Trang Bui,
Carmichael Healthy Start

I graduated from the University of the Pacific in spring 2005 with a Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Arts with a minor in Sociology. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in Social Work at California State University, Sacramento. I am pursuing this degree because of my kindness and care for social justice and equality for everyone. I have a desire to work in the field of social work to assist people in empowering themselves for a better life. My career goals as a future social worker are providing services with efficient resources to everyone without discriminating or stereotyping them as an individual. I will advocate for the rights and dignity for the oppressed population. I will provide service to my clients with respect, support, trust, and confidentiality. I have a tremendous concern for people. In my philosophy, I believe that everyone should be treated equal and with respect. Everyone deserves the right to equal opportunity and success. Because of my desires and goals, I am pursuing a Masters in Social Work, to gain extra experience, skills, and knowledge needed to assist everyone in need of assistance. I want to assist people who are experiencing poverty and oppression in their efforts to empower themselves to enhance their adaptive potentials in changing societal, environmental, and structural arrangements that are oppressive.

The Masters in Social Work curriculum provides opportunities for students to enhance social work tools and practices through internships. From this opportunity, I had an opportunity to intern at Asian Resources, Inc (ARI) for the fall 2005 and spring 2006 school year. ARI is a non-profit organization that provides community and employment services to the public. Our services are focused on strengthening the community by promoting a skilled workforce for individuals to drive for upward mobility. At ARI, I worked with the youth program that services youth ages 16-21. The goal of this program is a “paid” work experience program, where worksite placement depends on the youth’s interest, education level, and career goal. My goal was to work collaboratively with the client in developing their educational and employment goals and plans for a successful future. My tasks were employment preparation and retention, career guidance and counseling, and educational counseling. I facilitated leadership workshop, conducted intake, did follow-up and assessed clients, interpreted, outreached, and maintained case management.

For the upcoming fall 2006 and spring 2007 school year, I will be interning at the Neighborhood Service Agency and Carmichael Healthy Start. I will be working primarily with the Alcohol and other Drugs division. I will be conducting individual and group counseling for individuals at risk of alcohol and drug use. I will be working with all ethics groups including Latino youths and adults. I will be co-facilitating adult and teen Relapse Prevention/Anger Education groups which serve Latinos as well as other ethnic groups. In addition, I will provide alcohol and drug services, public health services, and Calworks services to clients. During this summer, I will be attending the Sacramento County, Department of Health and Human Services, Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Initiative Training to prepare myself for this placement.

For my future placement, I see the social, cultural, and educational significance in my work. Since, I will be working with groups of individuals who have the same needs in seeking help with alcohol and drug usage. I will be socially connecting them with one another through their commonalities. I will try to build trust among everyone, so they can feel connected with one another. Connecting them with one another can help them build their self-esteem in empowering themselves to open up to the group and actually seek help. It is important to help these individuals to quit using drugs and consuming alcohol to provide a healthy community for everyone and to reduce the harmful effects associated with drugs and alcohol. Culture will also play an important factor in my assignments at the Neighborhood Service Agency and Carmichael Healthy Start. The population I will serve is inclusive of different cultures. Cultural competency is important for understanding the client’s cultural traditions and beliefs. Understanding the client’s culture can help social workers become knowledgeable while assisting client’s needs. In addition culture plays a significant role on the types of interventions or plans a social worker may chose for a specific client due to their beliefs and values. Besides culture and social significance, I recognize the educational importance in my work. I will be providing all sorts of information and education to my clients, such as, alcohol and drug education, alcohol and drug prevention, general information on drug and alcohol use in pregnancy, recovery programs, as well as tobacco education. The importance of providing individuals with information on drug and alcohol as well as counseling is to help individuals recognize the consequences of alcohol or drugs usage and to help them quit by providing them services within our agency and other services in the community as well. Besides providing all this information, I will also encourage my clients to stay in school. From this internship, I can see the importance of my tasks and how I can serve the people within the community.

Alexandra Castillo,
Sacramento Assessment Center

I have always been fascinated with people's ability to overcome difficult situations. Having been born into a family of Cuban political refugees, I learned at a very young age that helping others gave me a sense of fulfillment. Constantly surrounded by people who, though circumstances, learned the importance of surviving by healing each other, I could not have escaped learning the lesson myself. This became a true-life lesson for me when at the age of five, my father passed away. Had it not been for supportive people, this traumatic experience could have proved unbearable. I truly believe these childhood experiences formatted my desire to help other people in the same ways, and social work was the perfect vehicle.

After deciding what my calling was, I chose social work as my major, and pursued my undergraduate degree at California State University, Chico. It was there that I was taught the knowledge, professionalism, and ethics that one needs in order to be a benevolent and effective social worker. Even though the classes were challenging, they were extremely interesting and I found the information to be consistent with my own personal thoughts and beliefs.

It was also at Chico State that I developed a high interest in participating in community volunteer opportunities. I actually began my volunteer work during my high school years, often working in homeless shelters and helping in senior centers. During my college years, my community service included working with the elderly, the impoverished, the Latino community and also with the youth. Volunteering throughout the five years of my college career was not only rewarding and inspiring, but truly strengthened my desire to become a social worker.

In addition, I have been blessed with an extremely positive outlook on life. I have a very high level of energy and by nature, a very social person. I have compassion for my fellow human beings and having had many life experiences myself, understand that you cannot judge a person by the situation they are in, but rather to consider their backgrounds and try to provide guidance and assistance. I am also an honest individual who adheres to the integrity of the professional Social Work Code of Ethics. If I had to recognize a weaker quality in myself, it would be that at times my empathy for others reaches to a level so deep that perhaps I need to disassociate myself from the situation. I think that by sharing my love of life and love of people, I will contribute positively to the social work field and the Hispanic population as a whole.

My professional objectives are clear. I am working on obtaining a mater's degree in social work and eventually, I would like to become an LCSW. I am proud to say that going into finals as a first semester graduate student, I have achieved A's on all my assignments and exams. I believe that by furthering my education and doing well in the master's program, I will be able to gain essential knowledge in my direct line of work, as well as in the social work profession as a whole. Attaining a master's degree will no only give me the opportunity to provide a higher quality of care, but should also enhance my professional relationships with my colleagues as well.

My objective in choosing this profession is to help those in need. By furthering my education and taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of my professors and peers, I will be able to serve the needy population to a higher lever of standard. My personal goal is to eventually open up my own adult day care center, which will specifically serve the Latino community. I look forward to the time when I can utilize my educational and professional experiences to provide a fun, caring environment for our aging Hispanic population.

Susana Contreras,
Terkensha Associates North Area Community Mental Health Center

Ever since I was a little girl, my desire was to help others. Whether it was following in the footsteps of Mother Teresa or becoming a social worker, I always saw myself working towards helping people. Though my journey has not led me to Calcutta , India , I have obtained my Bachelor's of Social Work degree. My first 7 years as a social worker consisted of working with pregnant and parenting teens in Sacramento County . The last 4 years have consisted of working with individuals with developmental delays in Yolo County . My future goal is to enter the mental health field.

Currently, I am a third year Graduate Student in the Three-Year Social Work Weekend Intensive Program at Sacramento State . I am of Mexican descent and I am sixth-born of eleven children. Both my parents emigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and worked as migrant farm laborers in Northern California. I recall as a young girl working alongside my parents during the summer months picking walnuts, almonds, and prunes as well as weeding tomato and melon crops. Growing up 1 of 11 children to migrant farm workers, I know first hand the struggles, isolation, and inhumanity one can experience living in this particular socio-economic class. Times were very hard and we struggled to say the least. I believe that I am who I am today due in part to my childhood experiences and challenges. I enjoy the simple things in life today such as peace and quiet, the loving gaze of my three cats, a long run as the sun is setting, and nice linens. A classmate identified himself as a “recovering immigrant”. I identify myself as a “recovering adult child of farm workers”. But I thank God now for the journey for it was my father's sacrifice, selfless giving, determination, and hard work that modeled to me how to set a goal and work with all I have to accomplish it. I owe all my success to my father. He is a man who came to this country from Mexico at the age of 15 and worked as a migrant farm worker until the age of 72 to support his family. He is my hero.

My third year in the MSW program will have an emphasis on mental health including taking a DSM course and an Advanced Mental Health course. I will complete my last year of internship at Terkensha and Associates in their school-based program. Terkensha provides mental health services, serving the north area of Sacramento . This opportunity will allow me to implement the techniques and practice skills gained through my mental health courses. Although my desire is to work specifically with the migrant population, I will have the opportunity to serve the Latino population as a whole within the mental health field.

My career goals and objectives are to continue to work as a social worker, eventually obtaining my L.C.S.W. I desire to continue to provide services to underrepresented and underserved populations. My work experiences have given me the awareness of the overwhelming need for bilingual and culturally diverse social workers. I desire to continue to develop my bilingual skills and cultural sensitivity so as to work effectively with all populations. Obtaining a Master's Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in mental health will enable me to expand in the capacities in which I am able to serve.

Jenny Garcia,
DHHS Child Protective Services, Emergency Response

I’m originally from Healdsburg, California. I transferred to Santa Rosa Junior College to Sacramento State to pursue my undergraduate degree in Social Work. I graduated this Spring 2006 semester with my undergraduate degree in Social Work. Social work has always been a part of my life.

I first developed an interest in Social work when I volunteered for Americorps. In Americorps, I participated in the Project Scholars Program at Bellevue Elementary School in Santa Rosa. I was responsible for tutoring four at risk children in reading and writing. It was apparent in our sessions that other factors in the children’s lives were contributing to their poor academic performance in school. This experience has led me to my objective. My career objective is to assist abused and neglected children by advocating and providing justice on their behalf. I plan to work with the Latin community to bring in some cultural competent practice. My career objectives fit with the ethics of the social work profession in which I will be providing a service to children that have been abused and neglected and address their social needs. By addressing their social needs, I would be challenging social injustice by focusing on issues that affect these children such as poverty and discrimination and many others. I have a commitment to helping children and promoting their well-being.

As I reflect on my personal attributes as it relates to my professional Social Worker, I am encouraged by the experiences I have gained and the knowledge that I have acquired. It takes patience, hard work and perseverance to be a single mom, and these are positive qualities that I will bring into my profession.

Choua Lee,
Sacramento City Unified School District Multilingual/Multicultural Department

I graduated from California State University, Sacramento in December of 2004. Upon completion, I obtained my Bachelors of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences with the concentration in Family Studies. As a graduate of Family and Consumer Sciences, Family Studies, we believe in aiding and viewing the family as a whole unit and not as individuals. Thus, my philosophy is to promote the well being and individuals in a holistic way. I’ve taken courses to broaden my knowledge about family matters and widen my horizon in the family context. In addition, I’ve completed a service-learning course. In my past work experience, I’ve worked with Sacramento County Office of Education and assisted various cultural groups, including the Latino populations.

Currently, I am pursuing my Masters in Social Work at California State University, Sacramento. I am pursing this degree because I want to work with families and individuals. My goals and objectives are to provide services and encourage empowerment in individuals. I want to be able to provide services and resources to those who may not know of any or were not made aware of in the community. There are several assets I feel that are important when working with families and the community. For example, I believe asset building is essential. All adults can help young people thrive by building their developmental assets. It doesn’t necessarily take a lot of time or energy. In an asset building community, everyone works at developing relationships with young individuals and families. Another aspect I feel is important is to look for the positive in the unique individual; for example, “Maria with the lovely voice”, not, “Maria, the pregnant teen.” Thus, the system and strength theory are two vital theories that shapes and moles an individual.

Through internships, I was given the opportunity to accomplish some goals of mine own. I developed time management with caseloads and clients. I also took leadership roles. I was a case manager. I was part of the case management team and was primarily responsible for processing and maintaining case files as well as providing quality services to clients. My job duties included, but were not limited to performing new client enrollment and intake, monitored case load, performed worker of the day duties, assisted other case managers, interpreted, outreached, and attended training and meetings.

For Fall 2006 and Spring 2007, I will be interning with Chiem-Seng Yaangh. He is with the Multilingual/Multicultural Education Department in the Sacramento City Unified School District. This internship will entail school community social work. I will be placed at Oak Ridge Elementary School. Oak Ridge is located in Oak Park neighborhood. This is a low income and high poverty area. The student population is very diverse, approximately 45% Latino students, 35% Asian-American/Pacific Islander, 15% African Americans, and others. The need for social and emotional support services is tremendous, yet the school has limited resources.

I will be part of the Student Intervention Team (SIT). I will also learn how to achieve and carry out school and community social work. I will practice all levels of social work from individual to group to family to organization and to the community. Moreover, I will exercise my leadership skills in the areas of communication and organization in assessing students’ needs. I will also display and outline social work services to ensure that students are attending school and prepared to learn. Detailed description of my particular assignment as an intern involve assessment of student and family needs, development of service plan, delivery of service plan, counseling students and families, report writing and case consultation, home visitation, and engagement in community resources and referrals.

The SIT is a coordinated support service delivery team. SIT includes all support staffs and administrators, delivering social, emotional, psychological services in an organized manner. SIT meets on a weekly basis to discuss and distribute referrals and develop intervention strategies.

I can picture the social, cultural and educational significances in my assignments. I believe there are important learning lessons and implications in my duties and assignments. They all interrelate with one another to make the learning atmosphere more attractive and meaningful to the students and I. In the social context, I will interact with the students, peers, and the community. I will also engage in community resources and referrals. These resources will help connect the student, family, community and I together to decide what works better for them.

In the cultural context, I will assess the student and family’s needs and try to provide service plans in which it adapts to their culture. By understanding what is important to them or how they approach a situation culturally, I can help them. Everyone holds different customs and beliefs and by acknowledging the student’s culture, I can assist the student effectively. I can also be sympathetic and considerate in those situations and help the student and family move forward. I am aware that we are living in a more diverse society now and I am culturally sensitive to other cultures that are different than mine.

In the educational context, I will work individually one on one with students. I will conduct assessments and evaluations of students. I will also develop service plans for the students. Theses plans are personalized to fit the student’s learning style. Moreover, I believe education will always be ongoing. I will continue to learn from the students and their families as well as they will learn from me. Nonetheless, socially, culturally, and educationally, these are the important assets in which I feel are important to me while in my internship.

Zoe Linardos,
Encina High School

I am a graduate student in the Counselor-Education department, and my specializations are Community and School Counseling and have my Bachelors in Psychology. It seems that from my first year of college I was drawn to the helping profession. I wanted to help other in pain and in need of help. This is why I am finishing up my Masters with dual specializations to better help others in our community. I have interned and done work with juvenile sex offenders, interned at Omni Youth Services and went in high risk elementary schools teaching youth’s skills to say no to drugs and gangs. I have interned at Skycrest Elementary School and done one on one and group counseling with children from Kindergarten to Sixth grade. And, currently I am at my last and final intern site which is at Encina High School also working with high risk students. I believe my role in these children’s lives is to plant a seed and watch it grow because this is what counseling is all about. If I can touch at least one child and show them that there is hope, that there is another way, or to make CPS report so our children in our community are not getting hurt by others or their parents, than I feel that my purpose here on earth has had meaning and was done so in a loving and caring way.

My career goals are to get my PPS credential along with my Master’s this semester and work in a public school, either at a high school or elementary school or someday both. My passion lies with working with young children in the elementary schools because I feel that we have to reach our children at a young age. It has been proven that all it takes is one caring adult in a child’s life and they can beat their odds of whatever socio-economic or dysfunctional family system that they might come from. I hope to be this person, to teach them about options and choices that we make in life and to teach them healthy coping skills so that the patterns of dysfunction don’t keep repeating themselves. At the high school level I believe it is also very important to make contact with these young adults to educate them and tell them that even if they come from a family without money that they can still go to college, that there are grants, financial aid, scholarships that they can apply for. To tell these students that even if they are illegal immigrants and they really want to college but they can’t because they are illegal and don’t have proper documentation that they can go to a school like Sacramento State and go to college if they are able to pay for it. If I had to pick three words to describe myself they would be caring, honest, and genuine.

Amy Smith,
Terkensha Associates North Area Community Mental Health Center

Throughout my life I have wanted to help others and to take action against social injustice. I have also always had an interest in supporting the well being of children and families. This led to my interest in social work. I graduated from Iowa State University in May of 1996 and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work degree.

I have worked in many areas of social work since obtaining my degree, but my focus has always been on children and families. In Iowa, I worked with children who were in foster care or at-risk of foster care placement. I relocated to Sacramento in 2000. At that time, I began working with homeless women and children. This work was a valuable experience for me.

I began the three year Master’s of Social Work weekend intensive program at California State University, Sacramento in the fall of 2004 and will graduate in May of 2007. I am currently in the Mental Health Stipend Program at Sacramento State and this allows me to specialize my social work education in the field of mental health. My previous field placement was at Options for Recovery, a residential drug and alcohol treatment program for women with children. My current placement is at Terkensha Associates North Area Community Mental Health Center. This placement involves providing therapeutic services to youth of all ages.

I anticipate the continued challenges and opportunities that the field of social work will provide me with.

Tammy Smith,
Healthy Start at A.M. Winn Elementary

I was initially drawn into social work through my desire to work with children. I feel very strongly that the feelings and experiences of children in our society are not given adequate consideration. I believe that when children are heard, respected, and treated with dignity, they learn that they deserve to be respected and they learn to treat others with respect. If we can all learn to treat each other with kindness and respect, we have the potential to make drastic changes in our society for the better. My experience working with children has led me to believe that this is more than possible.

As an instructional aide in special education, I was exposed for the first time to the work that social workers and mental health professionals do in schools. I learned a great deal about the importance of healthy peer relations and an appropriate school culture. I was especially struck by the capacity of schools to act as a community hub. It is an ideal place to provide services and bring together students, families, and the community together.

Next year, my final year as an MSW student, I will be participating in the Pupil Personnel Services Program. I intend to earn a PPS credential so that I will be qualified to work as a school social worker. I believe that schools are an ideal place to promote the health, safety, and capacity of students, families and communities. As a school social worker I expect to be involved in more traditional social work activities such as case management and counseling. I hope that I will also be involved in many other kinds of work including improving student relations, developing community outreach programs, and program planning. I want to have an impact, not just in the lives of individual students, but in their families and communities as well.