My Decission to Become a Social Worker
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My decision to become a social worker grew out of my personal experiences during my childhood, my later professional experiences as well as my brief but significant academic knowledge of the field of social work. When I was a child, my maternal grandmother became terminally ill with diabetes and the effects of a stroke. My mother quit her job and took on the burden of caring for her full-time. In Nigerian culture, it is obligatory that the daughter provide care for her ailing and elderly parents. However, my mother did not see this as an obligation; she truly enjoyed caring for her mother. Watching my mother as she provided round-the-clock care with such devotion and selflessness taught me the meaning of compassion for others in need. This experience also inspired my respect, understanding, and appreciation for the elderly.
During my Senior Year at York College, I took two social work courses to fulfill the requirements for a Bachelors degree in Gerontology. The first class was Social Work 203: Social Welfare and the second, Social Work 300: Social Work Practice and Skills Lab. While studying Social Welfare, I grew in knowledge about various issues that the social work profession seeks to alleviate. Some of these issues include poverty, inequality, and social injustice. While studying Social Work Practice and Skills Lab, I learned about how social workers function in various settings such as schools, social service agencies, hospitals, and retirement communities. I also became aware of topics such as social work skills, values, and the importance of being a diversity competent social worker. Though interactive role plays, I practiced interviewing skills and created interventions for specific needs or concerns.
I became more interested in the field as I studied various evidence based practices that have been successful in alleviating needs and concerns among the elderly, dependent children, the disabled and the poor. Taking these classes made me realize that I wanted to pursue advanced knowledge in the field of social work. As the semester progressed, I became passionate about my studies like never before. I was diligent in doing my class assignment and took every opportunity to participate in class discussions, role plays, and other class activities. I felt a great sense of purpose, and it reflected in the excellent grades that I received. My professors also encouraged me to further my education in the field of Social Work and complemented me about my eagerness to learn.
During my employment at American Medical Alert Corporation, a memorable situation occurred that incited my interest of becoming a social worker. On a routine call to schedule a removal of a Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) Unit, I spoke to a woman who was no longer eligible for the equipment. In tears, she told me that she suffered from osteoporosis. She told me about a time in the past when she had fallen, and remained on the floor until the morning. Luckily, her home health aide came to work and went to