Personal Statement

During my time pursuing my Bachelors of Social Work Degree from Wayne State
University I was able to gain significant knowledge and experience to identify myself as
a professional social worker. The knowledge I gained allows me to practice in a
competent manner. Communicating and presenting myself professionally has been
something that I have done from the beginning of the social work program. I was able to
use my professionalism in a manner that connected me with resources and people
working in the social work field. During this time, I was able to consult with several
B.S.W. level professionals in my area that gave me a better understanding of the work
involved in the field and the dedication it takes to be successful with clients.
Dedication to the social work profession is very important to me. It is hard to
give an exact reason why I chose the social work field as it is a combination of many
reasons. One thing I can say is that I have a compassion for humanity. Seeing people
succeed, working together and living healthy and happy lives is what I would hope I can
contribute to making the world we live in a better place.
Through all of the courses, I successfully completed, I was able to fulfill all
eleven social work curriculum competencies. Located in this portfolio you will see
learning products that demonstrate my ability to understand and apply the learned
competencies. Also I include a reflected statement with each paper discussing how the
learning product fulfills the competency it has been matched with. There is a paper or
presentation identifying each social work competency. The competencies which were

successfully completed are: 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.1.5, 2.1.6, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.1.9,
2.1.10, 2.1.11.
My field placement also gave me additional experience in the field working
focusing on child and family welfare. This opportunity allowed me to showcase my
cultural competence by working with diverse and oppressed populations in the urban
environment of metro Detroit. My skills expanded to competing intake assessments,
performing crisis interventions, facilitating therapeutic group sessions, and case
management just to name a few responsibilities. I was able to work one-on-one with
clients and build rapport while listening to them describe their situation. I stress the
importance of empathy in my practice by providing supportive empathic responses to my
clients.
The feedback I have received from my clients has been very positive. Clients
have stated that I have made them feel at ease when entering the programs and that
working with me upon their entry made their transition a lot smoother. Clients have also
recognized my ability to empathize as they have stated that they appreciated the time I
took to talk to them when they were in crisis. I have been told that I am easy to trust and
talk to. I believe I am able to utilize my skills to the best of their ability when working
one-on-one with clients.
At my placement I also had a significant amount of time to work along side
colleagues in the field. These colleagues presented an environment in which I was able
to learn effective written and verbal communication. Working along side others, I was
able to enhance my teambuilding skills. I also spent time in supervision with my director
which opened my eyes to a positive learning experience. My director would describe me

as organized and an asset to their organization. I am very grateful for the impact my
clients have had on me reassuring me that this is the field that I am passionate about. I
am also grateful I have been a source of impact for the clients I serve.
Additionally, the peers I have worked with during my education are individuals I
can say I am proud to have accomplished this degree with. These individuals have all
come together to complete goals and encourage each other in times of need. I am proud
to working in the professional field knowing that there are individuals promoting the
same welfare services. Working amongst peers was a great learning tool for the future
professional setting.
Lastly, the work I have done while obtaining my Bachelors of Social Work has
made me more self aware to the values and ethics I hold. I have competed a paper on
moral reasoning which I demonstrated the difference between morals and ethics. It
helped me understand the many ethical values that social workers are expected to
maintain from the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. I use the
NASW code of ethics to guide my judgments in practice. The NASW also guides me in
times of ethical dilemmas.
My educational and field experience has supplied me with the foundations to
effectively practice in social services. I intend to use the skills and knowledge I have
obtained to the best of my ability. I also plan to continue my educational needs and
keeping up to date on emerging trends in the social work field. I am excited to continue
working in the social work field and look forward to the many lives I will meet and
impact along the way.