Silence

This weeks reading reminds us of the importance of silence. I find great knowledge in silence. I find if I am able to really listen to what people are saying it brings me a greater understanding. This allow me to see the vision of their experiences. I enjoy listen to people speak of their life so I can gain different perspectives on issues. I think listening is a skill we need to continue to practice.

I enjoyed what Paulo Freire's statement of "Emphasize our own voice so much that we impose silence on our students". I see how applicable this is to the field of social work. It is extremely important as a social worker we learn to be silent and not impose our voice on our clients. This would allow for them to express their circumstances, work through their feelings and come to a resolution which will best fit them. Then we will be able to see what direction the client wants to take their life and we can offer guidance.

Reference: 
Dunlap, L. (2007). Undoing the Silence: Six Tools for Social Change Writing. Oakland: New Village Press. 

We are just entering week four of the semester and I am starting to feel more comfortable with the expectations of the program. I have worked on a few group projects over the past few weeks and am also becoming more comfortable with the process.

Last week we were introduced to social justice and how we as social workers can effect change. I see a great need for more social workers on micro and macro levels. I see how important it is we work on social justice on a macro level to improve resources available and improve social justice for those in need. I also see how important it is to work at the micro level with an individual to improve there personal circumstances.

When I decided to return to college my main forces was gaining the education necessary in order to provide for my children financially. A year before I found myself a widow with two children to raise. I was lost. It was the guidance of a few trusted people and the resource which were available to me which helped guide me to current spot. I would not be here without help. When I think of social justice I think of the people who fought for my rights long before I knew I would need them. I think of the micro level as the individuals who guided me in my darkest days. I think of the macro level as the people who worked to provide benefits to my family to make this education possible.

Adventures in Social Work

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Week Two

As we move into week two of our program, I am feeling a bit more comfortable with the new programs I am working with. I can see one of the biggest road blocks to my Degree is myself. I worry so much about not being able to complete my Degree and yet I have overcome so many challenges in the past. I need to give myself more credit and walk this road with confidence.

In order to accomplish my educational goals I have surrounded myself with supportive people. I also know how important it is to be organized and allow enough time to complete my assignments.  I have an office at home and have talk with my family about not coming in when the "In Class" sign is on the door. They are extremely supportive which I am tremendously grateful for.

When things come up in life that cause interference with my goal, I will take a personal inventory about what is more important. I will stay in contact with my professors and fellow students. I will access all available resources to help me continue my education.

I take an active role in my education and know this is up to me. I will continue to work hard to understand, complete and participate in all assignments given. I know all of the assignments and classes work together to give us the best most complete education. I will respect the opinion of my fellow student and my professors. I will listen to them with an open mind and try to understand their prospective. This is one of the best ways to learn through other peoples experiences. I know they are also a valuable asset now and in the future.

Posted by jojo maize at 10:07 AM 1 comment:

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

I can blog!

Hello blog world. My name is Jodie and this is my first experience with blogging. The title of my blog is Adventures in Social Work as I am just starting at Humboldt State University, Distant Ed, Social Work Program. I am excited to have the opportunity to earn my Bachelor's degree and still live in my rural community of Lake County. I am also very overwhelmed at the thought of how much work needs to be done while I am still learning these (new to me) technology tools.

I chose Social Work as my area of study as I have always enjoyed working to help other people. I get great personal satisfaction knowing I was able to help someone make their own live better. I think we all need a network of people to help us through the crazy ups and downs of life. I have been truly lucky to have a strong supportive network of people in my life. However, I am aware not all people have this support and would like to help provide support for them. I am still exploring all of the opportunities I will have once I complete my degree. I do not have just one area of Social Work which sticks out to me right now. From what I understand this is common at this stage of education and with more exploration, volunteering and connecting with people in the field, I will find my way.

Our first assignment is to create and post this blog for SW 480. I believe I am now creating the blog but please understand this is an old dog leaning new tricks! I can see how this will be a useful tool for us as we move through this program. SW 480  is our Distributed Learning Community and I think this will be a great way for us all to support each other while we learn new material and new technology.