Shamekia Schoffner 1

Histoire Du Livre in French, Geschichte Des Buchwesens in German, or the History of

Books in English. Irrespective of the language or country; one universal commonality as it
relates to books is the story. This is my story of my personal life experiences and why I chose
social work as a profession.
There are varying themes in my life which have been pivotal in my decision-making in
choosing social work as a profession. Innately, I am a social person, I enjoy interacting with
everyone I come in contact with. It can be a simple hello or conversing with someone about
varied areas of interest. Effectively communicating and interpersonal skills is vital in social
work; I believe it will be beneficial in helping me gain trust, create healthy relationships, and
build rapport with clients. Moreover, social work offers different settings and vast career
opportunities which will allow me the options to be employed by a small non-profit organization
or a large corporation. Being employed in different settings also involves interpersonal relations
with other disciplines. For example, in the fall of 2013, I collaborated with Wayne State
University (WSU) medical and nursing students for a home visit assignment assisting an elderly
client. My team members and I collectively shared ideas and integrated different perspectives
which was beneficial in providing the best care plan for our client. I also embrace change and I
think it is essential when working in a group to receive constructive criticism. I welcome
feedback from my superiors and colleagues. I believe without challenge, there is no change; two
elements are essential in any career setting.
Moreover, the transformation of seeing people change is rewarding. I relish in the
metamorphosis of seeing people transform from victim to victor. Lastly, my field placement at
SOS Community Services has helped solidify my passion. SOS Community Services is a
community-based nonprofit committed to preventing homelessness and assisting consumers to

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become sustainable in life. As of late, some of my responsibilities as an intern have included:
assisting consumers with utility assistance through a grant program, organizing a turkey
giveaway to over 200 consumers, applying for a grant to assist families in need of infant
essentials and other administrative tasks. I am currently in the process of creating and
facilitating a gerontology group. My field placement experience has prepared me in deescalating conflicts among consumers, working well under pressure and being resourceful with
limited resources.
My personal experiences in life has taught me that opposition presents opportunity. As an
adolescent, I experienced traumatic events in my life My past experiences allow me to
empathize for clients in similar situations and professionally recognize signs and symptoms of
abuse However, my struggles helped me to become the woman I am today: A victor,
determined, optimist, ambitious, resilient, and altruistic.
Aforementioned, during times of opposition I look at as an opportunity. In this case, one
of my greatest feat in life was graduating high school in one year. I graduated high school in one
year for two reasons- I was persistent and determined. I attended several high schools and
because of the school and graduation requirements, I was academically behind several years. In
spite of me being on the honor roll at some of the previous schools I attended. I was told by my
academic counselor, I had 9th grade credits as a junior. However, I did not let that hinder me
from accomplishing my goals. I enrolled in additional classes and worked part-time and I
graduated on time from one of the top academic high schools in the United States.
Detroit name speaks for itself; the history and culture is what intrigued me most about the
great city. WSU was no differently; I knew I wanted to attend a university that was research-

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focused, innovative and culturally diverse. Ive lived in rural, urban and suburban settings, and I
have taken race and comparative religion courses. My experience on campus and social
interaction with my peers have provided me with a greater insight and deeper appreciation.
WSU embodies the definition of a melting pot with students being from different regions,
religions and races. The campus environment fuses the young and the mature, traditional and
non-traditional students.
In the fall of 2013, I had the opportunity to serve one of the most vulnerable populationshomeless consumers. I volunteered at Neighborhood Service Organization in Detroit, Michigan.
During that time, I had direct experience with consumers who were battling concurrent
disorders. Some of the conditions ranged from substance abuse to severe mental illness.
According to Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND), the 2013 statistical report states,
that there are over 16,000 people who are homeless in the city of Detroit (HAND, 2013). This
mind-boggling statistic raised many questions and stirred up personal feelings for me to be more
charitable. My direct experience of visiting consumers near abandoned buildings, in the streets,
at mental health clinics created an initiative for me to help citizens of Detroit. I organized a
canned food drive on WSU campus to help individuals and families in need of non-perishable
food. My community service effort was well received by my former professor, Mrs. Fleming
and I was featured in an article on Wayne States University blog.
While a student at WSU, my social work education has prepared me with essential skills,
knowledge and values to be an effective, and competent social worker. The program has also
prepared me to become aware of how to confront ethical dilemmas, the importance of critically
thinking and self-care, and applying myself in accordance with the National Association of
Social Work standards. The most feasible educational tool that is beneficial to me is the

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utilization of the specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-phase (SMART) system to assist
clients with goal planning.
My professors has also been influential in my educational experience. Initially, I navely
chose social work to help people. My former Professor, Mr. Huff, made a statement which
caused me to cognitively alter the way I view social work. He said, You cannot help anyone, as
a social worker, you provide individuals with resources and support so that they may be able to
help themselves (R. Huff, personal communication, 2014). That statement made me understand
as a social worker; we utilize a person-centered model where clients ultimately help themselves
and we provide them with the necessary tools to do so.
As quoted by Benjamin Franklin An investment in knowledge always pays the best
interest (B. Franklin, n.d.). I plan to finance my graduate education with the help of student
loans. Furthering my education in social work will afford me the opportunity to reap some of the
full advancements of being a social worker. Because I know the importance of education, I have
maintained a 3.4 grade point average while in the BSW program. I plan to cope with the
demands of graduate studies by continuing to going to the library several times a week to study,
organizing a study group and asking my masters social work mentors for support. Moreover, I
do not like to procrastinate; I plan to complete my assignments before the due date and utilize
educational support services offered on campus as well as use time-management skills.
Admittance into the masters social work program at WSU will allow me the opportunity
to gain a deeper insight in working with client systems, specifically with a core concentration in
interpersonal practice. As a strengths-based MSW candidate I offer the following: personal life
experiences, client-focused approach, and an altruistic mindset with a commitment to treat all

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clients fairly, and with dignity and respect. If admitted, after completion of obtaining my
masters degree in social work I plan to seek a position working with various client systems. I
would like to explore working in hospital, court, and school settings, as well as working with
children and families to gain experience in different areas of social work. My long-term
aspirations is to work in academia and teach prospective social work students. My motto is each
one, teach one.
Lastly, I am not only a proud WSU Warrior, but a warrior who challenge social injustices,
and advocates on the behalf of the oppressed and vulnerable populations. My battle wounds are
my badge of honor that I wear proudly as a symbol of hope, determination and perseverance.
My life experiences have taught me life is like a good book; it may have weathered like a rainy
day reading at a bus stop, or have stained like late night readings in a coffee shop, or highlighted
like memories of the good and bad. Most importantly, life is like a book as one reads over and
over to gain deeper meanings. As I become wiser and evolve, I am finding new things meanings
about myself - my likes, dislikes, and quirks. One thing that has remained constant is my passion
and purpose in life. I enjoy helping people in need, being a bridge for people to cross, a guide to
who are lost, and a voice to those who are voiceless. This is my story. This is my journey. This is
one of my chapters.
Signed,
Purposely Pursuing my Passion

References

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Franklin, B. (n.d.). Benjamin Franklin Quotes- Brainy Quote .web. Retrieved from
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/benjaminfr141119.html
Homeless Action Network of Detroit. (2013). 2013 State of Homelessness Annual Report
for the Detroit Continuum of Care: January December 2013. 3-Year Data Comparison.
Retrieved from
http://static1.squarespace.com/static/5344557fe4b0323896c3c519/t/5463b9f3e4b05c41e0cd28b5
/1415821811971/2013+STATE+OF+HOMELESSNESS+REPORT+FINAL.pdf