Gay Lynn Jackson

The direction in social work was never far from my mind. In reality, it was too close.
For 32 years, I worked as a salon owner. Hundreds of people filtered through my salon weekly
their faces covered with joy and distress and cynicismwanting to be heard in varying degrees
from hope to resignation. This was my unfiltered reality. This was life behind the salon door. And
there was something equally liberating for us all empathizing with them and providing viable
solutions to their unique problems. The satisfaction I saw on their faces provided me with a
feeling that a new haircut or money could not. These people trusted me.
Shortly after, I began working as a real estate agent. Helping people who thought they
could never own a home was something that would leave a lasting impression on me forever, and
I felt the beginning of a greater purpose for my life but when faced with my own life challenges,
I decided to travel back to Michigan. I had three suitcases to my name. Adapting was tough. That
translated into getting rejected from numerous jobs and sometimes staying with family and
friends. There were no breaks. The world persisted, and society continued unrelenting. As I
observed the people around me, I remember feeling very disconnected, very hopeless, as if I was
anchored to something. But after some time, I felt that hopelessness whisked away, replaced by a
burning curiosity, and desire to make a difference. I decided to pursue a college education.
My confidence started to grow. I no longer felt like a small woman in a big world. I was
connecting. I had purpose. That is when I knew I wanted something personal, a career that
enabled me to have an immediate impact on people. Naturally, as my collegiate experience
began, I enrolled in social sciences.
More time passed, and my curiosity grew stronger and stronger. After volunteering in
various capacities, I was certain I was on my way to making a positive difference by doing

Gay Lynn Jackson

something that I lovedhelping people and giving back. My field education during my bachelor
years was centered on the urban homeless community. I was walking into familiar territory, only
this time I had a greater understanding of the mental health issues that plagued these populations.
This helped me formulate specific, customized approaches in an attempt to improve their quality
of life. I was responsible for helping to dissolve that hopelessness that I once felt not too long
ago. During that time, I realized that some moments only come around once. There is no rewind
button. So it is important to pay attention, to totally immerse yourself in those moments. By
giving people my undivided attention, I became trustworthy and respected. I understand that
relationships can be enriched through caring, compassion and competence. I learned that this
human connection is a balloon that is ever-inflating; and no matter how insurmountable an
obstacle may seem, it can be conquered through motivation, innovative problem solving, and
most importantly, the courage to do what is necessary in the midst of any and all external
pressures.
Standing witness to pain and suffering is not a choice I am willing to accept. You cannot
simply put a bandage on a social, ethical, or personal issue and expect it to vanish. You must
travel deeper beneath the surface. When working with a client, it is important to understand their
environment, their thought process, and their systems. This is a vital tool in addressing and
designing appropriate and effective interventions to improve the clients well-being, and it is why
psychology is such a significant aspect of social work. Furthermore, it is also important to
recognize the value in diverse approaches. The feedback of others can help me to become more
self-critical and benefit from self-discovery. In these scenarios, we must remember that we are all
a team, a community with one common goalto eradicate all economic, political and social
injustices.

Gay Lynn Jackson

Becoming a social worker with exceptional skills involves procuring an excellent
education. I realize the value professors can have on a students comprehensive growth, and I am
excited to having access to internationally renowned faculty, diverse courses and concentrations,
interactive fieldwork, and pioneering research in the social work department at Wayne State. As
a student, I can count on continual personal growth and evolving social positions in an
environment that encourages both. I like to think I have a unique approach to relating to people
from all different backgrounds. Perhaps that stems from my ability to rationalize with other
peoples ideologies. In any case, there is a human connectionan integrity and trustworthiness
imperative to success in our field. That sensitivity is something for which my BSW education
prepared me. With WSUs diverse student body, I will continue to learn how to connect beyond
borders of sex, age, race, religion and economic class, and consequently, I will flourish in these
situations in the future. Wayne States mission is to advance social work practice and social
welfare policy. It is to enhance the quality of human life. As a student, I envision driving that
mission for the rest of my career, and life.
I put my heart into everything I do, because I know that this is what is required to be an
exemplary professional. My goal, after graduate school, is to empower afflicted clients by
providing cutting-edge solutions. My ultimate goal is to work in a diverse urban setting with
poor, vulnerable and/or oppressed individuals, families and organizations. Whether that involves
working as a life skills coach, therapist, family counselor, or combining my entrepreneurial and
sociological comprehension to do something entirely new, one thing remains consistentmy
desire to make an impact.
I am prepared for the challenge, both in and outside the classroom. My life experiences have
helped me to remain determined and resilient on my path to a BSW degree. I am constantly

Gay Lynn Jackson

committed to the improvement of my community. If there is a solution, I am prepared to travel
the necessary distance to find it. Through rigorous education and disciplinary focus at WSU, I
will be well prepared to handle such a significant role in society.
My undergraduate years at Wayne State have been a blessing for me, and I hope to
maintain that outlook during my graduate years. The competencies I attained in the BSW
program essential for a successful social work career.