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I understand that social workers need to be committed to their clients no matter the
circumstance. We have several obligations to those in need of our services. It is important to
demonstrate honesty and respect when providing our services. It is also important to know the
difference between equality and social justice. Every individual will not have the same needs,
which is why being competent is necessary to fully provide them with the most adequate services
and resources. As social workers, we need to be at the forefront in advocating for social justice
for the vulnerable and oppressed populations that we serve. Despite our differences, we are all
human and need to be treated with compassion and understanding. Social workers need to
establish a relationship with their clients, and then attempt to strengthen their personal support
system. I understand the NASW Codes of Ethics will soon become a part of my life and the
services I provide. I do not see much conflict between my personal values and the expectations
of the profession. Even when I am not at work, I feel that I will live my life in accordance with
the core values of the social work profession.
I appreciate that the Wayne State University, School of Social Work is committed to
preparing future social workers by providing the necessary tools and training. The mission
statement of the School of Social Work exemplifies the professional and personal life I aspire to
achieve through advocacy, services and policy changes. I have the desire to further my
knowledge through the Masters program in Social Work (MSW) in order to become a culturally
and professionally competent social worker. This is the number one priority at this time in my
life. I grew up in Southwest, Detroit, so I highly value the mission of the School of Social Work,
which places tremendous amount of importance on urban growth and development through
research and practice. The BSW curriculum of the Social Work program has helped me to apply
my knowledge by analyzing situations and learning how to think critically. My field placement

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during my senior year has given me a holistic perspective on how a non-profit organization is
operated. I am currently at the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and I am
exposed to the prevention, treatment and administrative parts of the organization. I am extremely
grateful to have this opportunity, which enhanced my knowledge and fueled my passion for the
social work profession.
A major social issue, which has continuously been in the news, is police brutality. As a
future social worker, I want to advocate for social justice on behalf of those who have been
mistreated and discriminated against. It is important for me to help advocate and create changes
in the existing laws to ensure this does not continue to occur. People should not have to be scared
of the law enforcement because of the color of their skin. As for an economic justice issue that I
have struggled with was gender gap in pay and more specifically, how men get paid more than
women. It makes me upset not only because I am a woman, but also because I cannot understand
how one gender is paid more relative to the other gender, even when both are equally qualified.
Once I enter into the professional world I do not wish to be discriminated against just because
Im a woman. In fact, no woman should ever have to experience gender discrimination in the
workplace. I am dedicated to empowerment of women and I hope that one day I can make a
difference in society to create a change so that we can all be on an equal footing when it comes
to pay and treatment in the workplace.
Like any other human being, I have my own personal biases, but I would never impose
my personal values or beliefs onto someone else. Empathizing is an important skill which I
possess. However, I also realize that I have to work on emphasizing with people whom I may
have bias against. I know it can be done and I do not see myself having an issue with assisting a
client because for any particular reason. As social workers, we are dedicated to serving the

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underserved and oppressed population and give voice to those who do not have a voice. Having a
different religion, culture or lifestyle from my own should not affect the quality of service I
would provide to a client. In addition, many people have multiple identities and their own beliefs
and values. But I also realize that in any professional setting, you need to leave all personal
issues and feelings aside in order to ensure fairness in the services you provide. Growing up, I
was always exposed to a diverse group of people with diverse backgrounds and walks of life. I
was not afraid of the differences; rather, I became intrigued by others who are of different from
me. Interacting with them made me gain new insights, which enhanced my own worldviews.
There is so much we learn from one another if we listen to each other more and assert our own
values and beliefs less.
My family and friends have been my biggest support. They understand that I have goals
in life and that I will stop at nothing to achieve them. Currently, I am working full time and have
been gradually increasing my saving. Along with these savings, I also plan to apply to a variety
of scholarships which would help defray the cost of my graduate education. For the remaining
balance, I will either use my savings or possibly take on a student loan.
The demands of graduate studies may be daunting, although I am ready to take on the
challenges. My standards are high, yet achievable and I will work hard to achieve them. Working
full-time and being a full-time student, with a field placement two day a week can be quite
overwhelming. I am well aware that effective time management is necessary when living such a
busy lifestyle. Being able to set time aside for yourself is one of the most important things Ive
gained throughout the BSW program. Learning this method and practicing self-care throughout
my educational experience will be well reflected in my professional life as a future social worker.
I will continue to stay close to those who provide social and emotional support; after all, they are

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the ones who inspire me to do what I have passion for. My immediate goal is to obtain a masters
degree in social work in order to make my dreams and goals a reality.
Throughout my college career I have withdrawn from a few courses during 2010 2012
academic years. The classes were university requirements. During that time, my major was
undecided and I had no motivation to attend school due to personal reason. It was not until I was
an intern as a community organizer that sparked my interest and shaped my career goals.
Through my internship, I was able to volunteer during the past elections by canvassing and
registering community members to vote. I was able to organize a workshop for undocumented
people to receive deferred action through the Obama Administrations policy of Deferred Action
of Childhood Arrival (DACA). We offered a variety of resources and service providers such as
GED or ESL classes, as well as legal counselors, and financial specialist to immigrants and
refugees. I was also able to assist with immigration reform campaigns to help stop deportations
of families that were being torn apart. Since this amazing experience I have been motivated to
study harder in hopes of becoming a future social worker. I do not have any present or past
employment situations, misdemeanor or felony charges.

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