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Free Sample Personal Statement in Social Work
For Boston University Social Masters
The rapidly growing elderly population is becoming a serious social
problem in many countries. Some countries have been successful at
finding solutions for this problem but others have not. Japan is one of
the latter countries. Although Japan has one of the highest life
expectancy rates and a reputation for good quality of life for its
elderly population, it has been unsuccessful at addressing this problem.
Compared to other industrialized countries, Japan lags behind in
programs for elders who are physically disabled, bedridden or in need of
long term care. The current economic crisis is exacerbating this
situation as the government is cutting funding for elder programs. This
problem resonates deeply with me, and I hope to someday work on finding
a solution. It is for this reason that I am applying to the graduate
program in social work at Boston University: I seek the skills and
knowledge I need to return to Japan and work for a social work service.
My interest in the elderly dates back to my childhood. Growing up with
my grandparents greatly influenced my values and personality: they
taught me to be self-motivated and disciplined. Their resilience and
support has helped me to persevere even when confronted with seemingly
insurmountable obstacles. Because of their kindness toward me I have a
deep respect for them and for elderly people in general. This is what
motivates me to become involved in the field of social work.
Traditionally in Japanese society, the care of one's parents is believed
to be the children's duty. After World War II, such traditions have
evolved due to changes in family structure. No longer is the eldest
child the only one to inherit his parent's property, and two-income
families have become the norm. These changes have left Japanese people
at a loss as to how to care for their aging parents. The current
response to this problem seems to be hospitalization. Families
increasingly hospitalize their elders who are physically disabled,
bedridden or in need of long-term care. These individuals are usually
transferred to nursing homes, but because of sparse accommodations and a
one to two year wait list, they end up staying with family members who
are often ill equipped to care for them. As a result, there are a number
of incidences of elder abuse by family members and elder suicide. Also,
there are many other elderly people who live alone--every year, many of
them die with no one, not even their family members, having knowledge of
their death.
Currently there is no social welfare program in Japan that offers
assistance to these elders and their families. In the light of these
terrible problems, the need for such a program is obvious. My interest
in social work is to find ways to develop and improve the types of
services available to the elderly in Japan at a systematic level. I want
to be involved in the organizing, managing, developing, shaping and
planning of social policies related to the elderly. I believe the social
work program at Boston University will allow me to do that. By studying
macro social work at Boston University, I will learn about established
social systems, assessment and intervention strategies. In addition,
Boston University's emphasis on urban issues appeals to me immensely. As
I will be returning to work in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan,
graduate work in this area will better equip me for the challenges I
will be facing. To me, an urban mission is a commitment to identify and
find solutions to issues faced by urban areas. I believe I am well
prepared for graduate work.
During my undergraduate study, I acquired the necessary background
knowledge by taking advanced courses in the areas of psychology and
sociology, including sociological research methods, social theory,
statistics, psychological research, and psychotherapy. Along with these
courses, I had an internship at the Asian Task Force Against Domestic
Violence, a non-profit organization. I also volunteered at Sawayakaen, a
nursing service, and Asunaro Children's Mental Hospital in Japan. From
this internship and my volunteer work, I have gained practical
experience that I feel will contribute to my academic and professional
success. I expect the graduate work at Boston University to be
demanding, challenging, and ultimately rewarding. I look forward to the
experience from an intellectual as well as social point of view--I hope
to learn and grow as an individual and a macro social worker. I hope
that I will be allowed to do so at Boston University.
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