Howard University

Personal Essay

Alania Simmons

9/23/2021

I am interested and enthused to apply for the master’s degree, social work program at Howard University. As a woman of color I understand the importance of attending a historically black college and/or university. As a woman of color that knows the odds against me in my community I always set my goals and worked diligently to achieve them. I began college at a community college, then attended a 4 year college where I studied psychology, thereafter went to graduate school at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology where I studied counseling. During my experience I knew what I needed for success for my graduate experience and it wouldn’t be possible at a predominantly white institution. Achieving my master’s in social work from a historically back college and/or university will contribute to my overall success as a student and social worker in the field. My experience will broaden my opportunities and further my skills required in the field of mental health. My passion is to be a mental health advocate and provide empathy and compassion to the disadvantaged and underserved population.

As a single mother, I have always strived diligently towards my goals since a young child and have always been resilient. During my undergrad experience I went through a lot of unanticipated life events. However, my spirituality, family support and friends have contributed to my resilience. Howard University will enable me to have small classroom settings and an Afrocentric experience that I need to be successful in the Master’s social work program. The empowerment and resilience that lies within me is a part of the true passion I have. In my current career, I want to continue to promote support within this field in its entirety, become a licensed social worker and become an asset to the Howard University social work program.

Working with the mental health population for 10 years has enabled a sufficient amount of experience that I have gained and utilized in the social service field. My years of work experience in the field of mental health has enabled the knowledge to manage cases such as building healthy therapeutic relationships, empathize, effective communication and active listening skills. My work experience as a housing case manager, substance abuse counselor, family centered treatment counselor, and medical agent has provided me with the opportunity to work with a diverse population.

According to Mental health.gov (https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health) mental health is the emotional and psychological aspect of an individual. Mental health can affect every aspect of an individual’s life from childhood into adulthood. Working with the mental health population for 10 years has enabled a sufficient amount of experience that I have gained and utilized in the social service field. My years of work experience in the field of mental health has enabled the knowledge to manage cases such as building healthy therapeutic relationships, empathize, effective communication and active listening skills. My work experience as a housing case manager, substance abuse counselor, family centered treatment counselor, and medical agent has provided me with the opportunity to work with a diverse population.

My goals are to enhance my knowledge as a professional social worker and understand more in depth the principles of human development, mental health, change theories, behavioral and systematic strategies to facilitate change in the community. My goals upon successful completion is to become licensed, then open up my own clinical practice licensed facility, particularly non-profit. I would like to target the disadvantaged and underserved mental health population. The aim of my program will be to provide supported mental health awareness, housing, employment support services, counseling, and substance abuse programs. I also want to enhance my knowledge and skills by providing and implementing therapeutic interventions to help clients that suffer from trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, unanticipated life events, social injustice, military associated experiences and work development.