A Love Letter to Social Work

By Susan Mankita, LCSW

Dear Social Work,

I cannot say it was love at first sight for me, though you undeniably found your way into my heart. Ours is a romance of 25 years … & like relationships of any length, it’s certainly complicated. ...You have become a comfortable life companion, though occasionally you challenge me beyond reason.

When we first met, I wasn’t sure you were my type… I mean, face it – you didn’t have the best reputation – the whole taking away kids thing… the bleeding heart bit…the salary...but once I started taking you seriously, my thinking changed forever...

Because of you, I bear witness to people’s pain on a daily basis.

Because of you, I take the visions and hopes of people seriously.

Because of you, I have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to truly impact lives.

We’ve taken some incredible journeys... stood in the shoes of abused children – and the parents who’ve lost custody (often abused children once themselves). We’ve visited high crime neighborhoods where we were welcomed into homes where we were afraid to sit down.

Social work – you and I have held the hand of a hospital patient, dying alone with no family or friends in sight. We’ve walked along side people who were newly diagnosed with terminal illnesses and born witness to their grief.

We’ve written so many soap notes – well, there isn’t enough water on the East Coast to wash away all the suds

Although we’ve seen unimaginable suffering, together we’ve also learned to NEVER underestimate the power within any individual – you and I have seen first hand that people have strengths and resources I couldn’t possibly have imagined. Thank you for a career rich in meaning, and filled with challenges and possibilities.

Happy Month!

With love from your life partner,

Susan Mankita, LCSW

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Comments (21)

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Thank you for sharing

Beautiful.

Stacey more than 2 years ago

Social Workers Have So Much Heart

I think that social workers have so much heart and love to give. I certainly feel that way as a social worker. I used to wish that I had become a psychiatrist for the power and the money. After many years as a social worker, I wouldn't trade my chosen profession for anything! I loved your love letter.

Dr. Janet A. Geller more than 2 years ago

Thank you

Child welfare 35 years; semi-retired working part-time at a non-profit w/adolescents aging out of foster care, for past 5+ years. "Lost" my first 18 y.o. three days ago - it hurts just like the first time. As much as my gut says "no more", I will be back at it again next week. Why? Because I can and will continue to make a difference. I needed to read this today. Thank you from the bottom of my social work heart.

aic more than 3 years ago

Beautifully written.

Why am I not surprised as I knew you as a young woman first starting out. This works is a better place because of people like you. Continue to thrive. Love you. So lucky to call you my good friend.

Geri Cantor more than 3 years ago

Grateful student.

Best professor in the whole wide world! ❤️

Jennifer Lanzas more than 4 years ago

I love Social Workers!

Well said!

Carol Duryea more than 4 years ago

My career spans 41 years. We empower others.

my career spans 41 years. The majority in Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare. After I retired, now working part time at Foster network that specializes in special needs, medically fragile, spectrum children and cognitive delayed. I am 63 and feel great every day because of the children in my life. I love social work.

Kristine Hess, LSW, OHIO more than 4 years ago

Perfectly Stated!

I have been a Social Worker or Counselor for 16 years now, having my MSW. I was able to relate to your writing in so many ways! I have worked for CYS, I was a School Social Worker, a counselor for children in foster care, and now an addiction counselor for adults. No matter what I have witnessed, you realize how much stronger everyone else is struggling with hardship. This career path has been an eye opener in so many ways! Thank you for sharing!

Danielle more than 4 years ago

perfect

Thank you so much for this letter. I have been a social worker for 20 years and still love my degree! My biggest fear is the new generation who absolutely don't get why they should get an MSW --but rather tell me they want an MPH/MPA-- I desperately try to convince them otherwise. We need to better market what an MSW can offer. I loved my program at Boston University.

ruth r more than 4 years ago

Thanks

I am currently a Human Services and Social Work major:) My professors have done wonderful in teaching us a simple lesson. There will be challenges but once you witness someone's life change for the better it's worth it! I think I will get my MSW, I graduate in December with my SWA (Social Work Assistant) which is an associates

April more than 4 years ago

I'M HONORED TO BE A CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

I have been a Social Worker for 37 years. To help people that want our help is rewarding. None of us go into Social Work to become Rich. Yes, it is a profession filled with challenges, hopes, possibilities and at times sadness. I wouldn't want to do any other job.

Edward Paley, LCSW,ACSW,BCD more than 5 years ago

What a wonderful reflection!

Yes, Social Work is my life partner as well, and I could not have said it any better. Thank you, Susan Mankita.
Barbara Ackermann, EdD, LCSW

Barbara Ackermann more than 5 years ago

Thank you for the encouragement!

Thank you for this post! It is not only timely for me personally since I am presently a SW student and pastoral care counselor, but its also filled with the quiet reminder that....yes, the roller coaster ride is worth it!

Michelle Soto more than 5 years ago

We're privileged...

..to bear witness to the core of people's beings and problems. I've just retired (a bit early) after more than 30 years of entering people's lives in their homes, hospitals and other facilities. It was an amazing ride. Our satisfaction is enhancing their quality of life in whichever way is most fit. I also loved finding something to laugh about with them as joy can be something sadly missing when the hardships of life intrude. I might write some memoirs one day about some of the bizarre situations I found myself in. You just get on with things at the time, but can be left reeling later. A sense of humour certainly helps. I am mindful of confidentiality, but some stories beg to be told. Truth is often Much stranger than fiction indeed. Thanks for your post, Susan.

Bee Kay more than 5 years ago

Awesome.......

Reading this i reflected my past 25 years in social work.............it was exactly like this.....and now I just cannot live without this work....it has become part of me and my being....every breath i take is mingled with it...thanks a million for sharing such wonderful reflection and making us feel nostalgic...

Shaji Zacharia Fernandez more than 5 years ago

Wonderful!

I just retired after 39 years. I have never regretted my choice. It has meant more to me than I can say.

Barbara Daubenspeck more than 5 years ago

Beautifully said!

What a beautiful tribute to a difficult but rewarding profession.

Karanita Boling more than 5 years ago

Wow!

Heartfelt, I can relate to it in many ways. This profession it's not easy, but it sure is worth it. I complain and curse my sw role, but at the end if the day...Ican't see myself doing anything else

Norm more than 5 years ago

Creative.

I truely love this! You are amazingly creative!! Happy Social Work Month to you!!!

Carmen H. Rodriguez more than 5 years ago

Cogratulations

Nyc letter .Mrs Susan Mankita.

Rupesh Kumar Singh more than 5 years ago

WOW.

Thank you for sharing! What a beautiful relationship. I'll bring cake to the anniversary party!

Karen Zgoda more than 5 years ago

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Great gift book for social work graduates!