Reflections: 4 Years!

This week marks my 4 year anniversary working at my agency! 

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I don't normally write about work. Not because I don't love what I do, but because this blog is just an escape for me to think about other things during non-work hours. Also, for confidentiality reasons, I can't really talk about it. 

For those who don't know, I'm a Masters level social worker working in foster care. I went into this profession for many reasons, none of which include hopes of making the big bucks ;) That's okay- financially, I knew what I was getting into. What I didn't know was the range of emotions I could feel about a job. The amount of learning I could do in 4 years, and the amazing people I would meet along the way. I didn't anticipate the level of disappointment I could feel and the heartbreak I could possibly experience for children I work with. Some days (or weeks) are so difficult and I just wish I picked an easier profession. I stick with it, though, because even after 4 years I feel like I can make a difference.

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No, maybe not a huge difference like my idealistic just-graduated-from-college self thought when beginning this job. It's the little differences along the way that add up. I am a stepping stone in a child's life and if I can help them even just a little, that's good enough. My coworkers are so supportive of each other (most of the time!) and we remind each other of this constantly. We make a good team!

I'm so thankful for my supervisors who have helped shape me into the social worker I am today and push me to keep learning and improving. I couldn't have imagined a more supportive environment. Yes, things haven't been easy over the past 4 years but I wouldn't change anything!

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Sorry for the picture overload, but those are some of my favorites :)

To learn more about foster care and adoption, visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway or AdoptUSKids. 

Thanks for letting me share something a little different today :)