Running head: VALUES PAPER

Values Paper
Crystal A. McMillon
Wayne State University
Du0187
SW 3010
October 17, 2013

VALUES PAPER

Values Paper
Values are an important part of society that differs between cultures and individuals.
Everyone has their own personal belief and worth of certain things within their life. Values are
essential in all aspects of life, because they influence who you are as well as create the person
you are evolving to be. Personally, I have a myriad of values, but the values that I posses that I
see most beneficial for the Social Work Profession are: empathy, the acceptance of others for
who they are, my non-judgmental attitude, the ability to seek help, and being cultural competent.
Empathy is having the ability to place yourself in the shoes of others and understanding a
life situation from their perspective. This is an essential value in the social work profession
because if you can personally empathize with individuals it allows you to better assist them in
finding a solution to the problem. Furthermore, empathising helps you learn more about other
individuals and is the start of building a relationship.
I am a very non-judgmental and humble person; I know that Im no better than anyone
else in this world, but Im wise enough to know that Im different. In life we all go through
trials and tribulations that help mold us into the person that we have become. People are utterly
different in the world that we live in adding uniqueness to the world as whole. In this world
everyone has a story and no one persons story is any more important than the next; therefore,
who are you to judge anyone! My ability to seek help is a value that was cultivated in me during
my adolescence. Growing up my parents would encourage me to ask for help when needed. My
father would say a person who never asks for help when needed would never receive the help
the actually need. Asking for help doesnt make you less intelligent or incompetent, it provides
you with a different outlook and experience. My personal experiences throughout my life has

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giving me the value of being cultural competent. By being cultural competent I have the ability
to relate to other cultures.
As I stated in my Personal Statement, Im a very passionate person. I have the passion to
empower individuals, and my abilities to sympathize and empathize with them will allow for the
empowerment. I have a myriad of both good and bad experiences that have help mold me into
the women that I am today. Furthermore, my experiences have shaped my values and support
my beliefs in the social work values described throughout the NASW Code of Ethics.
My childhood consisted of two completely different involvements. Until the age of 8, I
was privileged to live under one roof with both parents in a very affluent suburb of Atlanta,
Georgia. I attended schools with unlimited resources and qualified, passionate teachers. I
excelled academically even though my home life was less than ideal. My father was a functional
alcoholic and abusive to my mother and at times my siblings and I. Growing up with an abusive
father was indeed a traumatic experience. I was scared to do any wrong because of the
consequences that would follow. To add to the fire, growing up in a domestic violence
household is just as horrid as myself being abused. Challenging because as a child what can you
do to help? Apart of you wants to just turn the other cheek so both of your parents can remain on
this invisible pedestal that you place them so high up on. The other half wants to tell someone, so
not only your mother can receive help but also your mind can be free from the struggle of the
whole ordeal. My parents had always told me that what goes on in this house, stays in this
house. So imagine the mental effects of living in this type of household.
Once my parents divorced, my mother, siblings and I relocated to Detroit, Michigan. The
move forced me into a completely different environment; not only culturally but also provided a
lot less educational resources and feelings of security. My mom struggled to take care of us on

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her own and because she was a high school drop-out, who later received her GED, didnt know
how to effectively support me academically, never attending Parent Teacher Conferences or
inquiring about school issues or progress. Drugs, poverty, and a hopeless mentality afflicted my
neighborhood. My high school hired uncertified teachers, a high school social worker but no
counselor, and very few college preparatory courses. Statistically, I wasnt suppose to graduate
from high school but I overcame adversity. I believe my abilities to recognize and work with an
abundance of social problems has already reached throughout my life experiences (McMillon,
2013).
Considering the household that I grew up in, dealing with the domestic violence
population would be a difficult task for me. My father was extremely abusive to my mother
almost leading to her death and to this day Im still very much affected by this. This entire
situation has challenged my perception of love and my view on men. Being a child and living in
a domestic violence household isnt easy. Imagine hearing your mother and father physically
fight. Imagine seeing your mothers in tears, bruised up, or in the hospital. Imagine being daddys
little girl and not being able to do anything about this adult situation. This hasnt only effect me,
this has affected my family: my mother, father, sister, and brother.
When it comes to spirituality and religion I would consider myself more of a spiritual
person. I have a conscious and I know the difference between right and wrong. I dont conform
to one religion because of my personal views on religion, but I do believe that there is a power
higher than myself. My spiritual beliefs wouldnt affect my work with the population of
domestic violence, my past experiences does.
Given my experiences within the domestic violence population, I would very much still
be able to assist someone from this population in a non-judgmental way. The key to being non-

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judgmental understands. In addition to understanding, I have the experience to empathize with

these individuals. Two Code of Ethics listed from the NASW that I would use in a situation like
this would be service and Dignity and Worth of the Person. Service according to the the NASW
Code of Ethics, states that a Social workers primary goal is to help people in need and to
address social problems. Social workers elevate service to others above selfinterest. Social
workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social
problems. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer some portion of their professional skills
with no expectation of significant financial return (pro bono service). In serving the domestic
violence population I would do my best as a social worker to provide them with the best services
and resources so that my client can reach a solution to their social problem.
Dignity and Worth of the Person according to the NASW Social workers treat each
person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and
ethnic diversity. Social workers promote clients socially responsible self-determination. Social
workers seek to enhance clients capacity and opportunity to change and to address their own
needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to clients and to the broader
society. They seek to resolve conflicts between clients interests and the broader societys
interests in a socially responsible manner consistent with the values, ethical principles, and
ethical standards of the profession. Throughout my profession Im sure I will encounter difficult
social problems. My duty as a social worker is to service these individuals and treat them with
worth and dignity. Everyone regardless of his or her social problem deserves to be treated with
respect. Everyone experiences problems in life, and that problem doesnt make that person any
less of a human.

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The use and displaying of positive regard is important attitude to posses and utilize when
in this profession. Social work is based off of positive regard, which consist of the acceptance of
others without being judgmental. As a social worker its our duty to provide our clients with the
proper resources therefore they can find their own solution to their problem, regardless of ones
personal sentiments. If needed I would respectfully refer a client to someone who could better
assist them by being honest with this individuals and sharing my personal story about domestic
violence. This part of the assignment hasnt affected my decision to be a social worker, because
Im aware that I will have cases that will be challenging and uncomfortable. Throughout this
program I will continue to improve my emotional intelligence by the growth of knowledge
attained and experiences that I will encounter that will prepare me professional in handling
uncomfortable situations, always keeping the NASW Code of Ethics in mind.
The social work profession isnt a walk in the park, problems will occur that will be
unpleasant and difficult to deal with. My values and love for the human race, mankind, and the
thought of building up the lives of others will help me thrive in this profession. For me to be a
solution to someones problem or even empowering them the skills needed to overcome any
obstacle, is all self gratifying (Mcmillon, 2013).

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7
References

Mcmillon, C (2103) Personal statement. Unpublished manuscript, School of Social Work,

Wayne State Univerity, Detroit, Michigan.