 Kumulipo Hawaiian Quilt
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President’s
Message:
Welcome new
and returning students of the School of Social Work!
I am excited about this year for several
reasons. First, returning
students will be one-step closer to accomplishing an important goal in
our lives as students
of social work. Even though learning is a
life long continuous activity, we will have finally reached a plateau
of
earning the title, “Social Worker”. This
journey may have been long and arduous, but well worth it.
We have found a worthy
cause and the support we can give to one another, as mentors, cohorts,
and culturally competent social workers is
invaluable.
Secondly,
“Aloha” to our new students entering the BSW program.
I am pleased that your reality of becoming a
social worker is well on its way. During
this time of change, learning, and growth, it is important to remember
you have support within the BSW program and utilizing those resources will
help prevent stress overload. A
bond
that we will share together will expand your horizons personally,
academically, and professionally. I look
forward to
watching this happen.
I invite all of
our new BSW students to the BSW Organization meetings to help plan
events, activities, or give us
your mantra for life. Sharing
this upcoming year will sharpen our skills and connect us together. A chance for a great
learning experience by providing community service and support to our
community, but also fun.
Lastly, the
BSW Organization has chosen the Kumulipo quilt
design to represent Social Work in Hawaii. Our
connections to our past, ourselves, the future, and one another is the
basis of social work. Without
those connections
we become isolated, invalidated, and lost. My
commitment to social work has given me a safety net, because
I have realized I have the support of my cohorts. I
hope to pass on the same ideals and opportunities to our new students
and strengthen the support we already have. Let
us be ready for this upcoming year by connecting to one another
and by strengthening our connections to our community. The awareness we have as social workers
permits this to be
possible with ourselves, other individuals, families, and our community.
Have a Great
Year Everyone!
Lisa M.
Kuhlman
©
2004 University of Hawaii School of Social Work
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