Personal Mission Statement

              My personal mission statement is based on an idea from former President Theodore Roosevelt:

                              “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

     Because I spent my adult life moving and have lived in nine different states, it was imperative

     that I be outgoing, adaptable, non-judgmental, and organized. I often found myself far from

     home with two young sons and had to be creative in meeting people and to learn acceptable

     norms for the area so I could integrate my family into the new environment. I feel that these

     qualities will benefit me as I begin my journey in social work practice. The specialized classes

     that I have received in college have given me insight into the theories and skills necessary

     to become a confident supplier of service to my future clients. I realize that I must now take

     this information and formulate my own practice philosophy while adhering to the NASW

     Code of Ethics. Through the various workshops and in class group activities I have learned

     to rethink how I perceive other people in regards to race, ethnicity, age, and culture. These

     activities will help me to become a culturally competent social worker and also be prepared

     for conflicts that may arise. By understanding my own biases beforehand I will be better able

     to serve someone who has beliefs different from my own. I am a student member of NASW

     and plan to continue this affiliation after I obtain my BSW. In pursuit of further knowledge in

     my chosen field of social work, I have applied and been accepted into the Advanced Standing

    Program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. During my career, I plan to continue to

    learn and grow by attending at least two professional seminars a year.  As I inch my way up

    the ladder of success, I will remember to reach back and help those who follow so when I

    reach the top I will not be standing alone.