"I finally made it as a social worker at 48"

Christine Ferguson reveals the doubts, worries, and first-hand experience that made her the practice educator she is.

So where does the social work journey start, and where does the journey end?

Certainly not when you enter the university to commence the social work degree, and definitely not when you are heading for retirement.

It all starts much sooner than that - childhood experiences, good and bad. Educational experiences, good and bad. How you were shaped, and how you shaped yourself. That is my starting point when I take on students as a practice educator.

As the years have gone on, I have reflected on my own journey as a now senior social worker, practice educator and BIA.

By the time I was eleven, and following a school visit to the local weaving factory, I firmly believed I was being educated for factory fodder. After a failed 11+ my secondary education saw me leaving school with no exams, and no ambition.

There was one teacher who took me to one side and told me I had potential, and even contacted my parents to see if they would allow me to stay on at school, but it was not to be.

I started trying to be a social worker at 29. I made it at 48.

I educated myself through night school with GCSEs, and then the Open University to Diploma and degree level. I was working as a support worker for the local council and was given the opportunity to apply for a work-based student social work degree.

I then went on to the social work Masters and Postgraduate degree course. I remember the days on placement, and in uni, thinking:

“I can't do it. I won't make it."

I remember the overwhelming feeling of being watched and judged. My practice educator is now my manager all these years later. He helped me to understand my skills and abilities and how one of my greatest assets is that of reflection.

When I read the student profiles now, I ask: 'who is this person? What is their journey? What has brought them to social work?'

I enjoy every student I am a practice educator to. I share their journey. The difference and development from day one to day 80/100 is just remarkable. I do question, though, why they come to placement with so much angst, and then I remember my own worries and lack of confidence in placement.

It is a common thread with students that, midway through placement, they ‘hit the wall’ - questioning their capabilities and if this job is for them. It is at this crucial point that I am able to share my own experience of being a student, and remind them how far they have come.

Some students come with a difficult past and history, and others with very little problems, but there is always something in their past that has brought them to social work.

From day one to day 80/100, I am there for the students, just like that teacher was there for me. All these years later, I have not forgotten her belief in me. That is what I give to my students.

I let them know, we will get you through this together.

Christine Ferguson