My soul

 Helping others through social work is one of my deepest goals and passions. From a young age, I have felt called to advocate for people whose voices are often overlooked. Living with cerebral palsy has shaped this commitment by teaching me the power of independent self‑advocacy—communicating one’s needs, ideas, and values respectfully and confidently to the world. Through my experiences, I have learned that while physical limitations may exist, the strength of one’s voice can create meaningful change.

I first realized I wanted to become a social worker at the age of fifteen, when I mediated a family conflict between my aunt and uncle that had escalated into a two‑hour argument. Although I could not physically intervene, I used my voice to help each of them feel heard and to understand the other’s perspective. That experience was transformative. I understood that I would never be someone who stands idly by when others are in distress. It also taught me that advocating for myself empowered me to advocate for others—once I learned to clearly communicate my own needs, I no longer depended on others to interpret or speak for me. This realization changed my life, and it is a skill I hope to teach my future clients.

My physical disability has given me a deep sense of empathy for individuals with disabilities and for anyone struggling to discover the power of their own voice. I believe that every person, regardless of resources or circumstances, possesses an invaluable tool: their voice. No one can take it away. As a social worker, I want to help clients develop the confidence and skills needed to express their experiences, passions, and beliefs in ways that feel authentic and empowering. My goal is to help people communicate peacefully and effectively, while embracing their identities without fear or shame.

Writing plays a central role in my advocacy and professional development. I use writing as a means of self‑expression, reflection, and social justice. Through writing, I have cultivated patience, authenticity, dedication, and confidence—skills that directly strengthen my ability to advocate for others. I created a blog titled Shining Star, where I write about issues including educational inequality, disability rights, gender bias, media representation, and refugee experiences. My work reaches readers across the United States and internationally, including audiences in Poland, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, Kuwait, and the Philippines. Writing allows me to educate, inform, and inspire others to reflect critically and take action. It also prepares me for the written demands of social work, such as case notes, advocacy letters, reports, and professional communication.

At times, not being able to help people physically can be challenging; however, I have learned that emotional presence can be just as powerful. When my father was diagnosed with cancer, I supported him by spending time with him each day—listening to his stories, helping with phone calls, watching basketball together, and reminding him that he was loved. That experience reinforced my desire to pursue a career centered on individualized emotional care. I learned that patience, compassion, and consistent support can provide people with strength and dignity during their most vulnerable moments.

My academic background in sociology further informs my commitment to social work. C. Wright Mills’ concept of the sociological imagination taught me to understand personal struggles within broader social structures. In the context of education, disparities cannot be explained solely by individual effort; race, class, disability, school funding, and systemic bias all shape outcomes. Scholars such as Jonathan Kozol highlight how structural inequalities disadvantage marginalized students, particularly those with disabilities. Practices like academic tracking and narrow special‑education assessments often fail to recognize students’ full intellectual and social potential, reinforcing exclusion rather than inclusion. These systemic failures motivate me to advocate for educational equity and reform.

My internship at Abilities allowed me to put these values into practice. I worked in business communications, assisting students with resumes and cover letters while advocating for their strengths and individuality. This experience confirmed my desire to become a therapist who empowers clients, as well as an activist who challenges systems that silence marginalized voices. I aim to create therapeutic spaces where individuals feel safe discussing personal, cultural, religious, and social concerns without fear of judgment or stigma.

My research on Islamophobia and Syrian refugees further shaped my advocacy goals. What began as a sociology research project became a deeply personal commitment to addressing humanitarian injustice. Learning about the barriers refugees face—particularly those fueled by fear and misinformation—motivated me to continue researching, writing, and advocating. I aspire to provide refugees with platforms to share their lived experiences and to support them in reclaiming agency over their narratives.

I am eager to join Hunter University’s Silberman School of Social Work because of its commitment to social justice, diversity, and global engagement. I intend to concentrate in Global Social Work and Practice with Immigrants and Refugees and Youth Services. Hunter’s emphasis on field education and research aligns perfectly with my passion for writing, advocacy, and direct practice. I believe this program will equip me with the clinical, ethical, and analytical skills needed to become a compassionate counselor and effective advocate.

As a future social worker and therapist, I want to help individuals recognize their strengths, embrace their identities, and find their voices. By transforming my own experiences into tools for advocacy, I hope to support people whose voices have been muted by discrimination, stigma, or systemic barriers. My goal is to create spaces rooted in empathy, respect, and empowerment—where every person feels heard, valued, and capable of shapin

g their own future