The strong among us would run the distance to capture that elusive dream. I learned early on that this is the only way dreams are realized – that is, we envision, work, and love what we’re doing while at it. Although it takes time and a lot of hard work to get to our goals, this is the only way towards our greatest victory. We overcome life’s natural obstacles, learn, heal, and, in my case, teach people how to heal. I am look forward to graduate studies as the next step in my journey.
I got my Associate Degree before earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from ______ University. Through this, I supported myself working as a Certified Lifeguard, day care center assistant and eventually as a volunteer at the local child welfare services office. I worked since I was in high school, juggling thirty to forty hour workweeks.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved working with children. I found it greatly rewarding to teach and take care of children when I was in the day care center. It gave me satisfaction knowing that in small ways, I was contributing to their future. As volunteer for child welfare services, I tutored autistic bi-polar children. It was heartbreaking and challenging to teach mentally disabled children, yet I ploughed through. I was a natural with what I did and I am proud of the impact I have in their lives.
Later on, I became a case manager for the child welfare services office. This was the time when my life took a different turn. I learned to provide crisis intervention for children and their families. I investigated cases of child abuse, neglect and abandonment. Likewise, I became a children’s advocate, oftentimes representing them in court hearings and making sure that our public welfare system took care of them.
In time, I took on a supervisory role in the child welfare services office. I have been in this position for two years now, and I still find great fulfillment whenever I’ve somehow improved the lives of children and families. In recent victories, I was able to bring a child and her mother back together, after an abduction by the father.
My interest in Marriage and Family therapy has been brought about by my experiences. And while my learnings from my work in the child welfare services office are invaluable, I recognize the need to educate myself further. There have been much advancement in clinical diagnosis and treatment, which can help me improve in my functions and future endeavors.
My long-term goal is to have my own Marriage and Family therapy practice. A degree in MFT will help me realize this goal; as well as improve my dealings with children and families. I believe that my life experiences provide me with a solid foundation to take on graduate study, and I am ready for the next steps.
Photo Credit : Fr Antunes
