Last summer I began the process of applying for the Master of Social Work program at the U of C. Many months of waiting to hear the news was followed by a disheartening email in March that I had not made the cut and was instead being put on the waitlist in case a spot happened to open up. Three days before the waitlist closed, and two weeks before the program officially starts, I received an email with surprising news that I had been accepted. I had already gone through a grieving process as I felt this dream of stepping back into school with such drive and clear direction was not in the cards for me after all. And now, here I am on the eve of my first day of school.
There is so much about this upcoming journey that I have fallen in love with and feel so grateful and humbled to have this opportunity. My first round through University was not something that I could categorize as inspiring. I was mentally unwell and was counting down the days until I could be done with that chapter in my life. This time I am centered, healthy, purposeful, eager, and moving forward with over a decade of rich experience that will surely weave nicely into this path as it unfolds.
Why MSW?
The MSW program is something that was not on my radar until mid 2022. I had been contemplating where my thirst for knowledge and development would take me next, and had been continually drawn towards an accreditation in psychotherapy or psychology counselling. As I networked and asked questions of those at various milestones on a similar path I was considering, I was introduced to the idea of pursuing an MSW as it led in a similar direction and had a more expansive, inclusive and relevant structure that aligns with what I have learned and experienced to be most effective and needed.
Social Work is focused on systems thinking, recognizing that you cannot pathologize an individual without taking into account their culture, their history, their environment, their family, and society at large. This is a complex and multi-faceted model of support that strives to empower and lift others up so that the true healing reaches further and longer than one event or relationship. The resurgence of social justice and reconciliation is deeply embedded into the transformation happening within the social work realm. The more I learned and experienced in conversations, research and now in Orientation sessions for the program, the more I feel myself settling into this direction as if it fits like a well worn glove.
I have often described myself as aspiring to be a bridge for others as I am skilled at listening to various perspectives, empathizing from my vast experience with mental health struggles, and showing up with compassion to the plight of the human condition. And now I also sense that an MSW is a bridge. It provides the knowledge, relationships and practice to understand, navigate and work with those who live more in the analytical world of government, rules and regulations along with the individuals and communities who are impacted by societal norms and structures in common and diverse ways.
For now I am planning to take in this experience and allow it to shapeshift me in ways that I see I need and in the areas I am blind to. I would like to have this be the gateway into a clinical practice where I can continue seeing clients and facilitate groups, and I am also open to the possibility that there is something else out there that has my name on it that I am not aware of yet.
I will take some time to occasionally distill my experience down into a blog post for those who have enjoyed what I have shared so far. And I am always happy to hear from you if you have questions or insights to share.
Off to school I go.
xo
Marin