what it's like

Because social work values and ethics are so intertwined with my personal value system, it is hard not to view everything from the perspective of my profession. In other words, I constantly see the world through the eyes of a social worker.

This could get pretty depressing because I am often (a) angry at the many injustices that I see and other people could care less about; or (b) guilty because I feel it's unfair that I have a lot more than most of my clients. For example, a holiday does not pass when I don't think about how many people had to be oppressed to create this holiday. Thanksgiving can be traced back to the oppression of the American Indians. I associate Christmas with the religious wars that are occurring in the place where Christ was purportedly born. Furthermore, I also feel guilty about the things I do have. When I sleep in my warm bed, I feel guilty that other people are sleeping on the streets in 40 degree weather. When I cannot finish all of my food, I feel guilty because other people would do anything to have a bite of food in their stomachs. The list goes on and on. Having a social worker perspective is akin to having the ability to see the 4th dimension; it's something special, but not everyone can do it.

Nevertheless, having the perspective of a social worker is also very rewarding because of the little change I can effect. Even though I know I can't change the world, I know that my job enables me to influence at least one person's life each day. The fact that I am present to listen to a client's problems is probably more than any other person in his/her life is willing to do. Raising awareness about social and political issues that affect my clients further helps them by subverting the ignorance that is prevasive in this society. Assuming other social work roles (e.g., enabler, educator, advocate, etc.) allows me to help my clients in more ways than can most other professionals.

Seeing the world through the eyes of a social worker also makes me more thankful for my life. When I see how little my clients have, I feel much more thankful about what I have. I complain less than a lot of people I know because I see, on a daily basis, how life could be much worse.

I do not regret choosing this profession because I think this dual perspective has made me a more mature individual. I am appreciative of the fact that I have the opportunity to change lives everyday. I am glad that I found a profession that allows me to do what I love most.