FROM THE OFFICE
OF THE DEAN

Dear GSS Community,

In this profession, it sometimes seems as though we get little time to celebrate.

We enter our social work careers at the peak of our optimism. We’re committed to helping others — to making a positive impact on society and in our communities. With passion and boundless energy, we step up and take on complex challenges before us.

As we mature in our profession we learn that meaningful change is seldom easy, and the path toward equity and progress is rarely a straight line. Historically, the pendulum of social, economic, and political change swings continually between oppression and progression. The result is a pace of change that can be frustratingly slow and incremental.

A shooting in Buffalo. A shooting in Uvalde. Ideological and political polarization. Historic regression of legal and cultural precedence. Racism. Fear. Inequity. A pandemic that won’t go away. A global climate and mental health crisis. So many challenges we thought would be behind us by 2022.

These are the very reasons social workers and the work we do are so critical. We’ve always been the changemakers. The advocates who shine light in dark places and demand equitable change.

Nevertheless, I know the weight of these burdens is enough to weigh anyone down. Especially social workers who are so often on the frontlines.

Our passion and commitment often come with a tendency to keep burning until we burn out. And when this happens, what can we do? How do we care for ourselves so we can continue to care for others?

I’ve found that a big part of the answer is in our relationships and social work community. Caring for each other is essential to our professional recovery and resilience.

I have never felt as much a part of a community as when I was studying for my MSW.

Graduating with one’s Master of Social Work degree is a monumental milestone. The bonds we form and the unique journey we take together are a big part of the reason why.

On graduation day it seems as though the world stops, just for us. There is a profound sense of accomplishment—hard-earned and transformative. Our loved ones around us: our friends, family, classmates, teachers, and fellow social workers. On this day we celebrate what’s been, what’s to come, and what we’re made of.

I’d like to dedicate our summer issue to celebrating that special moment of achievement. I urge us all to take a break and remember that feeling. To reconnect with where we all started and why we’re here. And especially to express gratitude for the MSW friends and colleagues who continue to support and sustain us.

As you remember your own milestones, your own joyous achievements, please join us in celebrating the GSS graduating class of 2022.

Know that this new group of passionate and dedicated professionals is ready to collaborate and help each other (and you!) take on the future.