This blog post explores how to effectively showcase suitability for the major and sincerity by concretely expressing interest and goals in senior welfare through experiences, problem awareness, and action plans in a social work academic plan.
Reasons for Pursuing the Major
I have long aspired to become a social worker who can see what others overlook and offer assistance. Some view welfare solely as sacrifice and service, seeing it as inherently noble. I, too, initially approached social welfare with that mindset. However, after encountering various challenges during volunteer work, I realized that social welfare requires not only sacrifice and service but also specialized, concrete knowledge. After that, I naturally majored in social welfare. Through courses like volunteering and community education theory, I came to believe that the very act of starting small practices for others is truly rewarding and joyful.
Through fieldwork in social welfare, I learned how to empty the prejudices that had pointlessly taken root in a corner of my heart. I also learned the importance of filling that emptied space with love that springs from deep within.
Now, I wish to move beyond this comfort zone by pursuing graduate studies to deepen my knowledge and give back what I have received. This is why I am applying to your esteemed university, which boasts outstanding faculty and an environment well-suited for excellence in social work.
Academic Plan and Goals
I have a deep interest in senior welfare. Witnessing the lives of elderly residents in nursing homes inspired me to become someone who brings joyful smiles into their lives. I wish to plan and operate programs that provide comfort in the later years of seniors’ lives and integrate various practical fields.
I believe social welfare is also a form of information. Elderly welfare is not welfare provided uniformly, but an active right to assert a dignified life, not one of decline, through the exchange of information. I will strive to continuously create diverse programs for securing jobs for seniors and vibrant later-life experiences, provide social service opportunities for seniors with professional careers, and create comfortable senior centers.
Currently, gerontology is receiving the most attention within the field of social welfare. However, programs capable of designing a comprehensive, holistic plan for the entire later life—covering health, finances, welfare, leisure, family relationships, and death preparation—remain insufficient. Therefore, I want to create a comprehensive later-life planning program that includes social psychology, family, health, occupation, and finances.
Post-Graduation Plans
Before formally studying social welfare, I wish to lay a foundation for understanding society as a whole through sociology. Afterward, I plan to obtain my social worker certification and begin working. For seniors living alone, I want to be like a granddaughter to them. For younger siblings studying in difficult circumstances, I want to be like an older sister to them.
My dream is to use the greatest gift I’ve been given—a healthy body and mind—to share happiness with others, giving back as much as I have received. I don’t want to just think about it; I want to always act and fill the real gaps where help is needed. Additionally, I want to go to countries facing harsher conditions than ours and participate in relief efforts. Seeing people struggling because they can’t afford a single meal makes me feel a sense of responsibility, knowing I can eat warm food. I also want to work for the human rights of marginalized minorities who face discrimination in society.
I know all too well that for society to function, acknowledging differences and understanding one another must come first. I will dedicate myself to my studies so that these small resolutions of mine to become a social worker can bear fruit, one by one.
Self-Introduction (Life Philosophy, Values)
My greatest strength is my strong sense of responsibility. Even while living in a very difficult family environment as a recipient of basic livelihood security, I maintained a bright disposition. From a young age, living in challenging circumstances, I always had to take care of household duties in place of my mother, who has a Grade 2 physical disability, acting as her hands and feet. Experiencing family hardship earlier than other students meant I had to handle many tasks independently. This naturally cultivated my ability to quickly recognize and solve problems presented by given situations. I matured mentally earlier than my peers. By diligently solving problems, big and small, and striving to view everything positively based on sincerity, I believe I grew into a responsible student.
