Sociology

Taking up a Master of Social Work Program at the University of South Carolina can be an eye-opening experience for social workers who want to enhance their knowledge and skills and gain exposure to the various aspects of the social work practice. By allowing students to concentrate on social work practice with diverse individuals, families and groups, the program prepares individuals who are committed to the social work profession to assume leadership and mentoring roles in real-life settings. Being accepted into the Master of Social Work Program is therefore deemed a great opportunity for those who are well qualified and who possess the drive and traits necessary for the advanced practice of social work.

I have a burning ambition and its to be an instrument to help others help themselves.            
I strongly believe that through the Master of Social Work Program of the University of South Carolina, I can update my knowledge thoroughly and prepare myself to assume leadership  mentoring roles in the social work profession. I look forward to being given the opportunity to hone my existing skills which can pave the way for my advanced practice of social work, in collaboration with key people in healthcare organizations, clinics, agencies, government bodies, and other entities in the private and public health sectors.  Tapping into this vast network can spell a big difference in the lives of people whom social workers seek to help.

I personally believe that the ability to render social work is a gift.  Not all people are at ease devoting their full attention to serving the needy, or to work in a private or corporate entity with a social work aspect. In my opinion, the passion and capability to do social work is an innate, rather than an acquired, trait.  It flows from within. The inner spark to be of service to others through social work was triggered during my younger years. Coming from a neighborhood with highly diverse people representing different nationalities, ages, abilities, occupations, and inclinations, and with the common denominator of poverty staring them in the face, I grew up realizing how there is no committed groupindividuals championing the needs of this marginalized sector.  This caused a stirring in my soul. During my high school years, I worked as a social workers aide, which provided me with first-hand insights in relating with diverse people.  For my internship, I focused on behavioral neurosciences and took part in a poverty simulation workshop.  My scholarly research included assessing the behavior of older adults and the impact of stress in hostile individuals. These experiences can be helpful in dealing with individuals of  diverse backgrounds, ages, and characteristics.

I have once considered venturing into video game development, which I thought may be a great source of fun and amusement.  However, my all-consuming desire to help others overcome and rise above the vicious cycle of poverty prevailed.  Social work is an all-encompassing field. I know that I can also play an indirect role in helping disadvantaged people If I were to work for big corporate entities.  In such a case, I envision myself assuming a social worker function and utilizing my knowledge and skills for proper resource allocation.

In a highly impersonal and fast-paced world, the need for social workers who can lend expert knowledge combined with zeal and compassion has become critical.  Certain groups, particularly the elderly, the homeless, and minority groups, are in dire need of support and assistance. I feel that it is important not just to help others but to empower them to help themselves and lead productive lives. I want to inspire others to find their niche and succeed.

I have noted with interest how we can sometimes leave a mark, or make a profound impact on others. I remember encountering a physically disabled 10-year-old girl while making the rounds of a local childrens home. Although wheelchair-bound, she has a happy disposition and it was a joy to keep seeing her. On the other hand, there were other types of people who tend to be more difficult to interact with, like the elderly. This may be because they have a special set of needs and requirements and you need to give them extra special attention and greater patience. There are also the minority groups with distinct cultural characteristics whom social workers and other people in general need to show a certain sensitivity for.

It can be noted that the work of a social work practitioner is not always an easy and smooth-sailing one. It is, however, the passion for the chosen vocation, a people-oriented stance,  and a commitment to be of genuine service to others that can help aspiring social work practitioners carry on with tasks and responsibilities.

It is true that if you love what you do, it will feel like you are not really working.  For instance, I recall lending assistance by babysitting for a single mother who needed to hold a second job at night to provide basic sustenance for her children.  The highly appreciative look on the single mothers face, for me, is more satisfying than any extrinsic reward or financial compensation. These small instances and opportunities of being of service to people helped comvince me to be a social worker. I look forward to being of service to many other people regardless of their gender  sexual orientation, religion, race and socio-economic status.  I feel that by pursuing a Master of Social Work I will be equipped with the necessary training to better handle tasks in diverse healthcare settings, agencies, clinics and entities, some of which may establish regular outreach programs  long-term projects for the underprivileged, the abused or overlooked sectors of society, aging populations, and other people in need.
         
Humility, patience and perseverance are paramount to the social work profession. Besides these personal traits which I possess, I can proudly say I have a work ethic that my future employers can count on. One characteristic that I would like to change, though, is that I tend to avoid being confrontational. I am somewhat soft-spoken, too.

Upon completion of the Master of Social Work Program, I plan to help other social workers with a genuine desire to help others and contribute to the betterment of society. The Master of Social Work Program can play a very instrumental role in molding social work practitioners into seasoned professionals who can rely on their solid educational and work experiences as they take on leadership functions.

I look forward to receiving favorable feedback from your prestigious institution.  I believe that with the distinguished faculty members with a broad range of professional experiences (Faculty profiles 2009) and modern facilities of the University of South Carolina, I can fully develop my full potential, chart my chosen career path, and help others.