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When I started my undergrad, I was going to school for elementary education. I began to
realize that I did not want to "teach to the test", I wanted to help. I transferred schools
and decided to try social work. I finally felt like I found what I wanted to do. Being
in school and learning about social work was great but it wasn't until I did my undergraduate
internship that I found my passion for work in the mental health field. I met the most
amazing people at my internship, both staff and clients, who inspired me. I was making
connections and truly helping. The agency where I did my internship is my
current employer. I enjoy going to work every day because I know I am making a difference.
It enrages me to see people stigmatized. Many people, even some people in my own family,
think I work with "crazy" and "dangerous" people. I often get asked if I am afraid to
go to work. My answer is no. The people I work with are seeking treatment and trying
to make a difference in their lives and to make themselves better. It saddens me when
I think about the discrimination they must experience on a daily basis. The media makes
people living with mental illness seem harmful. This is difficult because while I don't want
to see people with mental illness portrayed this way, it seems to be the only way to keep
mental health funding in minds of politicians. Funding is what ultimately led me to know
that I had to be a social worker. Last summer, my position as a case manager had been eliminated
due to budget cuts. Luckily I am in a union and was able to move into another position
within my agency so I was not laid off. Every few months after I graduated with my BSW,
I would research MSW programs. I knew I liked helping people, but was afraid of going back
to school and taking on more loans if I was not absolutely positive that this is what
I wanted to do. I realized how many more opportunities would be available to me if I got my MSW and
how much more I could advocate for people with mental illness. I want to help oppressed
populations get the resources that they need. I have learned a lot so far at UNE about advocating
and empowering, which are very important to me. Both aid in obtaining and maintaining
resources, such as healthcare. I have to fight for human dignity and break down barriers
to ensure that everyone has equal access to adequate healthcare. Continuing my education
will allow me to do so. In the future, I want to obtain my LCSW and open my own practice.
I cannot imagine myself doing any other work.