The Magnificence of the Social Work Profession
by Claudia Marcela Hernandez Palacio
How magnificent this profession is,
It gives you satisfaction, pain and euphoria.
The profession itself talks about the history of equality and fairness among society,
It allows you to believe in a world that could reach a utopia.
How magnificent this profession is,
It recruits people with the courage to fight for what they believe is real,
It gives people the tools to change the world and reach the stars with dignity and ethical principles,
It trains people to be sensitive and rational,
And it gives people the chance to fight a battle of oppression and despair.
How magnificent this profession is,
It speaks a language that can be understood regardless of your culture, your dialect, your race or any other characteristic,
It speaks with symbols that are spread around the globe and ensure the welfare of the people.
How magnificent this profession is,
It unifies people despite their religious beliefs or spiritual bonds,
It cooperates with humanity regardless of their God or their holy book,
The profession emerged from love and compassion; the same love and compassion that made possible the creation of religions around the world.
How magnificent this profession is,
With its holistic perspective and comprehensive coverage it allows people to become transformed into one being,
It demonstrates that brotherhood, honesty and collaboration can be reached,
It confirms the idea that we all came from the same blood line and that we are bonded forever in this life.
The struggle is always there,
The challenge is always present,
Frustration is part of the process of the profession,
However, the social work vocation is the only one that can assure you of a true experience of happiness.
When you help people and you make a genuine change in the society,
You are able to experience a thrill of satisfaction.
When you fight for abolishing pain and despair,
You are able to feel alive and content.
When you practice the social work profession,
You do not stop being a social worker when you leave your workplace;
You live and die for the things that you consider important,
You live and die for enhancing humanity and renovating society.
Claudia Marcela Hernandez Palacio is originally from Colombia, South America. She moved to Louisiana in 2006 and is currently completing a dual degree in social work and sociology at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. Upon graduating in May 2014, she plans to pursue a Master of Social Work with a focus on research, policy, and international social work practice.