Reflective Essay On Pursuing A Social Work Degree

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Although I was unable to finish my ‘formal’ school education whilst I was in Local Authority care as a child, I managed to obtain a place on a BTEC Health and Social Care course at college and completed the three-year course with a triple distinction grade. This then opened up the opportunity of university which I gratefully embarked on, leading to my two-year completion of a BA (Hons) Social Work degree. This has recently been on hold as I had to defer my last year due to a cancer diagnosis although I was on track to receive a 2:1 degree. I have completed cancer treatment and recovery and I am now even more determined to finish this degree.
I have a particular passion for social justice and community development and I have a natural ability to build up a rapport with individuals, therefore ensuring and maintaining relationships with both colleagues and service users. I understand the need to work holistically, taking each person and situation individually which I feel this will be helpful in the placement I shall be in.
Throughout my personal journey I have learnt that an individual’s issues are not always subjective and often are a direct result of oppression and inequality. I learnt through studying that by recognising and challenging oppression, the oppressed can be liberated and move on
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I feel I have empathy, passion, understanding and drive as well as a natural desire for justice and change; all of which will be needed for this placement. I am reflective and I attempt to always think critically and I have a hunger for education for research and education; which I believe will be essential in relation to consistently changing government standards, rules and funding in terms of my placement and service user

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