Why Social Work?

I was raised in the small city of Elk Grove, where my childhood consisted of hour long tea-parties with my favorite stuffed animals. I am often reminded of how opportunities proved greater than those provided in my parent’s hometown in Mexico; and how their early days consisted of long hours picking fruit amidst a sun that could only scorch. Since coming to America, they have inspired me to volunteer and provide for those whose opportunities are scarce, and probability of success seems nonexistent.

About a year and a half ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to assist within a special education classroom at my parish. I was initially hesitant to accept the position, since I had no prior experience teaching and believed there were others more qualified for the position than I was. Regardless, I accepted since I convinced myself it was enough to love God and rejoice in the presence of His children. This being said, I still spent a majority of the year feeling uncertain if I was an asset towards the spiritual development of my students. That is until one Sunday after class, one of the children came up to me and handed me a piece of paper. On it, she had drawn a picture of the two of us playing together; and at the top wrote “I love you” in blue pen. Although this gesture may not seem like a lot to one, it meant the world to me that a kid who could hardly spell would make the effort to construct such a thoughtful gesture for me. This made me think of the many elementary school teachers I had- and still continue to- admire growing up. It is those abiding influences that have motivated me to strive for the same impact; as I came to be identified a role model for such an immense group of children. This is what ultimately inspired me to obtain my certification, so that I may teach a class of my own this year.

Through this, I have had the opportunity to inspire hope into children with undocumented parents residing in low income communities. It is situations like these that have helped me to realize that helping others isn’t work, but rather a chosen lifestyle; which has gone to encourage my choice to pursue a degree in Sociology. After college, I plan on becoming a Social Worker so that I may encourage children placed in unfavorable circumstances to defy the many odds thrust in their direction; and to like my parents, inspire their children to do the same.