STUDENT CENTER

FINDING STRENGTH AND AUTHENTICITY THROUGH GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDIES

by Vara Edara

The past 18 months provided a challenging backdrop to my MSW studies. The 2020 school year started like no ordinary year. On January 9, I learned my niece had drowned while surfing in Bali. I was in absolute disbelief. My spring semester was supposed to start the 2nd week of January, and I was a complete mess. I was shaking like a leaf when I entered the program director’s office to share what I was experiencing. I told her I was not sure I could get through the semester. Grief and loss had consumed me, and I was overwhelmed. My niece's death was the first loss that hit so close to my heart. She sat with me, listened, and told me to take one day at a time.

When the semester began, I shared my situation with my professors, and they were very accommodating and understanding. Then came March and the COVID-19 pandemic. Before I could grasp what was going on around me, classes became virtual, and my internship called and asked me to return my badge. My placement was with older adults, and I understood the residents I worked with were vulnerable to the virus. Still, this was another shock to process. I remember turning in my badge and watching as it was placed in a yellow bag, like the badge itself was infected. And just like that, that was the end of my internship. I was so upset I did not get to say a proper goodbye to the staff or my clients.

I am a people person. As such, I struggled with quarantine and isolation. My life was suddenly restricted to four walls. I was still processing the loss of my niece when COVID cases started rising, and people around me became sick and started dying. The possibility of death hovered close and became real. Even buying groceries became a hazard.

The fear that I might get sick kept me on constant edge. I come from a family of frontline workers, and two to three times, they had been exposed to the virus, putting my life in jeopardy. I struggled to imagine the future—would I graduate, or would I die from this virus? I had no idea what would come next. My parents were worried sick about me. My professors checked on me periodically. My friends struggled to understand, though I guess everyone was in a similar boat to me. There is a saying that goes, "never underestimate the power of

being heard." It is powerful and profound, I learned, as my professors stood by me, listened, and heard me. I learned from them what it meant to be a social worker in the truest sense.

I was eagerly anticipating a return to in-person learning for the Fall 2020 semester. Unfortunately, this did not occur. My new internship was virtual with the Department of Veterans Affairs, but I was very skeptical of seeing clients via a telehealth modality. Despite my misgivings, virtual learning and a telehealth internship soon became second nature to me. Life took up a new routine. I began to look forward to living again. Stepping out to get milk, eggs, and bread became exciting and enjoyable and I looked forward to these outings. My graduate social work education was the best part of my journey this past year and a half. School was a game-changer in my life and the field of social work allowed me to be my true self. Today, I am vocal, confident, present, and have advocated for myself throughout my journey. My professors, every single one of them, gave me space when I needed it, were present when I broke down, and helped to build me up, stood by me, and challenged me to do better than yesterday.

I am very passionate about the field of social work and believe I have found my calling. The struggles of the past months have left me stronger and more focused. I look forward to graduating so I can go out there and help, heal and guide my clients with the newfound strengths and tools this profession has given me. I am truly blessed and grateful for my MSW experience. I look forward to seeing where my path takes me.

Aboutthe Author:

Vara Edara is an MSW student at Ramapo College of New Jersey. She anticipates graduating in May 2021.

Iknew this academic year would be unique; however, the reality has surpassed all expectations. I recall checking my email in early March 2020 and stumbling upon a message informing everyone that for the rest of the semester, we would be transitioning to remote learning. After reading that email, my initial reaction was confusion and a bit of worry for the uncertainty of the world and my college experience. I distinctly remember the first-time I logged into one of my social work classes that was fully remote. It was a time of adjustment and adapting to a new way of learning for me and every student around the world.

This new way of attending classes certainly had its challenges. Isolation from my classmates and professors was not easy. The sudden change to remote learning affected my concentration and participation in class lectures. I felt particularly prone to losing focus in those classes that did not have synchronous lectures. In those courses consisting of discussion boards and pre-recorded lectures, my participation was minimal because of the lack of student and professor interaction. This sort of remote education took some getting used to; however, as time went on, I began to adapt to this new way of learning.

The 2020 school year was also an interesting time to begin my field education. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, I was still able to attend my internship at the YMCA Newark in person. I feel truly fortunate I was able to obtain my field education experience in person, as opposed to remotely. This face-to-face connection allowed me to absorb as much knowledge, insight, and social work skills as possible from my field instructor. Inperson internship also allowed me to master client engagement while social distancing and following the agency’s COVID-19 guidelines. I was fortunate to also be involved in research and policy analysis during this ever-changing socioeconomic climate. I think completing my field practicum during such uncertain times has helped prepare me for the often unpredictable “real world” of social work. I have learned to be flexible in my expectations and adjust quickly to agency demands.

My new flexibility was tested when one day last semester, my field instructor informed us that all interns had to self-quarantine for fourteen days due to someone at the agency contracting COVID-19. I felt confused and worried for the uncertainty of my field experience and my ability to meet my school’s requirements for field practicum hours and

REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST NON-

TRADITIONAL ACADEMIC YEAR

by Peter Espinoza

assignments. Having to resume my field placement remotely from home was an adjustment, but also an opportunity to improve my coping skills, such as prayer, breathing exercises, and meditation. Peer support from my fellow classmates was invaluable in coping with the stress of the unknown, minimizing my fears, and assuring me I was not alone in this experience.

Cultural considerations also came into play this past year. As a Latinx male, quarantining during the pandemic was a major challenge. Hispanic culture is well known for affection—hugging, gentle touches, and hand shaking is a norm. It felt weird and unnatural being unable to hug or shake someone’s hand to greet them. While quarantine prevented me from interacting with my extended family and friends, it did create strong ties between my immediate family. As the oldest son in a Latinx family, I was expected to assist my younger siblings with their homework assignments on top of many other responsibilities. Many people said spending too much time together caused family discord; however, I was happy to assist my younger sibling with remote learning and problem solving. Spending all our time together, whether studying, watching movies, or eating meals together, brought us closer as a family. It gave us time to get to know and appreciate each other more than ever. While this remote school year was certainly an adjustment period for me and the rest of our society, it has also impacted my plans for the future. Prior to remote learning, I was uncertain whether I would ever attend graduate school. However, after gaining so much experience in my field practicum and educating myself on policies and current social issues, I developed a strong desire to pursue a Master’s Degree in Social Work. So, the pandemic was not just trying, it was also transformative. When I look back on this difficult school year, I see my resilience—and the resilience of my fellow students and family members— has been the true silver lining.

Aboutthe Author:

Peter Espinoza is a Senior at Rutgers University in Newark. He anticipates graduating with his BSW this May. His area of focus is child welfare and would like to work with children and families in the future.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MACRO SOCIAL WORK IN YOUR SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION

by Jack Serzan and Denise Arias Rodriguez, NASW-NJ Interns

The importance of macro-based Social Work cannot be understated in the times we live in. Macro social work can include, but is not limited to, advocacy & policy work which, for the most part, entails direct outreach to legislators at the state and federal levels and can include advocating through emails and phone calls on behalf of specific legislation.

While advocacy and outreach are key aptitudes, we must also remember the importance of being able to read and interpret legislation, understanding the impact those pieces of legislation could have on social workers, social work clients, and any intersecting profession, person, and system.

Legislation being considered by our elected officials impacts the work we do—whether it’s as students or professionals—and usually has a direct impact on the people you serve, regardless of your area of social work practice.

For instance, one important bill we have been reviewing during our internships that could affect Social Work as a profession is H.R.2035, which does not yet have a title other than to state its purpose: “To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to mental health services under the Medicare program.” This bill, which mirrors a bill introduced during the 116th Congress, addresses the scheduled fee payment made to Social Workers who are providing care to clients enrolled in Medicare.

The bill addresses many areas, but one key component that must be emphasized—for the good of our clients as well as our profession—is for Clinical Social Workers to be reimbursed by Medicare at the same level as Psychologists for the same services provided. Correcting this pay discrepancy will encourage social workers to remain as Medicare providers, or to become Medicare providers if they are not already, and would help ensure availability of providers and continuity of care for Medicare recipients.

What we must be sure to remember is that Social Work is not just providing counseling and clinical services. We must also be actively engaged with the policy issues that impact our profession and the clients we serve. This includes work in social policy, child welfare policy, forensic social work, community organizing,

and more. Our profession connects people with and helps them to navigate systems—social systems, family systems, economic systems, global systems. Our work extends beyond one-on-one interactions and considers how our clients function within the systems that impact their lives.

One way to enhance your macro and policy skills is to engage with NASW as a student. During NASWNJ's Annual Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (also known as LEAD), we interns gave a presentation on the legislative process—how a bill becomes a law. This is vital information for students and new social workers. We also worked with NASW-NJ staff to develop an extensive Advocacy Toolkit that showcases many resources and ways students and young professionals can get involved in macro level change. The Toolkit is available on the NASW-NJ website along with recordings of the LEAD 2021 presentations for those who were unable to attend. These are a great resource for students to check out.

Lastly, it’s important to know who your elected officials are and how to contact them. The New Jersey legislature is comprised of 120 members elected from 40 legislative districts. The General Assembly houses 80 members, while the State Senate houses the remaining 40. You can look up who your state legislators are on the NJ Legislature website. Another great resource to help you find your federal, state, and local elected officials is https://www.usa.gov/ elected-officials.

We hope this article has inspired you to learn more about macro social work, policy, and advocacy. To be the best social workers—the best change agents—we can be, we need to be prepared to act at both the micro and macro levels. The combination of those two is where change is achieved.

Aboutthe Authors:

John “Jack” Serzan is a Junior in the BSW program at Seton Hall University.

Denise Arias Rodriguez is a Senior pursuing her B.A. in Social Work at Rutgers UniversityNewark.

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT SUMMIT HELPS PREPARE STUDENTS FOR CAREER SUCCESS

by Adriana Marquez, NASW-NJ Intern

What can I say about 2020 and 2021 that hasn’t been said already? What a time to be a social worker! What a time to be a social work student! Our heavy social and political climate has swiftly given rise to a new generation of Social Work students who are ready to complete their educations and tackle the role of professional social worker. As an intern with NASW-NJ, I’ve seen how the Chapter can assist students in achieving their goals. Connecting students from around the state with influential leaders in the social work field—as we did in last month’s inaugural NASWNJ Social Work Student Summit—not only demonstrates to students the depth and breadth of our community but allows them to begin to envision the transition from social work student to social work professional.

The 2021 Student Summit, co-sponsored by Ramapo College, was designed to help launch students on a path to success. The strong panel of guest speakers certainly delivered—covering topics from developing your professional identity, to self-branding and marketing, to preparing for salary negotiations.

Dr. Widian Nicola, DSW, LCSW, a professor at Seton Hall University and the incoming President of the NJ Chapter, opened the Summit with a discussion on Transitioning from Student to Practitioner. She offered four principals to help attendees find joy in their vocation: Clarify your professional identity; Engage with your profession and engage with your world; Galvanize others as you lead, but lead as you galvanize; and lastly, Evolve.

The concept of “evolving” set the tone for the rest of the day, as subsequent speakers helped students recognize their passion for change and hunger to develop as leaders. “It is not about your IQ but about your EQ (emotional intelligence),” said Nkechi Okoli, MSW, LSW, current President of NASW-NJ. Nkechi outlined several skills/behaviors/thought patterns that contribute to the development and success of a Social Worker. These include: your self-awareness (self-confidence), social awareness (empathy), self-management (self-control), and social skills (influence). These skills are not taught and learned in a quick session or during classes, but rather develop over time through practice and intention. They represent areas where social work students should strive to develop themselves to further their career aspirations.

We also heard from Dr. Dawn Apgar, former chair of the New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners, on the social work licensing process in New Jersey. Licensure is a major step for newly graduating social workers. NASW-NJ is hosting a follow-up session on May 10, “Social Work Licensing for Students” for those who may have missed the summit or would like more information (register here).

The thought of taking a licensing exam can be overwhelming for some and seem like a barrier to work in the field. However, if you choose to work in an area where licensure is required, eventually, you’ll have to take the exam. NASW-NJ offers a Licensing Exam Institute for individuals preparing for the LSW and LCSW Exams. The next session is on June 13—register here!

One final takeaway from the Student Summit: whether your leanings are towards micro or macro social work, you’ll be developing skills that must be continuously sharpened. It takes time to master these skills—so don’t get discouraged if you struggle or feel lost at times. Continue to learn and be inspired by your world and the leaders around you. And in all you do, do not diminish yourself. KNOW YOUR WORTH—as an individual, as a community member, and as a social worker. You are essential!

Aboutthe Authors:

Adriana Marquez is proudly Latinx and a first generation BSW graduate. She is currently pursuing her MSW at Seton Hall University and anticipates graduating in August 2021. After graduation, she hopes to serve low-income communities through the implementation of social service programs in schools and neighborhoods.

Are you a social work student in either a BSW or MSW program?

Did you know that student members have an exclusive opportunity to apply for the Harriet Bloomfield Scholarship? You do—read on to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

A B O U T T H E S C H O L A R S H I P

The Harriet Bloomfield Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to the memory of Social Worker Harriet Bloomfield. Harriet was a charter member of NASW. She worked for the Elizabeth Board of Education before retiring in 1984. She served as director of social services at Bonnie Brae Farm for Boys, Millington from 1956 to 1960 and was with DYFS from 1944 to 1956. She taught at Kean College and Rutgers University and organized the Center for Infant Development and teen-parent program in conjunction with the Rutgers Graduate School of Social Work and the Elizabeth Board of Education.

Harriet served the New Jersey Chapter in a variety of positions. She was first vice-president, chair of the PACE committee, a delegate to the Delegate Assembly and a member of the annual conference committee. In 1989 the chapter honored her as Social Worker of the Year. She also served on the board of Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Community Development Funds in Elizabeth and the Clark Juvenile Conference Committee.

Each year, up to three scholarships will be awarded in honor of the legacy that Harriet built.

Qualifications:

Be an NASW-NJ member in good standing (you’ll be required to submit your membership number in the application) Enrolled in an accredited BSW or MSW program. Complete the online application, including short essay Provide copy of transcript

N A S W - N J STUDENT PROGRAM

Academic Year 2020- 2021

NASW-NJ is committed to providing the next generation of social workers with the information, tools, opportunities and support needed to step forward into a rewarding and challenging career. These resources include volunteer opportunities, leadership opportunities, networking events, studentfocused activities and more.

Specific Activities for 2021 include:

Social Work Student Leadership Council Free attendance at NASW-NJ webinars (which may count towards field hours) Free attendance at 2021 NASW-NJ Virtual Annual Conference (March 7, 2021) Free attendance at Legislative, Education, Advocacy Day (LEAD) (March 8, 2021) Social Work Students Summit, topics to include: o Social Work Professional Identity o Mentorship/NASW/Professional community connection o The Intersection of Micro and Macro Practice o Advocacy and social justice via clinical insight o Negotiation skills (Jobs and Salaries) Mentoring Program (in development) Networking Program (in development)

Check out the full calendar on the next page. Registration for events is available here: https://naswnj.socialworkers.org/Events

Additional programs will be added. Non-members pay a nominal fee to attend.

Topic

Social Work Licensing for Students

Cultural Humility: Working with the ELGBTQ+ Community (Morris Unit Event)

Why EMDR: Understanding the Process (Bergen/Passaic Unit Event)

Rethinking Reentry: COVID-19, Women, Grief and Loss

Advancing Global Mental Health through Local Initiatives (Middlesex Unit Event)

Using Brain spotting to work with Shame and the Inner Critic

Third Thursdays: Monthly Virtual Chat with the Executive Director (1.5 CEU Webinar) Theorizing and Coping with Grief after the losses of COVID-19, Racism and Our Way of Life (Monmouth/ Ocean Unit Event)

Brain Injury and it's Effects on the Individual and Family System

Understanding the Importance of Culturally Competent Mental Health Services and Barriers Faced by Diverse Communities

Prescription Opioid Abuse and Dependence in New Jersey

Third Thursdays: Monthly Virtual Chat with the Executive Director

Date/time

May 10, 4:00-5:30pm Register May 11th, 6:00-7:30pm Register

May 11th, 7:00-9:00pm Register May 12, 6:00pm-8:00pm Register

May 19, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Register May 20th, 6:00pm-8:00pm Register

May 20th, 1:00pm – 2:00pm Register May 26th, 12:00pm – 1:30pm Register

June 8th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Register June 9th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Register June 15, : 2:00pm-3:00pm Register

June 17, 1:00pm – 2:00pm Register

C h e c k : n a s w n j . s o c i a l w o r k e r s . o r g / E v e n t s f o r u p d a t e s . Q u e s t i o n s ? C o n t a c t H e l e n F r e n c h a t h f r e n c h . n a s w n j @ s o c i a l w o r k e r s . o r g o r 7 3 2 - 9 9 3 - 7 3 1 1

NASW-NJ Presents the Social Work LICENSURE EXAM INSTITUTE

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Learn key strategies to help you pass the LSW & LCSW exams + regulatory tips & tools.

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