The New Social Worker Vol. 19, No. 4, Fall 2012 | Page 18

Being Who We Are, Every Day, Everywhere
by Novia S. Reid, LCSW

I

f you can remember the day you announced to your family and friends
that you were pursuing a career in
social work, how was the news received?
Was there excitement, joy, and sincerity believing you were about to embark
on a career that would change lives? Or
was there concern, doubt, confusion,
or wonder? Did you hear: “There is no
By:money inS.else?”work.” “Why not choose
Novia social “Social work? You want
Reid, LCSW
something
to be a social worker?” “Is there nothing
else you want to do?”

it’s people like my student who recognize
tor, school social worker, therapist, or
residential coordinator, our reasons for
and appreciate the naturalness of who we
are that make it all worthwhile. Consider
choosing this career are often the same.
it an honor to be who you are, primarily
Each presents a unique chance to impart
because more often than not, people can
changes in the lives of those who need us
tell who you are by your character.
most.

There are blessings in these occu
We have a gift, and it is a gift that
pations, but office politics, unpleasant
gets noticed by others even when we
supervisors, and too much work for one
ourselves are unaware of what gift is
person to handle can often cause these
being received through us. It is not difblessings to feel like burdens. Soon it
ficult to be who we are, because the very
becomes easy to lose the desire that
reasons we chose to become social workonce led you to pursue this great career.
ers are the very things that my student
Although our desires and hearts can be
saw in me when she decided to ask, “Are
shattered by the many obstacles we face,
you a social worker?” When we view
there is still a world that needs us to be
being a social worker through the eyes
who we were called to be—“helpers at
of many we meet, they will say it comes
heart.” Not many experience the joy we
naturally through us, and indeed it does.
do, which comes from being who we are
This is why we are who we are every
at heart. I want to encourage us all that
day, everywhere. There is nothing more
although our profession is not perfect,
beautiful and awe-inspiring than being
it is unlike any other. It truly represents
who you are every day, everywhere.
a great mission. You could have chosen
Therefore, take esteem in it!
another profession, but there was something about being a social worker that
Novia S Reid, LCSW, resides in Miami, FL,
resounded in your heart.
with her family. She is a licensed clinical
social worker with a passion for marital and

Always remember that there is reNovia and her students at the famous Suncouples therapy. She has served as a missionmarkability in us! Separate from the varicheon Bay for an outing.
ary teacher in Suncheon, South Korea.
ous positions we attain, the very essence

of who we are is our compassion—our

From the moment I entered Miami
desire to help others and be an inspiring
you of change.
Dade If you in Miami, FL, I declared day agent announced to your family and friends that you were
College can remember the

We do not need a title to be who
social work as my major and never once
Connect with
pursuing a career in Social Work, how are. How do I know? I experienced their excitement, joy, and
we was the news received? Was
did I change it. When many asked why I
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER
this while being a missionary teacher in
chose it, I was not completely sure at the
sincerity believing you were about to embark One day, a student asked
South Korea. on a career that would change lives? Or was
time. The only answer I can remember
Online
me, “What is your profession?” I said,
giving was, “I want to.” It was likely not
their concern, doubt, confusion, or wonder? Didworker.” She said, “That’s no money in Social Work?”
“I am a social you hear: “There is
the most convincing answer, but it was
the only one I knew. Now, when people
why you’re so friendly and kind.” I
?
“Why why I choosea something Ielse?” “Social Work? it dawned on me that a Social Worker?” “Is there
ask not became social worker, conpaused, and then You want to be
here, my title was that of a missionary
fidently and genuinely say, “Social work
teacher, not a social worker. Yet, I was
chose else is a want to endless
nothingme.” Ityoucalling with do?”
possibilities.
recognized by my actions.
Share ideas with as

I From the moment I entered Miami Dade are important,Miami, FL, I declared Social Work others
was aware that social workers were

Yes, titles College in because
underpaid and undervalued, but what
society requires them to recognize our
on our discussion forum.
duties, draw upon many asked
myI knew about howneverofonce did I change toit. When the distinctions why I chose it, I was not
major and much an impact
they had on the lives of others, how
between ours and other professions, and
See what’s coming in
families and
they cared for children and time. The only answer reasons. But one thing titles
many other I can remember giving was “I want to.” It was
completely sure at the
future issues of
tried to make the world a better place
do not do is define us. Our words and
for not the most it—that is what
actions it was the only every knew. Now, THE NEW SOCIAL
likely those who lived in convincing answer, butdo. Being who we are,one Iday,
when people ask
comes naturally. It is the very reason
struck the cords of my heart. I wished to
WORKER.
why we are recognized without declaring
become a part a Social Worker,
why I became of those who had pavedI confidently and genuinely say, “Social Work chose me.” It is a
the way and helped so many people. In
our titles. Of all the blessings that come
www.socialworker.com
from what we do, that’s the greatest!
this field, care, compassion, healing, and
calling with endless possibilities.

Take time to remind yourself that
hope seemed to have no limits. RegardThe place for social workers on the ’Net.
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