An Open Letter (not an email) to Social Work Students

January 16, 2011

Social Work Student
911 School of Social Work Lane
Anytown, USA 11111


Dear Social Work Student:

I hope this letter finds you doing well. I am writing to say how very pleased I am to hear of your interest in the profession. When I began my social work program many, many years ago I had no idea what to expect as a soon-to-be social worker, what I did know was that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others.

I was a social work student during the mid-late 1980s, and as you might imagine life was very different then. I would like to share a few words of wisdom to help guide you on your path to becoming a tremendous social worker. Before you sit in your next social work classroom (whether it is virtually or in real life), think about what our world might be like in the next 20-25 years and how as a social worker you might make a difference.

In order to make an impact in the future you must be knowledgeable about the issues/challenges individuals face. This means you cannot afford to take shortcuts with your education. Please read (yes read) your textbooks and related readings prior to going to class, don't just rely on the professor's lectures, PowerPoint slides, and class discussions because it won't be enough to prepare you for tomorrow's challenges. Please treat your professors and classmates with respect and listen to each other for the purpose of understanding others' views, even if you disagree.

Exercise your critical thinking and problem-solving skills (this means don't avoid research and math based courses)! As you engage in complex problem-solving exercises, you are better preparing yourself to tackle complex issues in the workplace when under stress and pressure. As you sit in your social work classes, please do focus, listen, engage, and try to learn as much as possible from your professors and each other. Fight the desire to check Facebook and send text messages. The professor knows you are not engaged and your classmates, distracted and annoyed by your behaviors may secretly report you to the professor.

I know this has been a long letter, but I hope this information proves helpful. Please know that you can write me back anytime and ask any questions you might have. Take good care, I hope to hear great things from you in the future.

Love,

Cybersocialworker