, “I don’t know how to write this!”  Although he is bilingual and looks like you and me, such a simple alphabet has spawned so much difficulty. They may be obsessive, compulsive and impulsive, but their flaws are no less than our own, and their flaws do not change the fact that they are still fundamentally human and deserve respect and dignity. In my search for a future career,  I wanted one that would be able to help me to make a positive impact in the lives of others.  (LINK TO SOCIAL WORK)  Whilst social work may often be seen as lowly paid, and the fruits of our labor often taking a much longer time to ripen, I believe that the process is what is to be cherished, rather than the end product itself.

We are all prone to our own biases. That is why sharing your essay with someone else is good. I shared my own essay with a social worker, who led me to see certain stereotypes I may have unknowingly conveyed through my essay. 

Encourage someone to read your essay and tell you the good, and bad about it.

2. Use every experience you have had. 

Some people think that direct social work or social care experience might be more useful. But for many younger students who might be applying for an undergraduate scholarship, you might not have this experience. It’s good to draw a link between your summer jobs and your future ambition of becoming a social worker. 

For example, even though I didn’t have any social care experience, I used my experience in the army to illustrate how we shouldn’t hold stereotypes towards the disadvantaged. Social work was my way of reaching out to them. 

Hopefully, the following social work scholarship essay examples, drawn from my own application, help.

Example 2: Current work experience

One of my fondest memories of National Service came in the cookhouse as I was speaking to one of the more notorious men. Big and bulky, it is not easy to order him around, especially when we know his connections outside. And especially when we have heard about how an imprint of his fist is still on a locker somewhere, landed in frustration after he was charged and sent to the detention barracks. But as he sits alone in the cookhouse, I feel compelled to speak to him, knowing that his past is no reason to isolate him or to treat him differently. As I awkwardly place my plate in front of him, he looks up, eyeing me suspiciously. I break into a smile and try to make small conversation. Unprompted, he shares about his experiences inside jail, and it is clear that he has not had it easy inside.  But as I hear about his plans to begin work as a car salesman before eventually setting up a  zi char  store, whipping up dishes people love, I greatly admire the hope he holds deep within. His face is lit with optimism of a better future, and his scowl has disappeared. Army has indeed exposed me to a myriad of different characters and has taught me that far beyond the shelter of my privileged environment, lie many people who have not had the chance to enjoy life as fortunately as I have.  Social work gives me that chance to touch these lives.  (LINK TO SOCIAL WORK)  

why i choose social work essay

4. Be clear about who you are. 

Applying for a scholarship can be a gruelling process. Application essays and interviews will ask you multiple questions about what your motivations are ( why social work?) , what you are interested in, what you are good at, what you can add, and where you want to be. You don’t have to know the answers to all these. But you need to show that you have at least thought about some of these questions. 

If you have not, I would deeply recommend Richard Bolles’  What Color Is Your Parachute.  This is a book that leads you on 7 separate exercises that help you elucidate more about who you. Try it. It is worth the effort. 

social work scholarship essay examples

5. Be linguistically and grammatically accurate. 

Scholarship panels dislike reading grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. This will be the first sign that you might not have spent as much time as you should on an application. There is no second first impression. Your first impression counts. Before you submit that application, take the time to run through the spell check multiple times. To be safe, I would recommend 3 times!

social work scholarship essay examples

6. Print it and read it out loud to yourself. 

It is powerful to read what you have read, out loud to yourself. For one, the spelling and grammar mistakes will jump out at you. It also allows you to see if you are cogent.

Do your arguments flow well?

Do your points make sense? 

Recommended by Cal Newport’s book How To Be A Straight-A student, I have found it invaluable in editing better.

I hope that these social work scholarship essay examples help make writing easier. Don’t forget, you are not defined by the outcome of this application. Even if you do not make it, that does not necessarily mean that you should not be a social worker. If you make it, check out my post on interview tips.

Getting a social work scholarship is hard. With the examples above, and the tips for getting a social work scholarship here, I hope you get yours. The world needs more social workers like you.

why i choose social work essay

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Why I Choose Social Work Essay

why i choose social work essay

Show More Why I choose social work: Growing up I have always had a passion for helping others, although it was never clear what my career field would be. I debated on many different career opportunities from becoming a nurse, working in human resources, and everything in between. Unclear of my future career path, after high school, I began college at the University of South Carolina Sumter majoring in Early Childhood Education. Never fully devoted to becoming a teacher, I shortly ended my college career, giving myself time to discover who it was I wanted to become. It was not until I turned 21, that I realized I was destined to become a social worker. Finally reaching a decision, I credit my selection of becoming a social worker on past experiences. …show more content… Service to humanity is one of the main values in social work that I possess, in which all other values stem from, because social work is about serving others, and putting the needs of clients ahead of your own. I have a passion for helping and serving others, and is something that I have always enjoyed doing, I receive gratification by seeing that I have made someone’s …show more content… I understand and value all human life, regardless of their background or beliefs. As a future social worker, I should treat each person, client, in a caring and respectful fashion, while being mindful of individual differences, and cultural and ethnic diversity. Unfortunately, this value is also a struggle for me, in the sense that I do not consider myself cultural competent and would like to work on and improve in the future. In becoming cultural competent, I will need to work with various different populations, and as of now, I have limited

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Why I Chose Social Work Essay

Social Service Worker Program: I believe studying social work will benefit me to become a better person mentally and physically because I enjoy helping people through difficult times and supporting them. I find I’m good at talking through problems and solving what the issue is. I would like to help individuals and family issue to pull communities together to bring a healthier lifestyle for everyone in need, promote social justice, and foster human global well-being.

I feel that Social Service Work would be the right step because I love group work and finding solutions for difficult states in each individual’s lives I want to make a difference in this work. My purpose in life is to help people and find the broken pieces to puzzle them back together. I’ve been through a lot and have experienced difficult times financially and mentally. I have seen families struggle in different ways and would just like to help them find solutions and opportunity to become a healthy family again. My family struggled with mental issues or just a lot of fighting in the family that breaks them apart.

I’ve seen and experienced a lot within a broken family. My parents used to fight a lot when I was younger and knew it wasn’t healthy so they divorced and went their separate ways. I truly believe if I take this Social Work Program that it will help me understand more the issues in the family and later in the future to help other families that struggle as well. My mom has schizophrenia and my dad struggles with depression I think Social Work will help me understand more about this and how to help other people effectively with these disorders.

I’ve also want to help people with addiction in smoking, alcohol and other substance abuse of each individual as my family had some addiction they l’ve saw with alcohol and smoking from depression. I think it will benefit me and others to become a better version of themselves and find an opportunity to become a better person of their selves and maybe later of their journey they can start sharing their experience and helping other with these sorts of abuse and give this community a healthier start in life because it’s never too late to get help.

I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety and an eating disorder so I know that glance of what mental disorders can do to people. I know how difficult it is to overcome the hardships of these disorders. That’s why I want to help people find hope within themselves to overcome every hard obstacles in their lives especially teenagers that have a hard time finding themselves and develop these awful disorders. I used to think there wasn’t any hope for me and I was worthless, but now found hope when I went to foster care. Yes, I found it difficult at first I missed my parents like crazy, but I knew it was for my own good.

I thought they were coming after me and my parents that everyone hated me and kind of made my depression even worse. As I experienced being in foster for 3 almost 4 years that it was only for my best interests to help these disorders sol don’t feel worthless. I still have anxiety but now as bad when I didn’t even come out of my house. I’ve seen the worse and good in foster care. I had foster siblings that had a hard time coping with their issues that made everyone around them also upset, I’ve seen behaviour problems in children that was hard for everyone.

This is truly why I want to study Social Service Work to solve issues within the family and to give children an opportunity to get them on the right track in life. Giving them support throughout their lives so families don’t feel alone in their process of healing. I tried to give my support to my foster siblings when they went through hard times so they wouldn’t self-harm and so they wouldn’t feel so alone. I know how hard it is when you miss your family or when you feel that nobody loves you at all.

I experienced a good foster home they nourished and cared for me for my own good so I can become a successful leader and that’s what I want to become is a leader for helping people heal through their hard times in life to fix the broken puzzle within the family and give them opportunities. I personally think I would be good at Social Service Work because I lived a lot through experience such as foster care, difficulty with disorders and my family who also struggled metal issues as well. I’ve always been the helping kind of person to never give up on each person that is going through a hard time.

Even when I was younger I was such a caring girl always asking what’s wrong and talking through people’s problems at such a young age. I always just wanted a loving family that never got into fights and never broke apart. I always tried bringing the family together. I’m really good at group work and love to share the same interests of each individual. I believe I would make a lot of friends and strive to make this community a better place in society. I think it would help me overcome some of my social fears towards others so I can help people strive for their own goals in life.

I know I haven’t experienced a whole lot in life to teach people life skills, but I’ve learned a lot in 17 years in my life and went through a lot in life to know whether what is good and bad. It’s not that I want through a lot l’ve seen a lot of hardships of other individual and would like to help them in the right path. I would like to work with children, adolescents and older to find solutions on how they want to live healthy and work with families who do struggle and give them opportunity for a loving and caring home.

I have experienced a well-nourished how that helped my disorder effectively and would like to give the same opportunity for other people. I want to give people as many advantages to live a healthy well-nourished and loving life so they can help other people or share the experience they had and that could help others with their issues within themselves or within the family. Thave been looking at becoming a Health Psychologist to continue my education and become more advanced about these disorders to help others with their own issues and families who also struggle as well.

After I take this course that’s why! hink it will give me a great opportunity to do this program and would give me great techniques on what I want to become in the future. Then to become a life coach for foster children is my dream goal. I want to strive to learn more about life and about myself within and I believe this program will give me the right tools to become a great Health Psychologist in the community. Working with others and becoming deeper with connections in the community and help people with their any issues to give them a person support either issues related to mental issues or just family drama to find solutions for the issue and solve them.

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why i choose social work essay

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    This essay endeavors to delve into the reasons why I want to be a social worker and the transformative impact it has had on my life. ... Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work: Solution to Address the Situation Essay. Social workers will come across ethical dilemmas on a regular basis. Ethical dilemmas may include inappropriate nature in the workplace ...

  2. Why Did You Choose Social Work? 10 Reasons For An MSW

    Here are ten reasons why you should choose a career in social work: 1. You want to help others. Social work gives you a professional platform with which to engage your inner helper. An MSW degree will allow you to help people from all walks of life with all kinds of problems.

  3. Why I Want to Be a Social Worker Essay Tips

    Why I want to be a social worker. I firmly believe that social workers hold a unique position, standing at the forefront of change and embodying the spirit of compassion, empathy, and resilience. They possess the ability to challenge social norms, dismantle discriminatory practices, and create a more inclusive and just society.

  4. Why do you want to be a social worker? 7 sample answers

    I want to be a social worker because I am deeply concerned with the state of affairs in human society. The inequality is as obvious as ever, and many people struggle with bare survival. What's more, it has an impact on everyone, including children, who often lack opportunities to study and develop their full potential….

  5. Essay Sample on Why I Want to Be a Social Worker

    First and foremost, my passion for helping those in need is why I want to become a social worker. From a young age, I've always been passionate about helping people. I have always had an insatiable curiosity about the world and its people. As I grew older, my passion for helping others turned into a desire to pursue a career as a social worker.

  6. Why I Want To Be a Social Worker Essay

    Social workers must be understanding and start from where their client is. By making the client's goals the most important focuses the social worker is able to help the client to be able to help themselves. Also, social workers must work toward goals themselves even when challenges may come up.

  7. How to answer "why I want to be a social worker" in your personal

    To create a personal statement, you'll want to summarize your goal as a social worker, and why you're the right person to pursue that goal in a concise manner. Example MSW personal statement mission statement: "Because of my (experience), I am confident that I will be an asset to the Master of Social Work Program and to the field as a ...

  8. Why Choose the Social Work Profession?

    The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. If you're looking for a career with meaning, action, diversity, satisfaction, and a variety of options, consider social work.

  9. Why I Chose Social Work

    According to the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW), social work is a "profession that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.". Yes, it is broad and a little bit confusing. Essentially social workers walk alongside and advocate for people during tough times.

  10. Why I Want To Be a Social Worker

    The answer is quite simple. I want to be a social worker because I have a passion and need to help people. My passion stems from years of abuse and neglect. My need comes from knowing that changing the world starts with helping one person and being able to empathize with them. I have been in their shoes.

  11. Why study social work (personal statement)

    Joining. In applying for social work, you will need to write a social work personal statement that explains why you want to study social work . In this article, I have appended my own personal statement below. This was the personal statement I submitted that eventually helped me to get a place in the University of Nottingham (UK).

  12. Why I Became a Social Worker?

    Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) Born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Ida B. Wells dedicated her life to social justice. As the first person to document the lynching of African Americans, Wells took to writing to advocate for social change. Wells helped to found the Alpha Suffrage League, The Negro Fellowship League, and the NAACP.

  13. Interview Question: "Why Do You Want To Be a Social Worker?"

    1. Show enthusiasm for your field of work. It's important to show your engagement and motivation for your work. In your response, provide some details about your enthusiasm for your specific field of social work and how you contribute in your role. For instance, if you work with community members who struggle with financial stability, provide ...

  14. Why Should You Pursue an MSW Degree?

    Here are a few more reasons why I chose to pursue an MSW: Social work is everywhere. Many studies have shown that social work is a growing field, which makes sense because it is everywhere. Social workers can be found in politics, corporations, healthcare, education, law enforcement—you name it. Social workers are also a vital asset to all ...

  15. Why Did You Choose Social Work?

    Ask a social worker for the reason they chose the social work profession and the standard answer is "I want to help people.". I think this is the expected answer. This is what the person asking wants to hear because it validates their impression of social workers and social work. Social workers are soft, bleeding hearts, want to save the ...

  16. Why I Want To Be a Social Worker (Free Essay Samples)

    This is a free essay sample available for all students. If you are looking where to buy pre written essays on the topic "Why I Want To Be a Social Worker", browse our private essay samples.. Many people choose social work as a career path. While the job itself is not glamorous as the ones in the corporate world, social work as a career is a fulfilling and meaningful one.

  17. Why I Want To Be A Social Work Essay

    1422 Words6 Pages. I am applying for a place to study social work because I have always wanted to be able to make a difference to people's lives. With social work I believe I can do this in a caring and supportive way. Many of my life experiences have led me to who I am today. The first thing I remember that caught my attention was how my ...

  18. Social work scholarship essay examples

    That is why sharing your essay with someone else is good. I shared my own essay with a social worker, who led me to see certain stereotypes I may have unknowingly conveyed through my essay. Encourage someone to read your essay and tell you the good, and bad about it. 2. Use every experience you have had.

  19. Essay On Why I Chose Social Work

    Essay On Why I Chose Social Work. I am seeking admissions to the social work program this fall. There are many reasons why I have chosen social work as my major. First, I have always had a passion for working with people. My dream job has always been to be a juvenile probation officer; however, I also like the idea of working for a non-profit ...

  20. How to answer: 'Why do you want to be a social worker?'

    1. Demonstrate a passion for social work. Working as a social worker is usually about more than just the salary, it tends to be a career that stems from a passion for the work. When answering this type of question, showcase your passion and enthusiasm for working in this industry. You could talk about your passion for helping others, supporting ...

  21. Why I Choose Social Work Essay

    Why I choose social work: Growing up I have always had a passion for helping others, although it was never clear what my career field would be. I debated on many different career opportunities from becoming a nurse, working in human resources, and everything in between. Unclear of my future career path, after high school, I began college at the ...

  22. Why I Chose Social Work Essay Essay

    This is truly why I want to study Social Service Work to solve issues within the family and to give children an opportunity to get them on the right track in life. Giving them support throughout their lives so families don't feel alone in their process of healing. I tried to give my support to my foster siblings when they went through hard ...