Social Work Personal Statement

Part I:

Enthusiastic is an understatement of how I feel about applying for the Master’s in Social Work program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to apply to a social work program that has a concentration in the Latino community. One of the things I love to do is apply my listening and problem-solving skills to help individuals find ways to overcome obstacles in their lives. This is why I am confident that this program is the next step for my future, as it will not only aid individuals in accessing their rights but also give them a voice and make sure they are heard. I am extremely passionate about having the opportunity to work in a field where I can help and advocate for the mental health of

I also want to expand my knowledge and get acquainted with diverse groups of individuals to make these social institutions more responsive to these vulnerable communities' needs.

I spent one year and a half of my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. During my time at this university, I was able to experience the excellent culture and passion that everyone on this campus has. It motivated me to stay active and engaged in my studies. I am confident that UTRGV is the best campus for me to pursue my degree because of the commitment that the staff and professors have. While doing my research on possible campuses and determining which mission statements lined up with my values, I found that the mission statement of the school of social work at UTRGV was the one that resonated the most with me: "The educational emphasis is on social work practice with Latinos considering multicultural competence, ethical practice, knowledge building, and social services that promote social and economic justice". When I finished reading the statement presented, I did not

I underwent a strong curriculum in the fields of psychology and rehabilitation. Taking these courses during my undergraduate studies allowed me to broaden my knowledge in behavioral and developmental issues, public policies, family structure, and diversity issues. These courses helped me confirm my passion for assisting these vulnerable populations. Serving my community is something that I make time for at least four times a month. I have volunteered in different shelters in Brownsville, as well as in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, MX. Some of the duties that I have supported while doing community service include preparing meals, accessing community resources, guiding these individuals to different low-income programs that they might qualify for, and helping my local pantry, among other duties. Doing community service has not only been a way to get hands-on experience in the social work field. It has also helped me gain meaningful and effective experience that I believe has significantly prepared me for real-world work as a prospective social worker. Given the opportunity to join the program, it will allow me to further develop and reinforce my experience in this rewarding