My initial interest in the social work field came from receiving mental health services during adolescence. I became interested in the different kinds of therapeutic services, discovered a passion for helping others, and wanted to use my lived experience to inform my practice. Pursuing a career in social work satisfies my goal of addressing unequal access to services, while giving me the opportunity to provide the clinical services that sparked my initial interest in this field.

I have been able to apply many of the social work concepts and theories from this program to my field experiences. In accordance with empowerment theory, course work and material have reinforced my understanding of how important it is to engage clients as the expert on their own experience and goals. Empowerment theory resonates with me because it puts the client in the driver's seat. A social worker's job involves providing clients with education, resources, and interventions. However, clients have the right to choose what they do with what they have available to them. I think that within empowerment theory, it is essential to promote self-determination and reject oppressive or paternalistic approaches.