My motivation to become a social worker began with an experience I had while working at my first social work job during my Sophomore year of college. I had recently begun work as a youth mentor at Utah Youth Village, a charity program that provides services to struggling youth who have been placed in either foster care or detention. My first clients were a 7-year-old girl and her brother who had been placed into foster care earlier that month. In my introductory meeting with their foster mother, biological brother, DCFS caseworker, and their family therapist, I distinctly remember her DCFS caseworker stating that they would not be placed back with their biological mother. This little girl, barely old enough to comprehend what that meant, knew enough to understand that her “real mom” would no …show more content…
This desire is the foundation of all I do whether it be professional, educational, or personal. In reading about Loyola University Chicago’s Master’s of Social Work, I know this program can relate to this mindset by the values it upholds. I am impressed by the diversity in coursework offered and I can tell this program values individuality in each student’s educational journey. The different pathways given through specialization and certification programs show me I will gain a well-rounded education which is of great importance to me as I understand social work is not a static field and I will need to be flexible in whatever profession I choose. I am particularly drawn to the Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor track offered as I currently work as a Case Manager at an addiction recovery center and hope to advance my education to become a therapist for those in recovery. The amount of hands-on experience offered through this certificate program is what sets it apart from any other Master’s program I am interested