Hi everyone!
It is crazy to believe that my semester of Social Work 201: Introduction to Social Work is coming to an end! I can say that at the beginning of the semester I did not know what to think about this course since I was using it as an elective to fulfil my credits for my Bachelor degree. Now almost finishing it, I can say without a doubt that I appreciate what this course has taught me about Social Work, as well as how to look at my overall life as an individual. As a final blog post, I wanted to reflect on what I have learned and things I thrive to continue from each module!
Within module one, I learned more about what exactly Social Work was about and how there are different frameworks you can use to help a client. One thing that really surprised me, which you will remember if you already read my very first blog material was how integrated Social Workers are in your life from the moment you are born until you die. There is always a Social Worker that can be there to help you when you need one. After finishing not just this module, but the entire course, it has allowed me to reflect on my own personal life and truly understand how prevalent Social Workers are in everyone's lives! (How Interrelated are Social Workers in your Life, 2024)
In module two I learned more about where a Social Worker can be in your life. While I learned in module one that they are in your life, I did not completely understand where they could possibly be (were they just your favourite Uncle Kevin or your neighbour in camouflage? You never know!). After reviewing class material and my instructor's career paths, it amazed me about how often you can really encounter them in every aspect in your life, regardless on your life choices! After doing this module, it made me want to actively find how many Social Workers there were in my home town. I couldn't determine the final total, but I can say that there are a lot! (Who Can Be a Social Worker, 2024) (At What Level Do Social Workers Participate in Your Life, 2024)
Module three incorporated what I had learned in module one and two, but heightened it even more by incorporating the diverse populations within Canada. By learning more about each group within the textbook, it allowed me to gain a better understanding on some of the issues that may be had within these groups. Not only did I learn more about these ideas by actively creating my own "Tree of Life" (which you can view in a previous blog post), but I also learned the steps it can take in order to evaluate, assess, and eventually terminate a clients journey with you as their Social Worker. This material taught me how these things can cause some serious challenges, but can also make great rewards by experiencing them. Overall, I found that this material was the most challenging to get through and really wrap your head around, but it was my favourite section of the course! (Challenges Minority Populations in Canada Face, 2024) (My "Tree of Life", 2024)
Finally we have module four, the final section of the course. This section incorporated what you had learned in the previous three materials, and allowed you to see the ethics, values, and guiding principles that Social Workers use at the provincial, federal, and international levels. By understanding and following these things, it allows a Social Worker to become the best version of themselves professionally while still allowing the systems foundations to guide them. This module showed me that even this career choice can have certain regulations to help you maintain a set of guidelines that you can help pass to another person if something gets out of your control. They are just as human as anyone else! (Ethics and Values in Social Work, 2024)
I believe that throughout this semester I have gained personal growth both as a person and in my education. After I conclude this semester I will become more aware on how I play a role in certain things and that I can look at my life through ways of learning in Social Work.
As "Simplistic Solutions" suggests, I think every person at some point in their life should learn more about what Social Work is and how it can be incorporated into everyone's lives. While this career may not be for everyone, I think that a 'solution' that can be created in the future is to know that there is always someone that can be there for you. Although you may be uncomfortable initially, or that you do not want to burden anyone, a Social Worker is there to help you with anything you need!
As I was taught from the very beginning, a Social Worker is everywhere and can help you in every stage of your life. So when you ever need someone in the future, just know that your friendly neighbourhood Social Worker is just a call, walk or jump away!
Picture from: https://socialworkfutures.com/2019/05/09/why-social-work-belongs-in-the-future-and-how-to-get-there/
References:
All of my references are from this blog. To refer to specific references go to each blog post mentioned.
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