Introduction
Homelessness is not an isolated case in the United States. There are many individuals who experience homelessness, in other countries, especially in developing countries. This paper will likewise discuss a video clip by Blanton that was released in 2009 regarding homelessness and my reflection on the said topic.
Body
The thing that impacted me the most in the video was when she narrated how she was judged by people around her when she started living in her van. It was disappointing to know that instead of helping her, many people would judge her living situation. It seems to me that people should not make any assumptions regarding the background of a person just by his or her current living conditions.
The struggle that Becky Blanton had to go through during those times was unimaginable. It is still quite an enigma to me how she ended up making such decision. Nonetheless, it is saddening to see that depression is being taken for granted and lightly, when in fact, it is one of the most alarming issues the world is facing today.
Some of the clients that a social worker could have aside from homeless people are people who have experienced physical, mental, and emotional abuse, refugees, and people who are on the poverty threshold. These people who need the services of social workers the most. It is important that these people be provided with the necessary aid that they need in order to save them from further suffering.
A social or development worker needs to possess certain traits in order for him/her to be able to properly perform his/her duties. The first trait is being a good listener. Beyond the monetary or tangible help that a social worker could provide a client, the ability to listen to the stories and feelings of the clients without judgment nor prejudice is a very important trait. A social worker must also possess strength and courage, because in tough times where the clients are at their weakest point, social workers must intervene and give the clients moral strength. Another important characteristic that a social worker must possess is softheartedness. It is important to be able to relate oneself to the experiences of the clients. In order to be a successful social worker, one needs the ability to feel what the clients are feeling or to become emphatic, and discern the emotional aid that the clients need. But last and definitely not least, a social worker must not forget to have a sense of objectivity. It is equally important for a social worker to not get too attached to the clients in order for her to perform her duties accordingly.
Social work is not an easy work. But upon watching Becky’s video, I became sure of one thing. I want to be a Social Worker. Yes, salary may not be as high as that of a Lawyer, a Doctor, or a Businessman, but the compensation is greater than the sum of those three combined. Seeing a person’s life become better because of the help you have rendered, is something that can’t be equated with money.
Conclusion
Homelessness is a condition that no one wants. However, certain circumstances put people in such awful situations. People may not readily provide them housing, but people may opt to help them by being a social worker. The moral support of a social worker may boost an individual’s desire to be better and eventually become successful in life.
Reference
Blanton, B. (2009, July). Becky Blanton: The Year I Was Homeless [Video file].
Retrieved 25 April 2016 from https://www.ted.com/talks/becky_blanton_the_year_i_was_homeless?language=en
