Hello fellow social work students, friends and neighbors.  As usual I am getting to all of you a bit later then I should. My journey on in the MSW program reminds me of The Little Engine that Could.  If I remember correctly there was butter on the tracks and it took that Little Engine some time to get going on down the tracks. That is sort of my personality. I just need to get going and then down the track I go. I think I can, I think I can.

I always wanted to be a social worker….no I didn’t.  However some part of me may have always wanted to be a social worker but did not know what that means. Maybe I am still figuring that out too. What I do know is I have always had within me some core beliefs and values that line up with a career in social work. On the playground I didn’t want to help pick on the new or different kid. I wanted to help and listen and generally cared about the well being of the people around me. Now days I am somewhat of a hippie communist wanting everyone to feel good and have their share. Social work just feels right.

In my current position working for Humboldt County Social Services as an Integrated Case Worker I have had the opportunity to work with and observe the great and meaningful work that Social Workers do. I have seen them make a difference and something inside of me always said, “I can do that and I would be good at it.” So here I am.  

The light at the end of the tunnel for this little engine that could is completing my MSW program at HSU. I am fortunate to be a participant in the TITLE IV E stipend program in Child Welfare Services. I will complete my internship with the county in Child Welfare and continue working in my current position until the program is complete. At that point I will work within CWS for a minimum of 2 years as a Social Worker to meet my stipend program obligation. Don’t tell anyone but I would have done it anyway, ha!

I want you all to know that I really feel blessed to be able to participate in this program with all of you and hope to be able to work with each of you in some capacity before this journey and part of our lives is through.