PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

 

 

 

My personal mission statement is based on the foundation of personal strengths and life experiences that I bring to my future career as a social worker.  My personal strengths are that I am considered to be an effective communicator both verbally and in written forms.  I also have a positive view of life that enhances my ability to view the strengths of different populations that I will work with.  My life experiences are numerous including working with youth, single adults, married adults, the elderly population and working in a domestic violence shelter.

 

 

I was raised in the suburb of Red Bank which is outside the city limits of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and my background was limited to Caucasian traditional families.  After having the opportunity through various classroom and community experiences to learn more about diversity in its broadest sense, I feel that my worldview is changing.  I now see people through different lenses, and I understand the interconnectedness between people and the various aspects of their environments.  I am still growing in the area of social justice and see more of how it applies to social work practice.  I know this is an area of personal growth that I will continue to develop, and I am committed to that process.

 

 

The area of critical thinking has really challenged me on many levels, and this is an area I need to continue to develop and strengthen.  I have learned to not be afraid of this process but rather, to embrace it and to explore other ways of learning and developing knowledge.  One strategy I have implemented is to use peers that I trust for authentic and constructive feedback on various assignments.

 

 

My developing practice philosophy is that I will approach the client groups I encounter with respect and a non-judgmental attitude.  This particular approach was nurtured through several self-assessment reflection activities done in various classes where I had to examine my own biases and fears.  These activities assisted me with beginning to confront and acknowledge preconceived beliefs and values that could interfere with my ability to be an effective generalist social worker.

 

 

I have identified several strategies that will begin to help me develop my cultural competence.  First of all, being aware of my own biases and deconstructing these biases.  Second, seeking out opportunities to gain knowledge and practical insight into groups that I am unfamiliar with; and then, by actively seeking knowledge through reading, research, and other resources.  Through my studies at Chattanooga State and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I have begun to broaden my sense of diversity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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