Why Social Work?

I am interested in social work because I love humans and their/our stories. I am curious about the growth that comes from discomfort, the confidence that comes from lessons learned, the evolution that comes from new experiences, the developmental stages of a person’s life, and all the facets of human identity.

Over the last three and a half years as a coach, teacher, and advisor, I have seen pieces of the heavy loads my students carry. While I love teaching, I still find the greatest sense of purpose from the personal connections I make with students. I cherish my opportunities to help, and want to offer more when they struggle. They struggle with anxiety, divorce, trauma, eating disorders, social conflicts, sexuality and gender identity exploration, and more. And they want to play a meaningful role. In response, I strive to be present, to make space for them to think and speak, to be in conversation with them, and to make them feel seen and heard throughout this time of most profound change in their lives within an ever more tumultuous world. Sometimes their struggles go beyond that which I can support in the context of my role, which has led me to explore a degree in social work.

Children and teens who identify as members of the LGBTQ community are at increased risk to experience anxiety and depression. They are more likely to struggle to find housing and health care or to commit suicide. I believe one of the most important things for a child or adolescent to have is a support system within which they feel affirmed. I have had the opportunity to work with many children as they grapple with coming out to friends or family, as they navigate questions about who they are and what makes them unique. I’ve worked with a school community to increase its awareness and inclusivity through curriculum design and implementation, as well as whole school programming including Day of Silence and a middle school PRIDE club. One of the things I have learned from my own personal development and work in Quaker schools, communities that believe in the continuous revolution of truth and the idea that no one of us has the “right” or final answer to any of life’s many questions, is that it is important for children and adolescents to have a safe place to simply be, bring themselves, and not know all the answers.

I first became interested in this issue when I saw what it looked like to be in a school where this particular type of human diversity was celebrated, a school where teachers were “out” to their students and where children and adolescents could see themselves and their families affirmed in the curriculum, the books, and the people around them. I saw this kind of community work; I saw, and as a member of the LGBTQ community, felt authentic connection, vulnerability, and respect. Nonetheless, I also heard stories about bullying, fear, pain, and abuse. And when I witnessed this firsthand, I felt anger and sadness like never before. As someone who had the privilege to feel seen and loved in my learning community, I feel compelled as a teacher to help cultivate this feeling for others, and believe that social workers have a unique, potentially life-changing, if not saving, role to play in organizations that work with LGBTQ youth.