Where Are We Going?

by Daniel Jacob, MSW: Founder of Can You Hear Me?

Where Are We Going?  As I reach and teach I am always presented with an opportunity to empower and support.  One might ask, how do you know you are making this kind of impact?  My response would go like this, when the eyes of those I am trying to teach reach mine, their focus shares all I need to know...  My writing this week is inspired by the work I am doing with MSW students and the mutual process that unfolds.  As my students find themselves transitioning into a new semester, there is another opportunity to add to their own works toward progress, and the learning is in place. 

Where Are We Going?  It is as much about the uncertain as it applies to what one has been able to add to their toolbox.  You see, often when we are immersed into our goals and tasks at hand, we can lose sight of the awareness needed to recognize what opportunities we have gained.  Today was about identifying competency as much as it was about striving towards progress that is yet to be achieved.  I challenge my student's to pause along the way, not losing sight of all the learning that surrounds them as they often just want to check off the next item on the list.  I want them to be mindful and in tune with the practice opportunities that will never be on the syllabi, but can impact their development in a manner that will effectively add to their skill set and ability to reach those in need.

Where Are We  Going?  It is a process, and if you trust it, you will be presented with openings that you never imagined would be possible...  It is in this space and place that one is empowered and motivated to embrace challenge and difficulty, not as a chore, but rather as a choice.  Can You Hear Me?  If you can then perhaps you are following my lead here.  It's a straight path towards insight, observation and the objectivity that a helping professional would need, not only to help those in need, but to support themselves in the process.  Today was a good day...  It signified to me that those I was striving to reach were available and present, and when this is in place, then there is no question as to Where Are We Going?

Once again, when one teaches two learn!  I am continually inspired by the opportunity that I have been given, one that I do not take for granted.  You see, I am in a position to not only impact the future of social work as it applies to the students I support, but what they take into the field as a result has the opportunity to transcend...  This is where I am going, and I hold no reservations as to what is possible, an opportunity for a level of change that can impact all parties involved.  As I reflect on just that I am empowered, and provided with another moment to breathe a little easier with my head up and heart open...

"It's not what you look at that matters, 

it's what you see." 

~Henry David Thoreau

About Author
   
Daniel Jacob, MSW Email
Founder of Can You Hear Me? External Field Instructor at University of Southern California School of Social Work MSW@USC. Daniel has a Masters in Social Work (Families and Children Practice/School Social Work). He is currently nearing the completion of the LCSW testing process. More about the man behind the mission ⇢