Social Work Personal Statement

I was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Ever since I was young, my family has often discussed politics and social justice issues. At the dinner table, my father usually talked about the government’s corruption and their injustice against the poor or children. Because of these early exposures to social justice, I became deeply passionate and sensitive to inequality. However, at the time I didn’t think I could change the situations, thus I accepted it as a part of life. It was not until I studied abroad in the United States that I learned more about social justice, such as oppression against people of color, women, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and so on. I also learned that one can take action to change the community
As someone who came from a different culture, I have multiple lenses to view a certain issue. Even after studying abroad, I regularly discuss politics and social issues with my father, which gives me the balance between a developed country’s perspective and a developing one. Volunteering at different positions and taking on different responsibilities have taught me how to communicate with diverse groups of people and how to be flexible. I also become more open-minded and accepting of others and their differences thanks to my experience working with diversity and living in different cultures. Working in a fast food restaurant teaches me other skills that are applicable to the social work profession, such as having clear communication, regulating my emotions, dealing with stress and work effectively in group setting. There are some strengths that I believe can be useful for me in working with future client as a social worker, such as being present and attentive, having positive regards about others, and being self-critical at my weaknesses and mistakes in order to improve
When something unexpected happens, I become nervous and therefore it is hard for me to speak clearly. Moreover, as someone who enjoys harmonious atmosphere, I lack the assertiveness needed to confront conflicts. I realize that these weaknesses can be detrimental to a social worker, therefore I’m actively working to improve myself and lessen the impact of my weaknesses to my future career. Attending student organizations and activities on campus are helpful for me, because I learn how my peers deal with these weaknesses in their own lives and apply it to myself. For example, in Leadership seminar, I received advice from my peers on how to be more flexible and calm when something unexpected happens, or how to have positive outlooks on stressful events instead of getting panicked and overwhelmed by them. At the Human Trafficking Abolitionist student organization, I had a chance to meet other social work students, thus I could learn from their experiences. I’m aware of my weaknesses and will try to learn more about how to improve myself and strengthen my skills in