Reflection On Life Experience, Education, And Volunteer Experience

Life Experience, Education, and Volunteer Experience

My decision to seek admission into the graduate social work program was one I have not taken lightly. I am one of the countless individuals who put family and others first to raise my kids and provide for my family. There were several hurdles along the way, the first of many was becoming a single mother, at the age of twenty. My mother was single for the majority of my childhood and was a significant role model throughout my life. She showed me how to love, respect, and appreciate what matters. I worked whatever job I could find to provide the necessities of life for my family but found myself continuing to repeat the same mistakes. Five years and another child, my idea of success was being able to pay bills and have content children. So, in my own idea of success, I felt like I was achieving the so-called American Dream. After years of

Empowering individuals who are vulnerable, oppressed and poverty-stricken should be a basic human right. Although often times we must educate others to understand how some need a helping hand in order to achieve even the smallest of tasks. The first of numerous tasks to achieve this kind of acceptance is to educate the masses on how oppression affects opportunities.

My career goal is to work with vulnerable individuals who may be living in poverty and suffering from mental illness. Specifically within the Department of Veterans Affairs. My passion for this came when I married my husband. He served four years active duty and fourteen years in the Air National Guard. He has given me a new understanding of the sacrifice and selflessness of our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines. This understanding comes with some devastating acceptance of their personal well being and mental status when they exit out of the