As Dorthy Law Nolte (2014) said, children learn what they live. This theory believes that children learn the most from what they are surrounded by whether it be patience, encouragement, or honesty. Morals and values cannot be taught or learned during one discussion, but will be instilled through observation of others positive actions. I was lucky enough to observe positive actions throughout my life. Treating all people with patience, kindness, respect, and honesty became a norm. As I grew as a person my passion for helping people grew along with it. Volunteering several hours a week for different organizations was another norm, and to witness the gratification on people 's faces made the work worth every minute. Society too often stigmatizes
…show more content…
Only when I began taking social work classes did I realize that I had always subconsciously been fighting for the underdog. When I took introduction to social work in my first year at the University of Maine my eyes were opened to endless career opportunities and chances to make a change. During my diversity and pluralism class I realized the countless mile markers we had reached throughout history regarding cultural bias 's and oppression, but I also realized the numerous obstacles still to be overcome and barriers to break down. During my junior year, I began to learn how to harness my passion to effectively making a difference. Throughout my last year here at the University of Maine, I have utilized the skills I learned and improved them fourfold. The skills I have learned, utilized, and improved, are demonstrated throughout my portfolio. I also address them in greater detail in my reflections at the beginning of each …show more content…
I realized that I had a passion for being a part of change that would better not only my community, but others around the world. This led me to my first humanitarian service abroad in India. I worked with an NGO called "Year Out India," on a water sanitation project, which included building three bathrooms for families that did not have them. I have since been fortunate enough to visit the Dominican Republic which was a beautiful place, vibrant in color and music. I will never forget talking to the women from Haiti, who were braiding hair and giving massages to tourist on the beach in order to make ends meet for their families. This past summer I backpacked in Thailand and the extent of poverty was severe. One aspect that I found concerning was the situation surrounding people with physical disabilities, and their lack of proper adaptive equipment. Most widely available adaptive equipment is impractical in their environment. I often find myself surrounded by western beliefs of how societies are supposed to function, i.e. their priorities and needs. However, experiences I encountered in India, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic (sleeping on a concrete floor, showering with collected rainwater, and digging a six foot leach pit without a shovel) changed my perception of other
Only when I began taking social work classes did I realize that I had always subconsciously been fighting for the underdog. When I took introduction to social work in my first year at the University of Maine my eyes were opened to endless career opportunities and chances to make a change. During my diversity and pluralism class I realized the countless mile markers we had reached throughout history regarding cultural bias 's and oppression, but I also realized the numerous obstacles still to be overcome and barriers to break down. During my junior year, I began to learn how to harness my passion to effectively making a difference. Throughout my last year here at the University of Maine, I have utilized the skills I learned and improved them fourfold. The skills I have learned, utilized, and improved, are demonstrated throughout my portfolio. I also address them in greater detail in my reflections at the beginning of each …show more content…
I realized that I had a passion for being a part of change that would better not only my community, but others around the world. This led me to my first humanitarian service abroad in India. I worked with an NGO called "Year Out India," on a water sanitation project, which included building three bathrooms for families that did not have them. I have since been fortunate enough to visit the Dominican Republic which was a beautiful place, vibrant in color and music. I will never forget talking to the women from Haiti, who were braiding hair and giving massages to tourist on the beach in order to make ends meet for their families. This past summer I backpacked in Thailand and the extent of poverty was severe. One aspect that I found concerning was the situation surrounding people with physical disabilities, and their lack of proper adaptive equipment. Most widely available adaptive equipment is impractical in their environment. I often find myself surrounded by western beliefs of how societies are supposed to function, i.e. their priorities and needs. However, experiences I encountered in India, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic (sleeping on a concrete floor, showering with collected rainwater, and digging a six foot leach pit without a shovel) changed my perception of other