My Social Work Inspiration

By Katie Krout

     Social work is something I have always had a passion for. As I grew up in a home with a mother who works as a social worker, becoming a social worker myself was a given. Eager to get back to work and not fall behind, my mother only took about two months off after I was born before going back to work. She took me along to work with her to eliminate costs of daycare and ensure herself that her work was not falling behind. Numerous people helped her out by taking care of me during the work day. Once I was of school age, I did not have to spend time with her in the senior center; however, I still chose to go to work with her on my days off from school or have a family member take me in after my school day was complete. I had become close with all of her co-workers and the members of the senior center, and I did not want to miss out on their normal day. It was nice knowing people recognized my face and wanted me to talk to them.

     As I got older, I still had a love for working with older people and following my mother around at work. It became so natural for me and something I loved and appreciated. My senior year of high school, I had an opportunity to have an internship during my school day. During my last semester of high school, I spent four hours each day interning at the senior center as part of my graduation requirements. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only was it nice to be in the field working and helping individuals, but I gained a lot of connections and learned about resources that I may never have gotten a chance to do.

     Therefore, my biggest inspiration to become a social worker is my mother. She was excited when I told her that social work is what I wanted to go to college for. She knew she had made an impact on me and was thankful that I had always appreciated what she does and her success. I hope one day I am as good a social worker as she is.

Katie Krout is a student studying social work with a minor in gerontology at Shippensburg University. She is a junior and plans to further her education after her bachelor's degree.