Reflections from a Social Work Student

Throughout my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) journey, my understanding of social work has evolved significantly. Initially, I saw the profession primarily as a means of advocacy and direct support. However, through education, practicum experiences, and personal growth, I have embraced a more nuanced, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and intersectional approach. My practicum at Pro-Choice YQL has been particularly transformative, reinforcing my belief in the importance of client-centred practice, anti-oppressive frameworks, and grassroots advocacy. This post reflects on the insights gained from my practicum it has shaped my approach to social work.

Integrating Theory and Practice

One of the most valuable frameworks guiding my practice is ecological systems theory, which helps me understand individuals within the broader social and environmental contexts that shape their experiences. This perspective became relevant during my training courses on sexuality with Pro Choice YQL. Trauma-informed care has also been central to my work, ensuring that I engage with clients and people who walked up to our tables at tabling events in ways that acknowledge and validate their lived experiences.

As an African social work student, my identity is shaped by race, immigration status, and the historical realities of colonialism and systemic racism. This awareness aligns with Kimberlé Crenshaw’s assertion that “if we are not intersectional, some of us, the most vulnerable, are going to fall through the cracks.” In my practicum, I have strived to practice cultural humility, recognizing that my role is not to dictate choices but to create safe spaces where clients can make informed decisions about their reproductive health without judgment.

My experience with Pro Choice YQL has reinforced the importance of reproductive rights within a social justice framework. Through community outreach and engagement, I witnessed firsthand through barriers individuals face in accessing equitable healthcare. This experience highlighted the urgency of integrating an intersectional approach into reproductive justice advocacy, acknowledging how factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and gender identity intersect to shape individuals’ experiences with the healthcare system.

Social Work and Community Engagement

Community work is an essential aspect of social work, and my practicum at Pro Choice YQL deepened my appreciation for grassroots advocacy and policy engagement. The overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system and the criminalization of marginalized communities underscore the need for systemic reform. As Beverly Daniel Tatum notes, “It is not enough to be non-racist: we must be anti-racist.” This philosophy has driven my commitment to challenging inequalities at both micro and macro levels.

Personal Growth and Strengths

Through my practicum, I have come to see myself as a compassionate, reflective, and committed social worker. My lived experiences as a Black Cameroonian has given me a unique perspective on navigating systems that were not originally designed for marginalized populations. This awareness has reinforced my commitment to cultural humility, ensuring that my practice is rooted in empathy, resilience, and social justice.

One of my greatest strengths as a developing social worker is my ability to build rapport with clients. My empathetic nature allows me to create meaningful connections, as demonstrated in my work with families in the YMCA’s fee assistance program, where I helped clients access subsidized services. This skill has also been invaluable in my advocacy efforts at Pro Choice YQL, where I engage in tabling events, distributed educational materials, and facilitated discussions with community members.

Despite these strengths, I have also faced significant challenges. During community outreach, I encountered resistance from individuals who opposed Pro-Choice YQL’s work. In one instance, I was indirectly escorted out of a school building, and in another, a university student publicly shamed our organization at a tabling event. These experiences were disheartening but also reinforced the importance of resilience in social work. I have learned to manage emotional fatigue by seeking peer support, engaging in self-reflection, and maintaining a commitment to the values that drive my practice.

Professional Competency and Cultural Awareness

Cultural competency is a cornerstone of effective social work practice. My BSW education has deepened my understanding of working with diverse populations, particularly Indigenous communities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call’s to Action have underscored the importance of decolonizing social work, respected Indigenous knowledge, and advocated for policies that address historical and ongoing injustices.

Diversity competency extends beyond Indigenous issues to encompass race, gender, disability, and other intersecting identities. My work with radicalized individuals has reinforced the need for an intersectional approach, recognizing how multiple forms of oppression shape people’s experiences. From racial profiling by police to micro aggressions in classrooms and workplaces, the realities of systemic racism demand a social work response that is informed, proactive, and rooted in social justice.

As I move forward in my career, I aim to further develop my clinical skills, particularly in trauma-informed counselling. Additionally, I am committed to advocating for policies that support marginalized communities, including 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and Indigenous peoples. Collaboration will be key to this work, as interdisciplinary approaches are essential for achieving holistic care and meaningful social changes.

Social work is a lifelong learning journey, and I recognize the importance of continuous self-reflection, education, and engagement with diverse communties. Writing weekly journals and participating in leadership meetings have been valuable tools for my professional growth towards my goals, allowing me to refine my practice and remain accountable to my social work values.

My practicum at Pro Choice YQL has been an enriching, challenging, and transformative experience. It has reinforced my belief in the power of intersectionality to create inclusive and client-centred social work practices. Reproductive justice is not just about access to healthcare-it is about challenging systemic inequalities that limit bodily autonomy and well-being.

By centering marginalized voices and recognizing the interconnected nature of oppression, social work can move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and towards advocacy that is trauma-informed, inclusive and rooted in social justice. As I continue on this journey, I am committed to dismantling barriers, fostering empowerment, and ensuring that social work remains a force for meaningful and lasting change.