Dear _______,
I am writing you to give my explanation regarding my failure to successfully complete all of the requirements for re-admission to the School of Social Work’s undergraduate program by the deadline of May 1, 2016. After my suspension from the School of Social Work, I felt that I needed to spend the summer of 2015 taking care of both myself, and my family. During my last semester at the University, my nephew was a victim in a homicide. I was responsible for the planning, and final expenses of his funeral. During this time, my husband and I adopted two children, a 12-year-old boy, Jonathan, and his 11-year-old sister, Natalie. Both children had serious behavioral issues which required intensive, ongoing therapy. I felt that I needed to spend the summer getting these children the help they needed, and providing a safe environment for our family to bond.
In November, my husband was admitted to the hospital due to his ongoing medical issues. My newly-adopted children, Jonathan and Natalie, have two younger brothers who were placed in different homes. My children were invited to the adoption of one of their brothers, which was to be held on National Adoption Day – November 19, 2015 – in Missoula. While my husband was in the hospital, the children and I took his truck to pick up a gift for my oldest child. We hoped to pick up the gift, a dirt bike, from Deer Lodge, then drive to Missoula, and spend the night there for the following day’s adoption celebration.
We managed to arrive about ten miles east of Missoula when our truck slid over a patch of black ice. The truck’s rear end spun out of control, and we rolled about four times over the highway while in the vehicle. When the truck finally stopped, we landed upside down. Jonathan had slipped out of his seatbelt, and was tumbling around in the backseat, while Natalie and I were still in our seatbelts, hanging upside down – unable to get out of the truck. After an emergency crew cut us out of the truck, we were rushed to St. Pat’s. Not only did we lose all of our possessions, including our laptop, the dirt bike, and our cellphones, but we lost our sense of security as well. We are blessed to have lived through the accident, but our injuries required us to see a medical provider three times a week until last June.
Despite the adversity, I have proved to be a valuable asset to my employer, my team, and the clients I serve at the mental health center. Please refer to the attached letter of reference written by my then-supervisor, Jennifer Allen. After her resignation, it was Ms. Allen’s recommendation that helped me land the position. The Clinic Director, Diane Conti, asked me to assume responsibilities as the clinic’s interim Adult Case Management Supervisor until the interviews were completed, and the new hire was selected. Within a period of nine months, I have received honorable recognition twice for my work at the center.
On April 19, 2016, we finalized the adoption of Jonathan and Natalie. However, it was not until their adoption that the children’s behaviors were somewhat normal. Unfortunately, I was not able to take on any more responsibility until June of 2016. At that time, I sent an email to Ryan Tollerson, asking him what was required in order to re-enter the Social Work Program. However, when I received Mr. Tollerson’s original email date June 2, 2015, I did not see the deadline dated May 1, 2016. I misunderstood the May 1 deadline as the day my suspension was over, and that I had until May 1 to re-apply. Had I known that May 1, 2016 was the deadline, I would have immediately contacted Mr. Tollerson, and asked for a deadline extension. As I have explained in this letter, it is my hope that my circumstances are clear with respect to why I was unable to complete the steps of the agreement by May 1, 2016.
With respect to your re-admission criteria, I have re-written the three papers. I have also contacted the University of Montana regarding the in-person writing assessment, and was informed that it is no longer available. Based on the e-mail, it was unclear to me that the writing assessment had to be completed at the Social Work Department. As I mentioned earlier, I worked at WMMHC under the supervision of Jennifer Allen, who gave me an excellent recommendation before her resignation in May. Moreover, I took steps to improve my writing skills at FVCC.
I fully understand Mary-Ann’s concerns over my future ethical behavior in the social work field. I acknowledge that writing is one of weak points, but now know that I have resources available to me. My current duties as a Case Manager, which include treatment plans, monthly summaries, and other necessary reports, also offer the opportunity for me to improve my writing skills on a daily basis. I believe my strong points are my ethical responsibilities to my employer, clients, and community. Earning my degree in Social Work has been a 20-year journey. I know that I have the potential to be a great social worker. Currently, my life circumstances are as such that allow me to be able to complete my degree, and it is my hope that UM will support my endeavor.
In light of the obstacles I have fought and overcome, I hope to have your assistance and support in reaching my goals, and attaining my dream. This dream includes advocacy for the hearing-impaired, children in care, and women who suffer from addiction. I sincerely apologize for any confusion regarding the criteria to meet the original May 1 deadline. Had I understood when the deadline was, I would have contacted Mr. Tollerson, but I mistakenly thought that he was still the chairperson. I humbly ask for your re-consideration, and I would like to reiterate that my health is stable enough to focus on my school, work, and family.
