This week I have officially completed my graduate studies in social work. This means that I may now add the MSW letters next to my name 🙂
It is both an exciting time and a sad time…I am thrilled because I have succeeded in learning and fulfilling all the requirements to become a social worker. Furthermore, both field experiences that I have had (the women’s health clinic last year and the outpatient mental health clinic this year) only reinforced and confirmed my deep interest to become a clinical social worker.
At the same time, I am feeling sad that school is over…I will miss my professors and classmates. Due to the nature of the studies and topics covered, you develop rather close relationships and it is hard to leave all of that behind in addition to the relationships you had to leave behind at your internships.
And then on the other hand, as Tevye in the Fiddler on the Roof would say, there is the excitement (and a little bit of fear) of the unknown – I can’t wait to start working as a clinical social worker but when/where will that be…
One of the main items on my “to do” list will be to study for the LMSW licensing exam. Based upon what I have heard from my peers who graduated back in May and/or seen from posted social work ads, it is a prerequisite for most of the positions out there.
In addition, I will be engaging in some self-care and taking some time off before tackling own job search. This may seem counter-intuitive in today’s competitive environment but I feel that I need to recharge my batteries, so as to offer my best to my potential clients.
Lastly, below are a few verses of one of Dr. Seuss’ wonderful poems that capture some of my thoughts and emotions vis a vis this milestone that I hope you’ll enjoy.
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
(affiliate link)
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go…
OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.
You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
Except when you don’t
Because, sometimes, you won’t.
I’m sorry to say so
but, sadly, it’s true
and Hang-ups
can happen to you.
You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump,
you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done…
But on you will gothough the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak…
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)…
What thoughts/comments does this post bring to your mind? What do you remember about your graduation? What do you like (or dislike) about Dr. Seuss’ poem?
Congratulations, NYU should be proud to count you among it’s alumni!
I am so glad that you are taking some time for self-care. It’s been a long haul and I know you’ve had the added stress of your dear friend who is sick. Once you start working you will be on a fast pace again.
*big hugs*
Thanks so much, Nancy 🙂
You’ve been such a wonderful mentor and friend for most of my journey…
Hugs right back atcha,
Dorlee
CONGRATS, Dorlee!!!!! I am so happy for you and your journey. I hope you get tons of meditation sessions and other forms of relaxation in before your search.
Thanks so much, Mozart
I appreciate all your support and encouragement 🙂
Congratulations, Dorlee. I am so happy for you. I think it’s quite natural to feel that sense of sadness and joy together. I’m excited for all that you have to offer those who you will be helping in years to come. You have such a beautiful heart and clear mind.
congratulations on earning your MSW. I look forward to hearing about your first year on the job! 🙂
Sandra,
Thanks so much for your lovely words of encouragement. I will feel truly honored to be my clients’ partners on their respective journeys of healing.
Lifelovebalance,
Thanks so much 🙂 Yes, that will be an exciting time and I fully recognize that I will continue to have much growing and learning to do…
Dorlee,
Hearty ‘congrats’ to you for adding the MSW letters alongside your name! That’s a monumental achievement!
Your depiction of sadness leaving the close-knit family of professors and classmates resonates. I can imagine that is difficult. As well, your new ‘life’ as a graduated social worker sounds so exciting! … the ‘unknown’ that you describe is a thrilling blank canvas that I sense you will paint with the continued colorful, yet peaceful, yet vibrant hues that are within your head and heart.
Blessings to you, Dorlee; I hope you enjoy your ‘recharge,’ a wise way to equip yourself for the next leg of your beautiful journey.
PS – LOVE the Dr. Seuss verse – thanks for sharing!
Jacqui
Thanks so much, Jacqui 🙂
I’ve been blessed to have you as a warm encourager along most of my journey…be it with my blog or my career change.
You write SO beautifully. It is pure enjoyment to read what you write…
Warmly,
Dorlee
Hello Dorlee,
A heartfelt hug and congratulations to you on your graduation!! Such a time of joy, anticipation, sadness, and a bit of fear as you say. It’s a time of transition like the Seasons. I’ve always loved how Parker Palmer describes the Seasons and wanted to share it with you ~
http://partnersinplace.com/documents/Sesaons_by_Parker_Palmer.pdf
The notion that our lives are like the eternal cycle of the seasons does not deny the struggle or the joy, the loss or the gain, the darkness or the light, but encourages us to embrace it all – and to find in all of it opportunities for growth ~ Parker Palmer
Enjoy your post-graduation journey! 🙂
Jackie Yun
Hi Jackie,
Thanks so much for your heartfelt wishes and for sharing Parker Palmer’s lovely Seasons story 🙂
I’ve only started reading it but from what I’ve read so far, I can see how beautiful and poignant it is…It is something I want to take the time to read and treasure slowly. It feels full of much wisdom about life and transitions…
Warmly,
Dorlee
Dorlee, congratulations!! How wonderful it is to go back into your blog posts and be privy to your journey to this point. I really appreciate your work thus far am looking forward to reading more about your new career, challenges, joys and all.
Also, I loved the excerpt you shared from Dr. Seuss, very topical. 🙂
Tim.
Hi Tim,
Thanks so much 🙂
I appreciate your support and am also looking forward to reading more about your journey into the field…
Best,
Dorlee
Congrats, DorleeMSW! Welcome to the wonderful world of professional social work!
Thanks so much, Linda 🙂
I’m most excited! And have most appreciated your support and encouragement along both my blog and MSW journey…
In addition, your books, the NewSocialWorker magazine and blog have all served as valuable guideposts along the way.
Dorlee, you will do so well in this career choice because it is what you are inspired to do for others. Your happiness and “giving” personality radiates through your words and conversations throughout Social Media. This is a real milestone and congratulations are in order. We look for the ripples to go far and to touch many.
Robyn,
Thank you so much – what a kind and lovely thing to say…I am so very touched.
It was my desire to make a real difference, to help others on a deep and meaningful level, that spurred my career transition…and for you to note and share your observation of the good fit of my new career track with my personality through my social media activity means a lot to me.
Hi Dorlee
So happy to read the completion of your student journey, kudos!
Congratulations, Dorlee! Rejoicing with you! Glad you’re taking some time-off, enjoy 🙂
Thanks for sharing Dr Seuss’ poem. This portion seems sad but true:
“You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch. You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump. And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done…”
Yet Dr Seuss seems optimistic about the end, I hope so too…
Take care & all the best,
hannah
Hi Hannah,
Thanks so much for your best wishes and sharing in my joy 🙂
Yes, I assume that once I have my first position, there will be an inevitable adjustment phase (as there is with any new position)…but as long as I will be in a good place where I am able to try to help clients feel better and achieve their respective goals while having good supervision and other learning opportunities, I will be very happy.
Thanks again,
Take care,
Dorlee
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and this poem. As a recent grad, this post reminded me of some of my own reflections about my Social Work programs http://wp.me/p1ti5x-oe . I truly wish you the best. Your words and the collection of resources on your blog will take you a long way towards reaching others and establishing yourself as a trusted helper in the field.
Thanks so much for your kind wishes and the very flattering comment you made about my blog, Relando
I am most appreciative and I look forward to reading some of your reflections. Thanks for sharing the link 🙂
The work that social workers do is invaluable…and I can’t wait to be working in the field.