Running head: PERSONAL WORK FOR CULTURALLY COMPETENT

PRACTICE

Personal Work Plan for Culturally Competent Practice

Jeliann Carrillo
SW 3110
Wayne State University

Running head: PERSONAL WORK FOR CULTURALLY COMPETENT

PRACTICE

Self-assessment of beginning cultural competence

Before starting this course, I considered myself culturally
competent. I was very sensitive to cultural beliefs and values. I had an
interest in learning about other peoples culture and learn more about
my own. The reason I felt so confident in my knowledge in
understanding other peoples beliefs was because I grew up in a true
melting pot society. However, the pre-construed notions I had were
based solely on stereotypes and socially accepted perceptions of each
group. How much I thought I knew changed after taking this course
and realizing how much I didnt know.
What have I learned in the course?
I failed to take into consideration other groups, which now thanks
to this course, has shed some light on them. Reading and learning
about different groups made me acknowledge them in everyday life.
Many groups are being discriminated against and oppressed.
Participating in the group project I valued researching the LGBTQ
community. I knew this group has struggled for their rights throughout
history but it wasnt until I conducted research that I realized the
severity of the oppression against this particular group.
Another project I enjoyed was the analysis of another group. I
chose to interview a classmate (Mrs. Alabi) on her Nigerian culture. I
thought this was a great opportunity for me to learn of a group that is
not in the text at all. This is the project that most piqued my curiosity. I

Running head: PERSONAL WORK FOR CULTURALLY COMPETENT

PRACTICE

researched extensively to find information on the Nigerian culture that

is not discussed in the curriculum. This is a minority group in our
country that is for the most part ignored or merged together with a
different group with different beliefs and values.
Not only did I learn about a new culture but I also learned a great
deal about my own culture. I was intrigued with the Multi-Diversity
perspective on Latinos chapter. I felt a natural connection with this
chapter because of my Hispanic background. I enjoyed reading about
the values and customs. The most shocking fact I read that I will never
forget is that studies that showed that as the immigrants assimilate
into society, they perform better than native born Hispanics. I like that
the author mentions shared traditions and values have kept Latinos
together as an ongoing, distinctive community despite devastation
poverty, high unemployment, decrepit housing, and poor health status
(Colon, 2011). This chapter piques my interest in learning more about
my race and was interested in reading more about the author with my
same last name that was quoted in this chapter, J.E. Carrillo.
What does this mean for my practice?
Conducting research and reading about these completely
different groups made me realize that I am going into a field where
cultural awareness is very important. I will be taking care of culturally
diverse and oppressed clients. I learned that my methods of treatment
or resources might vary client to client. Treatment is impacted by many

Running head: PERSONAL WORK FOR CULTURALLY COMPETENT

PRACTICE

factors such as, race, beliefs, ethnicity, age and values. I have truly
become a much more culturally sensitive person. I think it is important
to continue to learn about different groups and stay informed about
laws and changes that can affect your clients.
I would have a difficult time working at an abortion clinic or with
pregnant teen girls for personal reasons. IfitreachesapointwhereIam
unabletoservethispopulationoraclientwithasimilarsituationIwouldrespectfully
refermyclienttoacolleague.Iwouldexplaintotheclientmyhighareasofcompetence
andthatthesocialworkerIwouldbereferringthemtohasmuchmoreexpertiseinthe
area.Themainplanwouldbetoadheretothecorevaluesofsocialworkandnotletmy
personalfeelingsgetinthewayofservingapopulationbutifthatfailsIwilltrymybest
tostayawayfromthispopulationforthebestinterestofmyclientandmyself.Thisis
somethingIcouldworkonitwilljusttakemesometime.Thebestwaytogetoveritis
actuallydoingit.
Contrastingly,Ifeellikemyknowledgeofothergroupshasexpanded
tremendouslyenoughtostimulateandbenefitmypracticeasasocialworker.Takinginto
considerationmyownbackground,valuesandrelationshipsincombinationwiththe
understandingbehinddifferentconceptsaidesinmyfuturepractice.Comingfroma
Hispanicbackground,Iunderstandwhatitisliketobeaminority,Iunderstandwhatitis
liketobeoppressedanddiscriminatedagainst.
ActionSteps

Running head: PERSONAL WORK FOR CULTURALLY COMPETENT

PRACTICE

AfterlearningwhatittakestopracticeefficientlyandculturalcompetentlyI
realizedthatknowledgeiskeywhenworkinginthesocialworkfield.Iwillstriveto
educatemyselfondifferentculturesandtrytodevelopagenuineinterestinthem.There
aremanyjournalsandresearcharticlesthatareconductedongroupsthatwouldbeuseful
formetostayuptodate.Anotheractionthatwillincreasemyculturalcompetenceis
simplyaskingmyclientsabouttheirculturalgroup.Thiswillhelptoeducatemyselfand
showtheclientmyeagernesstounderstandmoreaboutthem.Finally,agreatwayto
increaseculturalcompetenceisparticipatinginculturalevents.Therearenumerous
eventsIcanattendtolearnmoreaboutthecultures.WhetheritsattendingthePride
FestivaltosupporttheLGBTQcommunityorgoingtotheMexicanparadeonCincode
Mayo.Takingalloftheknowledgeinstilledinmethissemester,thesemesterstocome
andthesepersonalactionswillhelppreparemeforfulfillingcareerinthefieldofsocial
work.

Running head: PERSONAL WORK FOR CULTURALLY COMPETENT

PRACTICE

References
Appleby,G.A.,Colon,E.,&Hamilton,J.(2011).Diversity,oppression,andsocialfunctioning:
personinenvironmentassessmentandintervention(3rded.).Boston:Pearson/Allynand
Bacon.