My name is Emery, and I am currently a junior at Evangel University. I am majoring in social work with a minor in criminal justice. I have lived in Missouri my entire life so serving my state and its residents is my career goal. I believe that my draw to social work comes from the very idea that it is the “helping profession” and how multifaceted it is. However, I would not have such an appreciation for the values of social work without my family. I am blessed with a very tight-knit family that has taught me every person has inherent value and deserves to be included. My family’s support has meant the world to me and truly driven my desire to help others know a love that I am fortunate enough to have. I struggled with choosing a major that I perceived as both interesting and practical. I considered many different tracks, but did not feel a strong calling to any particular program. Along the way, it came to my attention that social work was a very versatile field, containing innumerable opportunities to help others who are unable to help themselves. Now that I am actively learning more about what social work encompasses, I am becoming increasingly excited for what it has to offer. Currently, I am interested in working with child protective services, hospice, and particularly those within the criminal justice system. I believe that any of these would provide me with a chance to not only aid in improving someone’s quality of life, but also be an example of God’s love. These are just the areas that I would like to specifically research more, but I am open to being introduced to many of the other vocations available. After gaining further insight into the broad scope of social work, I not only feel better prepared and more knowledgeable, but also increasingly enthused about the opportunities to help others in need. The university has equipped me with job experience, volunteer opportunities in the community, dedicated and competent professors to mentor me, and countless resources to prepare me for practical application and readiness upon graduation. As for pursuing a positive impact on addiction, I am going to be completing my senior practicum with Division of Youth Services, where I will be working with minors who have committed offenses. Many of these adolescents have been exploited and introduced to drugs, causing addictions and hardships; our intervention is to prevent them from becoming lifelong battles. I will have the opportunity to help them achieve a better life and I do not take that lightly. Additionally, I am interested in working with Probation-Parole and other organizations for ex-convicts. Many of these individuals have had addictions seemingly ruin their lives, but I believe that hope and respect will show them they deserve more than to be judged by their worst day. I know that for every success there are many hard stories, but I believe that the good ones will make it worthwhile. I am so grateful that I am able to study and work toward becoming a social worker, because I believe that it is not only a profession, but a commitment to live with a purpose. Not only that, but I believe that being a social worker will start now; there is no need to wait until securing a job to start practicing the by-laws of social work. Rather, I can strive every day to embody the ethical standards, professional values, people-oriented attitudes, and advocacy that social work is built on.

My name is Emery, and I am currently a junior at Evangel University. I am majoring in social work with a minor in criminal justice. I have lived in Missouri my entire life so serving my state and its residents is my career goal. I believe that my draw to social work comes from the very idea that it is the “helping profession” and how multifaceted it is. However, I would not have such an appreciation for the values of social work without my family. I am blessed with a very tight-knit family that has taught me every person has inherent value and deserves to be included. My family’s support has meant the world to me and truly driven my desire to help others know a love that I am fortunate enough to have. I struggled with choosing a major that I perceived as both interesting and practical. I considered many different tracks, but did not feel a strong calling to any particular program. Along the way, it came to my attention that social work was a very versatile field, containing innumerable opportunities to help others who are unable to help themselves. Now that I am actively learning more about what social work encompasses, I am becoming increasingly excited for what it has to offer. Currently, I am interested in working with child protective services, hospice, and particularly those within the criminal justice system. I believe that any of these would provide me with a chance to not only aid in improving someone’s quality of life, but also be an example of God’s love. These are just the areas that I would like to specifically research more, but I am open to being introduced to many of the other vocations available. Throughout my time at Evangel, I have become more certain of my choice to pursue a career in social work. However, after gaining further insight into the broad scope of social work, I not only feel better prepared and more knowledgeable, but also increasingly enthused about the opportunities to help others in need. The university has equipped me with job experience, volunteer opportunities in the community, dedicated and competent professors to mentor me, and countless resources to prepare me for practical application and readiness upon graduation. As for working against sexual violence and pursuing a positive impact through my work, I am going to be completing my senior practicum with Division of Youth Services, where I will be working with minors who have committed offenses. Many of these adolescents have been abused or exploited and I will have the opportunity to help them achieve a better life. Additionally, I am interested in working with the Child Advocacy Center, which prioritizes the safety and comfort of children as lawsuits and investigations take place to prosecute sexual crimes against them. I know that for every success there are many hard stories, but I believe that the good ones will make it worthwhile. I am so grateful that I am able to study and work toward becoming a social worker, because I believe that it is not only a profession, but a commitment to live with a purpose. Not only that, but I believe that being a social worker will start now; there is no need to wait until securing a job to start practicing the by-laws of social work. Rather, I can strive every day to embody the ethical standards, professional values, people-oriented attitudes, and advocacy that social work is built on.