studying social work | bits about Peggy | learning about life
Studying Social Work:
>I love to help people so I knew I wanted to work in some kind of profession that would help me to do that. But I suck in sciences so that eliminated the option of medicine. So after my first year or university, I applied for social work.
>The best thing about being a Social Work student was the little amount of work I had to do… in comparison to other faculties! Seriously, because it gave me opportunity to develop other areas of my life other than academics.
The greatest challenges came with my field placements, learning how to counsel people who had such different life circumstances than I did and not getting emotionally involved.
>Obviously having strong people skills and being able to relate well with others is helpful in being a successful social work student. As well as an ability to write papers, because we would write 10 papers easily per semester.
Some advice? Taking initiative is important too. Take the first step to get to know your classmates and your profs. Though it may be intimidating, they're just people too.l
Back to top
Bits about Peggy:
>My life used to look a bit like the movie Mrs. Doubtfire where there's this divorced father who dresses up as a female nanny in order to spend more time with his children. Much of my life I felt like I was wearing a mask, being somebody I wasn't and fearful that people would find out I wasn't really who I said I was. I've found freedom from that now.
>My grandma is one of my heroes. I admire her spunk and her spirit of independence. I admire how she really wants to communicate to people the things most important to her and how she actually does it.
>In my spare time I like playing games on the computer (when I'm too zoned out), reading, cross stitch, window shopping, being outside in nature, going for walks, canoeing, kayaking in my inflateable kayak, going to coffee shops.
>I'd hate to be without Chinese food and I'd consider dying for Korean BBQ and singaporian laksa (noodle dish).
>Ever tried ripping the heads off of live shrimp? That's gotta be one of the most difficult things I've done when I was at my Aunt's place helping in the kitchen!
Back to top
Life Lessons:
>Venturing out to another province for university, I found out that I love adventure. I love exploring new places, getting to know what makes a city different and what makes the people within it unique.
Much as I love exploring new places and meeting new people, I also realized how much I depend on the friends and family close to me. I found out when I got my very first phone bill -- it was over $100!! I was shocked to say the least. It was a lesson to me that those people closest to me can't be with me wherever I am, and they can't be there for me every single time I need them. The only who can is God -- and I don't need to worry about racking up $100 on my phone bill to talk to God!
>In my first year of university, it was hard walking into huge lecture halls not knowing anyone. There's also the increased responsibility for accomplishing your work -- ultimately you are responsible for how much or little you want to do. Profs won't come chasing after you.
>University is great for the freedom and opportunities of learning and getting involved in so many different areas of campus life… There's so much you can can learn, from hobbies like photography and the outdoors to meeting people form such wide varying backgrounds.
>Important lessons I've learned: Drinking too much coffee doesn't necessarily help you stay awake. It's necessary to take time to enjoy friendships and things outside the academic realm, and to take time to think about your goals and purpose.
Back to top
Peggy talks about discovering her life purpose...
Related reading:
Copyright iamnext.com 2003. May not be reprinteed without permission.
