Quest Project Reflection Paper

My enthusiasm in social work began during high school. At my high school, all seniors were required to complete what was called a “Quest Project”. The purpose of the benchmark project was to focus on a social issue that affected the community, find research on the social issue, and find any possible solutions to the issue. Given that my social issue was focused on social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents, I had worked with a school counselor, who was also a marriage and family therapist at my former junior high school. With his expertise in family therapy and educational psychology, I was able to acquire vital information for my project. My time working with my consultant allowed me to expand my knowledge on theories and methods of problem-solving needed to understand my topic as well as conduct my own research to obtain the appropriate skills needed to address my project.
The Quest Project was essential to
my educational and volunteer experience to improve my personal growth, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. My volunteer experience was at several public elementary schools to work alongside with children and adolescents, and on several occasions, with their parents. My work involved tutoring students in one program, and helping establish healthy relationships for the children and their parents in another program. The goal of my volunteer work was to help young students build character and self-confidence with the help of their families. My perspective changed as I began to develop a better understanding of how diverse families can function together. From this volunteer work, I have gained practical experience which I feel will contribute to my academic and professional success. This experience was one of many that initiated my long-term goal to pursue a career in social work.
Majority of my volunteer and work experiences have placed me in situations where I interact with individuals of different backgrounds.
I have no difficulty in relating with others, whatever their cultural, ethnic, or socioeconomic background may be. I consider my own background to be modest and stable, and I would hope to set an example to others who share similar backgrounds of what can be achieved. By guiding those in need to healthier lifestyle choices and connecting them to the necessary resources to promote their own wellbeing, I found that clients felt comfortable with me. I like to think that it is more than just my interpersonal skills that conveys my genuine desire to see the people I work with succeed in life. Everyone deserves the chance to prosper as a competent person in society. I am committed to facilitate that opportunity for every individual and group in need. My overall work experiences has allowed me to demonstrate empathy, organizational skills, and positive communication in working with clients, families, agencies, and
colleagues.