Personal Statement: Applying to ASU Masters Program in Social Work

This personal statement outlines the applicant's motivations for pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work at ASU, driven by childhood experiences of social injustice and a desire to give back to the community. The applicant details their background, highlighting work as an outpatient case manager and corrections officer, and expresses a commitment to helping children and adolescents in critical conditions. They emphasize the importance of social workers in addressing issues like teenage pregnancies, truancy, and drug addiction, and highlight ASU's reputation for fostering social justice and valuing diversity. The statement concludes with a reaffirmation of their dedication to making a significant difference in the social dimension through a Master's degree.

Running head: PERSONAL STATEMENT 1
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Name
Institutional Affiliation

PERSONAL STATEMENT 2
Introduction
I am applying for a Masters program in ASU School for Social Work because I
completely believe that social work is not only my correct career path but also an avenue to give
back to the society. My desire has always been to work with and for the less privileged and help
them gain trust in themselves. I spend much of my time with underprivileged people both the
youths and the adult who have a history of both emotional and behavioral problems. Having
worked as a full-time outpatient case manager, and corrections officer, I have some background
information in this area that I purpose to build on to be a better social worker. I aim to
supplement this practical experience with a focused training to provide the best services to my
target group.
Background Information
My desire for the social work profession could be entirely explained by my childhood
experiences. In my early childhood, I was subject to both physical and emotional abuse from the
immediate society simply because my family could not live up the standards of a middle-class
family. My parents also went through the same although in silence. We lacked friends to help us
in the hardest circumstances. Our condition as a family deteriorated day by day, and we were
forced to sell the little property that we survived on. At this point, my life turned a new leaf. It
was crystal clear that my parents could not afford to raise me amidst their struggles. They had
already gone through too many traumatic experiences which they could have hardly survived if it
were not for some few dedicated counselors who came for our rescue. Through the help of these
counselors, my dad was able to secure a minimum wage job which could help us get back to our
feet. Although our problems did not end at this point, we gained some hope of seeing a new day.

PERSONAL STATEMENT 3
When I joined my high school, my parents constantly battled with the little that they had
just to keep me at school. I was hopeful of succeeding with my college studies just to put a smile
on the faces of my parents. Although my parents were reluctant to sending me to a college due to
their financial constraints, I was determined get college education. I joined college at adulthood
where I had to pay for my college dues and family bills while working for a minimum wage.
This was however not enough; I wished to help struggling individuals to get out of their situation
and lead meaningful lives. When I started earning, I was compelled to help those who were more
pressed by situations than myself. My parents kept on reminding me our past experiences and
how some souls had come for our liberation. They encouraged me to give away not because I
had much but because it was a social duty. I raised my children amidst traveling out of the
country helping others in my volunteer work. Through that, I learned that I needed to help others
to make their lives bearable and also to fulfil my duty.
Responsibilities in Social Work
I feel that I have a duty to give back to my community which helped me greatly to
become the person I am today. I am completely aware of how it feels to be on the receiving end
as I already experienced it. In my career, I intend to help mainly children and adolescents in
critical conditions. I feel obliged to make children and families lead hopeful lives regardless of
their current situations. Social workers in the child, school and family domains attempt to
maximize the educational functioning of the school going children and bettering the family’s
general well-being (Pekkarinen & Helavirta, 2016). Such professionals also help parents cater for
their children’s needs, plan for adoption and help locate foster homes. In school contexts, I
intend to help address issues such as teenage pregnancies, truancy, drug addiction and poor

PERSONAL STATEMENT 4
performance. Social workers are well-known for helping establish good student-teacher
relationships (Lassinantti, 2018).
Why ASU School of Social Work
I feel that the ASU School for Social work is a perfect place that molds social work
practitioners to perfect career individuals committed to working for social justice. ASU is famed
for contributing to the growth and dissemination of social work skills knowledge and greatly
upholds the professional ethics and values. Above all, ASU accentuates a great understanding
and reverence for uniqueness and diversity. I believe that ASU will build on my skills gained
both at my past educational institutions and in the working environments. The gap left in my
career path will perfectly be filled by undertaking a Masters program at ASU.
Conclusion
I believe that the highest point in life is helping others rediscover themselves and be
satisfied with whom they are. I do not purpose to do good just to impress others but rather to
fulfill a duty that I feel attached to. Since I was once a victim of social injustice, I believe I will
be able to serve the society diligently. The fact that I have a firsthand experience makes me more
inclined to creating stronger bonds with my target audience. I am quite certain that I will make a
significant difference in the social dimension with the aid of a Master’s degree in social work
from ASU.

PERSONAL STATEMENT 5
References
Lassinantti, K. (2018). Social Work Practices for Young People with Complex Needs: An
Integrative Review. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 35(3), 207–219.
Pekkarinen, E., & Helavirta, S. (2016). ‘Voluntary’ and ‘involuntary’ child welfare: Challenging
the distinction. Journal of Social Work, 18(3), 253–272.