Escobar, Vanesa

Personal Interest Statement Social Work is a profession that I developed passion and respect for since I was a little girl. Social Work appeals to me because of the intellectual challenge it offers and the opportunity it provides to help people. The primary mission of this profession is to enhance clients wellbeing, help meet the basic needs of all people while empowering individuals who are vulnerable and treating them with dignity, integrity and compassion. My own life experience has no doubts set the foundation for the passion and determination I possess over the upcoming years to accomplish the goals I have set for myself The career objectives I have with an MSW is to possess the knowledge to help people deal with all kinds of issues they might be going through and to gain their respect and trust. Its my goal to care for all kinds of individuals and their families with sensitivity and compassion and to empower them so they can take action and improve their lives. My goal is to work effectively with different organizations in order to provide basic human needs like public assistance, housing, healthcare, job skills training, food, support groups and education. I want to help bring social justice and make a positive change among at-risk and vulnerable populations. Being accepted to the BSW program has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. My BSW education has prepared me in many ways, one way is applying knowledge and concepts learned from core studies. Another way my BSW education has prepared me is in developing awareness relating to peoples different morals and personal values. I have learned that people have different cultural values according to different life experiences. As a competent social worker its important to appreciate other cultures and traditions and to respect all differences.

Escobar, Vanesa

My BSW education has helped make my field education a great learning experience. Prior on starting my program, I did not have any social work experience. My BSW education has provided me the education that I need in order to address any issue that may concern me. It has prepared me by given me the knowledge through classroom practices. Without my BSW education I would not feel as confident as I do today. I conceptualize the practice of social work with client system by understanding that as a professional social worker I must be flexible and understanding to each client situation, while keeping in mind realistic goals in order to better improve their lives. Its important to also follow and respect the rules and policies from all agencies. My life experiences had a bearing on my potential for the social work profession in many ways. My family and I immigrated to the United States from Mexico. At the age of fourteen, I embraced the challenge of learning a new language and adapting a different culture and traditions while still practicing my own. Both of my parents sacrificed leaving their country, families and everything they knew in order to find better opportunities for their children. Coming to the Unites States has been a life changing experience and has no doubts set the foundation for the passion and determination I have towards this profession. As a future social worker, I have several strengths I have to offer to the profession. My strengths include my eagerness to learn, having a non-judgmental attitude towards clients. By demonstrating this qualities it is my goal to care for all kinds of individuals and their families with sensitivity and compassion, to possess the knowledge to help them deal with all kinds of issues they might be going through and to gain their respect and trust.

Escobar, Vanesa

Another strength I possess as an immigrant is the understanding and importance to learn about different cultures and traditions in order to assist clients from different diversities which makes me cultural competent. As professional social workers its important to know my limitations. I am aware that working with children whove been abused would be very difficult for me. Another limitation is not having enough experience in the field but I hope that this experience will come with time and Im looking forwards to it. The concern I have for social problems is not having enough resources available for atrisk or vulnerable population. Not all people have access to basic human needs like food, shelter or health insurance. I believe one of my strengths as a future social worker is my concern on the prevention of social problems. In order to be effective social workers, its importance to possess good advocacy skills in order to help clients obtain the services and benefits they need. I believe all human beings have the right and deserve access to resources, equality of opportunity and social justice. The attitude I have toward people with different values, life styles, cultures and religions from mine are non-biased. I have been dealing with diversity all my life and it intrigues me with the understanding of differences in beliefs and values I have. As an immigrant, I understand people have different values and beliefs than I do. I will always respect peoples different values and beliefs. I strive on learning different values, cultures and religions beliefs other than my own. In order to be a good social worker I find that being self-critical and receiving feedback from others is essential in order to learn and grow in the profession. Being able to accept positive criticism is a quality I possess because it gives me feedback on how I can better improve and

Escobar, Vanesa

grow. Self-criticism allows me to be conscious on how I am addressing issues with my clients. It allows me to be aware of my mistakes, fix them and not make them again. My ability to think, learn and work under pressure is a talent I possess. I possess these talents at an early age. Coming to an unfamiliar country and not knowing the language made me eager to learn so I could defend myself. Not knowing the language was extremely difficult; I had no friends and felt alone for years. I studied English every day for years and as soon as I dominated the language, I began working full time jobs to help my family financially. Experiencing difficult challenges in my life, I have learned the ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. As a professional social worker, I am aware that being able to work with other professionals is essential. Social work profession is a field in which teamwork is extremely important. I am skilled at contributing to a team effort without neglecting the individual or their needs. I am an excellent listener and communicator. It is important to have an open mind when working with others. If someone goes in with an open mind, you can experience and learn so much about other people and their professions. There are several efforts I will make to cope with the demands of graduate studies at Wayne State University. It is important to know how to manage time effectively. I would sit down and write down my set goals, organize my time effectively, decision making. I would say that by managing my time would definitely help me to be more organize and focused on meeting my deadlines. Its important to keep on top of my studies and other responsibilities, making sure I address any concern I may have with a profession. Im also blessed to have a strong family support.

Escobar, Vanesa

Plans I have for financing my graduate education at Wayne State University is by applying for student loans. Throughout the years I have been working full time jobs in order to have save money to pay for my education. I would use this money if its necessary. In addition, my father has offered to help me pay my tuition.