Embracing the Unforeseen Path: My Journey in Social Work

Cierra Edmonds, Alum 2019 - I had no intention of pursuing a career in social work. I was dismissive of the profession, believing social workers were overworked and overpaid. So, I embarked on my college journey with a degree in psychology. However, my curiosity about the "why" behind mental health disorders and the adverse outcomes in our communities persisted. I wanted to understand the root causes and find ways to create better systems. Through research and self-reflection, I realized that social work encompassed the roles I felt called to fulfill.

After completing my graduate studies and obtaining my license, I eagerly embraced my first job as a medical social worker in the emergency department at John Hopkins Hospital. It was a challenging and fast-paced environment, but I was equipped with the skills I had learned, particularly advocacy. I quickly discovered the importance of advocating for clients and empowering their self-advocacy skills within this career field.

As I delved deeper into my work, I recognized that urban social work was about fighting to alleviate the psychosocial concerns faced by individuals in urban communities and being an agent of change in addressing social issues. However, one of the significant challenges I faced was finding myself in spaces with professionals who lacked cultural competence or had not worked with underserved and disenfranchised populations.

Striving for work-life balance has been an ongoing task, but I have developed certain rituals that bring fulfillment to both my personal and professional life. I have learned to enforce boundaries with clients and colleagues, understanding that while we must provide the necessary tools, we cannot internalize if the populations we serve choose not to utilize them. Moreover, I prioritize self-care and consistently invest in refreshing and restoring myself to prevent burnout.

Looking ahead, I have ambitious plans for the next ten years. I aim to complete a doctoral program, teach courses at Morgan, and further develop my urban social work practitioner skills. Additionally, I actively engage in the Social Work Society at MSU and do everything I can to support aspiring social work professionals, giving back to the community that has shaped me.

And so, as my journey in social work continues, I remain committed to the profession that chose me and to impact the lives of those I serve positively.