Social Work Personal Statement

During my formative years, I was fortunate enough to have had a mother who chose to treat her seventeen-year battle with cancer as if it were one of life's unique teaching opportunities. I sincerely believe that my passionate interest in mental health and wellness is due in part to the residual effect of spending my youth in and out of doctor's offices, cancer centers, and emergency rooms. Certainly my presence in these settings and role as a primary caretaker allowed me to both witnesses and appreciate the extraordinary skill involved in caring for the well-being of others.
As a sensitive youth and vigilant observer, I looked to see how the most empathetic care providers responded to the needs of their clients. Along with my admiration and sense of awe at their abilities, I also felt an indiscernible longing. Clearly these were very special people, and I knew I wanted to be like them. Today my reasons for pursuing a career in counseling, while more informed and multifaceted, retain the same clarity I had as a young child. I continue to believe that offering support and understanding to individuals is can be a transformative exchange for all …show more content…
There I discovered first hand that the art of therapeutic engagement is not only rewarding but frequently contains an element of surprise. Because I developed a reputation for being patient, empathetic, and unflappable supervisors often requested that I contend with the most “difficult” residents (or their visiting family members). While I had great success in establishing respectful, nonjudgmental relationships, exposure to potentially challenging situations helped me to develop an awareness of my own vulnerabilities and how to contain them. In turn, I believe this skill set will be a valuable resource when I begin my clinical