If you can cope with this and still want to do it, you are made for social work
Story written by Mary Carter, Student Social Worker of the Year Award winner 2019 and Newly Qualified Social Worker at Essex County Council.
Back in November 2019, which I’m sure feels a lifetime ago for us all, I was
thrilled to win the prestigious award of Student Social Worker of the Year.
I remember this day like it was yesterday and it’s high up there on best days ever. For me, it reignited my lifelong desire to become a social worker.
Great expectations
I was earnestly grateful for the recognition I received for my work as I know that every other nominee, in fact thousands of students around the country, was as capable of winning this award. I was overwhelmed – a combination of shock, excitement and pure happiness.
Hearing the remarkable efforts that practitioners were making to their profession reminded me that social work was my calling, a truly honourable evening to be part of. This being said, it did not come without its worries.
I went into the new year with all that was ahead and this knocked me, the ‘emotional hangover’
began to unveil.
…it reignited my lifelong desire to become a social worker.
Winning this award left me feeling that the pressure was on and the expectations to do well were uncomfortably high. What if I struggle? What if I get ‘found out,’ a feeling we all struggle with from time to time.
Four months on from this evening and a time of our lives that none of us would have expected – Covid-19, a crisis that has highlighted the importance and value of this field. A time when a new generation of social workers was very much needed.
From student to social worker
Although I was fortunate to have only ten placement days left, my final statutory social work placement was significantly impacted by Covid-19. I was instructed to self-isolate and work remotely.
I needed to know how to respond to this crisis professionally and appropriately.
Some students did not want to be in placement when I was adamantly sure I wanted to be. I was supported and a solution was made that was creative and flexible. I feared the leap from student to practitioner, I feared the unknown.
After a successful interview and rest from placement, I started my dream job in the Children in Care team at Essex County Council. I was nervous and feared what was ahead in my new role, whilst equally desperate to use my newly developed skills, passion and optimism to make a difference.
For all students and newly qualified social workers, learning had to change quite significantly. I had to learn my role, tasks and what was expected of me very quickly. I needed to know how to respond to this crisis professionally and appropriately.
New beginnings
It felt outlandish starting a role where I didn’t have a full team around me for help and support. This being said, I was warmly welcomed and, by connecting on our teams WhatsApp and remotely via Microsoft Teams, I began to feel comfortable asking questions, seeking guidance and opportunity. I formed part of a team that wanted me to grow and a team that saw potential.
Winning the Student Social Worker of the Year award gave me the confidence to get involved with and become a founding member of Social Work Connect: a webinar-based initiative helping students, practice educators and practitioners from across the world to stay connected and develop knowledge around social work theory and reflection.
I have also been volunteering in my community in support of ending homelessness.
I feel incredibly proud to be a social worker
My plans to set up a student exchange to Ukraine for care experienced students is under way. The Covid-19 pandemic has showed us how much we can achieve when we all work together.
You are made for social work
Whilst the beginning of my journey as a newly qualified social worker has been a different experience from the one I had envisaged it has, in many ways, prepared me for my lifelong career in the profession.
I feel incredibly proud to be a social worker and honoured to have been able to contribute to supporting people through the Covid-19 crisis where my professional identity is becoming more apparent.
Social work is a gift that allows us to walk into the lives of wonderful people
and children from all different walks of life and make positive, purposeful and meaningful changes. I remain focused and determined to develop my skills and use my experience to build a positive social work career.
As a committed Pinterest user I love a quote – the following words from professor Brené Brown comes to mind.
Connection is the energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard and valued – when they can give and receive without judgment
Brené Brown,
PHD, LMSW
I share this award and journey with all the social work students who, despite the circumstances and the existing struggles, commit to making change every day.
If you can cope with this level of uncertainty, manage your everyday lives and still want to do it then you are absolutely made for social work.
Tell us your social work story at stories@socialworkawards.com telling us your name, job, contact details and social care number (just so we know you’re a social worker, we will keep it private).