Mia Ravasio '10, Salvation Army Rehabilitation
When I came to Saint Mary’s College I originally wanted to major in psychology and become a counselor. In talking with other students and learning more about the different career paths and opportunities the social work major had, I decided it was the major and field for me. Dr Burke’s Introduction to Social Work class explained the social work profession well. Dr. Kominciewicz’s HBSE I class gave me an overview at all the different populations to look at which showed me all the individuals I can help as a social worker.
I never had a specific calling to social work but rather a desire to work with oppressed individuals that our society tends to outcast. I want to help people realize they can achieve success and self-sufficiency so being a social worker. Social work isn’t about giving someone the perfect advice but more about truly listening to someone’s needs and assisting them on how to reach their goals. Through social work I want to better someone’s chances for successful whether it be in terms of advocacy for the poor, prisoners, substance abusers, or any type of oppressed group. I would like to eventually take the micro work I want to do and use my knowledge and experience to better policies and work towards more equal opportunity in our country.
Do you want to develop a greater sensitivity to and appreciation of the diversity of being human? Would you like to provide professional social services or intellectual expertise to help others live a more satisfying life? With an undergraduate degree in Social Work from SMC, completion of an MSW through advanced standing, and one year of professional social work experience in a medical or psychiatric setting, you would qualify for over 178 Social Work jobs currently listed on the Veteran's Administration website! Also, an interesting and informative article from the New York Times looking at the future of jobs for women in America can be found here.
The Social Work Program at Saint Mary's College is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). |  |
With a firm grounding in social work values and ethics, students will work for social and economic justice with oppressed populations in society, in the workplace, and in civic, home and spiritual communities.
Social Work specifically prepares students to provide professional social services across a spectrum of social systems. By employing a generalist orientation, students apply problem-solving techniques to help people with all types of problems.
Social workers make a difference by working with
