Self Awareness Paper-330, Study notes of Social Work

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Self Awareness Paper NaRayel Daniels Longwood University SOWK 330: Practice I with Individuals, Groups, and Families Professor Betts January 31, 2021

Abstract This paper is a self-awareness reflection. The author will discuss the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence as it relates to the field of social work. Firstly, I talked through what led myself into pursuing a future in the social work profession and what population I would hope to work with someday. Secondly, I talk about any personal history or significant turning points that were a direct contribution in my want to become a helper. Thirdly, I discussed my own personal values and beliefs that are related to how I work with others in society. Next, I talk through what my social identities are and how they reflect how I stand and am seen in the world. Then, I discuss what I believe to be my strengths and limitations as it pertains to going into a future helping profession. Lastly, I talk about my goals and aspirations for my personal and professional future as an upcoming social worker. Keywords: self-awareness, reflection, social work

made the decision over seven years ago. Her decision impacted my life more than my sisters because she moved to college shortly after they moved in. The whole situation is not ideal and has a lot of problems, specifically, that my mom does not technically have custody over them so she does not get benefits for them staying with her and she tends to struggle at times. For more context, both of the kids’ parents are alive and well, but do not want to take care of them full time and only spend time with them when it benefits them. In these circumstances, I was forced to grow up quicker and become a role model for my cousins. My role in the family changed because I went from being the youngest child to basically becoming a big sister to three children. Throughout this experience, I was influenced by mom to step up, help her out, and take responsibility for these new additions. This event only motivated my want to become a social work practitioner because I am sure that many families go through situations that are similar to mine and my hope is that I can support those families and advocate for them. Values and Beliefs My mom instilled many core values in me as a child. She always taught me to show respect, be responsible, be honest, have integrity, and to be kind. These values impact my ability to navigate through society because they display the foundation that is my life. The choices and behaviors I choose are based solely on what my values are. My values influence all aspects of my life as well as all of my interactions. Values are essential because they help us grow and evolve. My values also contribute to my self-awareness. In the field of social work, they value the dignity and worth of the person which allows clients to develop self-determination based on their individual values. Social Identity

My social identity would include being a 20 year-old black, female college student that is studying social work, is heterosexual, a member of generation Z, and is a part of the working class. These identities show where I stand in society because it categorizes me from other individuals. My social identities are what make me unique but also determine whether I have privilege or are a victim of oppression. In certain areas of my life, I have experienced privilege and experienced oppression. I have the privilege to continue my education at a university. But I have been oppressed because of my skin color, my gender, and as a member of the working class. In the field of social work, my identities play a role in how my job gets done. Specifically, my identities are how my colleagues will see me forever. In their eyes, I could be an ally or enemy all because of my social identities. My levels of cultural competence and cultural humility is still something that needs to be developed because I do not have much knowledge with communicating and working with other cultures. I learn best when I am continuously practicing what I am taught and as of lately I have not had much opportunity to do so. For starters, my hope to expand my knowledge of both terms starts with gaining cultural knowledge and engaging myself into mindful conversations to help me better understand. For instance, being culturally competent in the workplace would be like becoming a part of a trained staff to improve cultural awareness and skills. An example for cultural humility would be the willingness to understand another one’s culture and not act like you know everything that is assumed about it. Strengths and Limitations Acknowledging my strengths and limitations affords me the opportunity to understand and work with them. One certain attitude and or quality that is counterproductive to my strengths would be agreeableness for the one reason it would only result in disruption because of the

Discussion In conclusion, self awareness has proven to be needed in every aspect of my life. It is an essential part of becoming a social worker because it affords me the knowledge to best help my future clients. My emotional intelligence is another important tool of my future. It is significant because it can sharpen my communication and relationship skills in the workplace. Without either of these ideas, I would not be capable of understanding my own emotions and be able to see and articulate my behavior because of it. In all, this paper does a good job in covering the topics that contain essential parts of my self-awareness because acknowledging them now will benefit me later on.