Child Abuse has affected so many children around the world. There are many different types of child abuse, such as physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Many children that have been abused are fearful of speaking up about what they are enduring in their daily lives. Many children need someone that will be their voice and advocate for what is right.

As a school social worker, I have seen first-hand the effects of child abuse, especially in the children that I come in contact with daily. It affects their ability to learn and retain information, the changes in their personalities, how they handle their emotions and their interactions with others in the classroom. The school is a safe haven for many of these children facing adversity.

For some children, school is where they receive their only meal. School is the only place where they receive love and attention from their teachers and other school personnel. It is the only place they feel safe and secure.

Being a school social worker means that I use my mind to create different resources and avenues that will effectively meet the needs of the students that I serve.

I use my eyes to help them see a clearer vision of who they can become and remind them that they are not alone. I use my nose to teach them to inhale and exhale whenever they become overwhelmed, anxious or angry. I use my ears to listen without judgment to the daily struggles and trauma they face. I use my mouth to be the voice for those that cannot speak up for themselves and advocate for what is right. I use my hands to help guide them and show them a better way. I will use my feet to help walk with them along this journey.

School social workers were created to help people along the way to see that even though you had to endure many trials and tribulations and it left a hole inside your heart, it still does not keep you from becoming the beautiful masterpiece that you are.