Hi my name is Christie. I am in my final semester as an
undergraduate student at Bridgewater State University. My daily mantra is “I
can do this”. Earning my degree is especially exciting to me because it is the
one and only thing that I feel I sacrificed by starting my family so young. I
have two sons, ages 22 and 21 and an 11 year old daughter. I was born and
raised in Randolph Ma, where I stayed for most of my life up until a few years
ago when I moved to Whitman Ma.
My first career was in retail management. In 1999 I worked
for a very well-known company that manufactures sportswear. This store was
run by a management team consisting of myself and four other staff member’s. We
had meetings once a week and we would “rank our staff”. The philosophy behind
this is that “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. So, as a team we
would determine who was having the hardest time meeting expectations and then
we would all make sure to invest a little more time coaching and encouraging
her throughout the week. We could have sat there and complained about her poor
performance, written her up, or even decided to let her go, but instead we took
a more helpful approach. Everyone benefited from the extra support given to the
neediest person. This is the philosophy that I stand by and lends itself very
nicely to a career in social work.
Since 2001 I have been fortunate to have many excellent work
experiences in social services. The majority of my work has been with homeless
families as a housing advocate, family services coordinator, and support staff.
This is where I came to appreciate the myriad of social problems clients may
experience such as domestic violence, physical, emotional and sexual abuse,
substance use, chronic poverty, physical and mental health concerns,
illiteracy, discrimination, etc. If I could eradicate one major social problem
it would be poverty because this is one common denominator amongst just about all
of the world’s social problems.
I consider myself
fortunate that the first social service organization I worked for was a community
action agency and I say that because it was the ideal starting point in which
to learn just how important it is to be involved in the community. I had the opportunity
to engage in micro and macro practice. I worked one-on-one with individuals and
families promoting and supporting their personal growth and overcoming barriers
to their success while working with various social service agencies and
professionals within the community to improve access to resources and collaborate
to find ways to better serve clients. At one shelter we were able to empower
resident’s to become involved in the legislative process by participating in a
rally to end homelessness at the State House. This experience set the bar
pretty high in terms of my expectations at the organizations I went on to become
a part of. Social worker’s follow a person-in-environment approach so for me
that means being engaged with both the person and their environment. I
recommend that anyone who wants to be a social worker, work or volunteer in a
community action program at some point in their lifetime, because communities
and organizations can be powerful change agents.
This semester I am both excited and intimidated by my course
load. I am taking micro, macro, research, field, and a speaking intensive
class. I know that I am going to learn a lot! Although many people seem to
really really dislike research I actually think I am going to enjoy it. I am
excited for this course because I want to learn more about taking action and
becoming involved and it looks like that is what we are going to be doing! I
also think this online format is going to be interesting. I think the best
classes are ones that allow for interaction among the students and the instructor.
It is not helpful to be in a class in which the teacher reads directly from
power point slides! A great class takes the material we are learning and
applies it to real life situations.
If I could have one magic power it would, of course, involve
a magic wand. I could wave my magic wand and the person that I wave it over
could suddenly feel empowered. They would be filled with a strong sense of
self-esteem and self-efficacy. I find
that so many clients have poor self-esteem and this is one of those things it’s
difficult to build. My magic wand would make people shine from the inside out!
I always feel intimidated when asked to tell something interesting
about myself, but here goes. I love to
read cheesy romance novels. I can read about a book a day. The cheesier the
better! I also love to crochet, especially when my mother is visiting since she
can be quite dramatic and overwhelming. (Please don’t tell her I said that.)
Crocheting seems to have a soothing effect on my nerves. My favorite thing to
crochet is baby blankets. I love home decorating and have been known to change
the paint color throughout my house quite frequently. I love scrapbooking but
never find the time to actually do it so I have boxes upon boxes of pictures, supplies,
mementos and souvenirs just waiting to be “scrapbooked”. I have never traveled
but one day I would like to travel all over the world, immersing myself in
different cultures and new experiences. And as far as my dream job is concerned
I already have it. I always wanted to be a Mother, first and foremost. The
thing about that is you are essentially trying to work yourself out of a job!
Hey Christie - I wouldn't say you sacrificed getting a degree at all.......we are all exactly where we are supposed to be. I used to feel like that too, until I had a heart-to-heart with Dr. Willison.....I would always beat myself up about being one of the older students and felt like I should be so much further along in my professional life. Dr. Willison pointed out how much I have already done - raising a family, being a mom and helping so many other people along the way - she encouraged me to look at my situation with more positivity - giving myself credit for everything I have already accomplished and not letting anything get in my way of attaining my goal- That BSW. I found this really powerful passage that i have put above my desk that keeps me moving in the right direction......perhaps it could inspire you too!
ReplyDelete"Your journey has molded you for the greater good. It was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is RIGHT ON TIME!" ~ Asha Tyson
Thank you! I love that passage. When I really think about it I agree with you. If I could go back in time I wouldn't change a thing. I appreciate your positive attitude. I have Dr. Willison this semester and I think she is so awesome. I was thinking about going and chatting with her soon and maybe she can boost my spirits just a little. I am a tad bit overwhelmed this semester. I just keep saying to myself...It's almost over!
ReplyDelete