With every decision in life we make, we have a choice which usually includes a right choice and a wrong choice. With each of these decisions rather right or wrong we gain experience and knowledge that we take with us as we proceed through each stage of life. The thing about experience and knowledge is that they are both continuous and unique for each individual.
My personal mission statement is based on my individual experiences and the knowledge I have accrued so far in my life’s journey. Each experience for me, however positive or negative they may have been, has created my personal strengths. I consider myself to be a very strong, patient, reliable, empathetic and responsible individual. I believe as a social worker, each one of these qualities will enhance my ability to handle clients, their individual needs, and their conflicts in a professional and respectful manner.
As a young girl, initially my view on the world was some what limited to the community groups I became intertwined with which were very small and segregated. However, during my adolescent years we moved into a very diverse community that gave me the opportunity to expand my views. As I grew closer to adulthood, my decisions led me into a relationship that would not only change my immediate environment but my entire future and worldview as well. My new broader view allowed me the opportunity to view things thru dissimilar lenses. I quickly learned that oppression, racism, discrimination, and social justice were not merely terms heard in a classroom setting, they were real social conditions of our society in which many people suffered from on a daily basis. I feel that my role as a social worker is to expand my knowledge on these issues, to familiarize myself with the disparities and hardships that follow such unethical biases and how they relate to my clients. In addition, create strategies to challenge the injustice of these societal issues. I believe that one area of social work that I will have to concentrate more on is critical thinking. Normally I will look at a posing problem and base my initial reaction on impulse (my first thought of action) but this is not always the best course of action. To take a social issue and ponder on it will definitely be challenging but somewhat necessary in this field of practice. One strategy I will implement is to research authentic and constructive information on the issue or conflict at hand. A second strategy will be to seek out advice from my colleagues and or superiors.
My plans for future learning and development include staying abreast of new research, programs and resources, and updated policies. Also to attend professional meetings, social justice retreats, professional seminars, community task groups, and educational or graduate programs. In developing myself as a more culturally competent social worker, I will work hard to be aware of my own personal biases thru self assessment and seek out knowledge and opportunities that will help me examine myself
and confront any unethical feelings I may have.
My practice philosophy is to approach every client with the utmost dignity, respect and consideration possible. I will practice effective listening, open and professional communication, and consciously choose to promote a clients basic level of value. In return I am hoping that every client feels acknowledged and empowered to create positive change for themselves and for society as a whole.
Diversity is Important
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