This is to be accomplished through a personal narrative. It is of utmost importance that all materials are written exclusively by the applicant. Any indication that someone else has substantially helped with or written this statement is grounds for rejection of the applicant or dismissal from the M.S.W. Program. Narrative:  The personal narrative should be 6-8 double-spaced, typewritten pages using 12-point Times New Roman font. Please type out each question and follow with your response. Your responses will aid the Admissions Committee in assessing your qualifications for professional social work practice. Qualifications looked for are the ability to think analytically and conceptually; clarity in self-expression (writing and language skills); responsiveness and sensitivity to diversity; commitment to improving social conditions; and the ability to function creatively, responsibly and independently. 

1.Please briefly explain your motivation for seeking a Master’s degree in social work. In your response, please explain what you anticipate changing as a result of a master’s degree in social work and discuss your vision of how you will use your degree. Also discuss paid or volunteer experiences that support your choice of social work as a career.  

2. Address a social and economic justice issue about which you are particularly concerned. What experiences or factors have shaped your interest in this social and economic justic issue.  

3. Describe a personal challenge you have experienced in your life, and discuss how you handled that challenge. 

4. The concept of cultural pluralism emphasizes respect for diversity of values, heritages, customs, and lifestyles. If you have gaps in your exposure to diversity, what is your plan to broaden your experiences to work competently with each of these populations? a. Ethnicity (race, culture different from your own) b. Spiritual tradition (different from your own) c. Age d. Disability e. Socio-economic status f. Sexual orientation or expression 

5. Social work is a profession that has considerable emotional demands on the practitioner. How do you handle stress and what coping skills do you anticipate using as a competent practitioner?

6. Mrs. Johnson is an elderly woman receiving dialysis three times a week, whose husband of 50 years recently died. Before Mrs. Johnson’s death, the two were living in their home, where they had lived for decades. Mr. Johnson drove Mrs. Johnson to dialysis and everywhere she wanted to go. The couple had a very traditional marriage, with a specific division of labor. Mrs. Johnson was in charge of the home and all of the basic needs of the family. Mr. Johnson had the role of being the provider and protector of the family. After Mr. Johnson passed away, the charge nurse in the dialysis clinic approached the social worker saying that the social worker needed to find Mrs. Johnson a nursing home to move into, as she could not live alone, can’t pay her bills, and can’t drive. How would you respond to the nurse’s request?