Inspire
by Allan Barsky, J.D., MSW, Ph.D.
As a professor with the Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University, I am constantly inspired by my students. I am inspired by graduates from the foster care system who are determined to improve the systems that have not always been so kind to them. I am inspired by students who have survived state-sponsored torture and bring unbridled compassion, resilience, and unconditional positive regard to all their clients. I am inspired by students who have recently extricated themselves from abusive relationships and find the strength and time to manage their responsibilities as parents, students, and employees. I am inspired by transgender and gender-fluid students who are willing to answer naïve questions from curious colleagues. I am inspired by students from very supportive families and privileged backgrounds who are able to empathize and connect with clients who come from not-so-privileged backgrounds. I am inspired by students with social anxiety or other challenges who engage in therapy to ensure that these challenges do not impair their ability to practice. I am inspired by the time, commitment, creativity, and energy that students put into their written, oral, and experiential assignments. And I am inspired by graduates that I meet in the community, learning about their interesting work and ongoing commitment to the profession and the communities they serve.
Each year, our school holds a community event called “The Phyllis Sandler Heart of Social Work” to raise funds for scholarships for students in need. Each year, when students share their stories of why they became social workers, we are all inspired to support our students, the future of this honorable profession.
Allan Barsky, J.D., MSW, Ph.D., is Professor of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University and author of Social Work Values and Ethics (Oxford University Press). He writes the Ethics Alive column for The New Social Worker.