My "Why"

Originally published on The Macro Lens, where I share essays and resources on macro social work. Visit the site for more articles and tools for changemakers.

My path to social work was not paved in gold but in trauma. A series of life events left those I love in deep suffering. In their hour of need, I placed my faith in the very institutions meant to protect us. I expected compassion. I expected justice. Instead, I was met with silence. Rather than healing, those systems served to deepen the wounds.

Few things are more terrible than watching those you love suffer while you stand powerless. That powerlessness almost broke me. For months, I carried that weight like a stone in my chest, replaying every failure, every silence, every closed door.

Finding My Purpose

As I processed everything that had happened, I began to see that my family's experience was far from unique. It was as though a veil had been lifted from my eyes, forever altering my perception. Suddenly, the deep flaws inherent to every societal system, from criminal justice and child welfare to healthcare and education, became impossible to ignore.

It was in this place of new clarity that I stumbled upon a quote by Henri Nouwen:

“Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. The main question is not “How can we hide our wounds?” so we don’t have to be embarrassed, but “How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?” When our wounds cease to be a source of shame, and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.”

Those words reframed everything. I began to see that what had almost broken me could be transformed into a compass and a purpose. I realized that while I couldn't change the past, I could choose to make meaning from it. This trauma could become a source of healing, not just for me, but for others.

My purpose became crystal clear: To do everything in my power to address the systemic flaws my experience had laid bare and protect others from the suffering my loved ones had endured. I just needed to find a career path that would allow me to effect this kind of change.

Finding My "How"

I spent months researching and soul-searching. Each career path I considered felt lacking. Public Administration could effect systemic change, but it felt cold and bureaucratic. A law degree could expand legal protections for vulnerable populations, but it wouldn't address the underlying systemic issues that bring them to the legal system in the first place.

Each path I explored fell short of the scope of my mission until a friend suggested I consider social work. I had only ever known it as a profession for therapists and child welfare workers, but I promised to take a closer look.

As I researched, I felt an immediate connection to the profession. The core values of service, justice, dignity, equity, and integrity aligned perfectly with my own values and purpose. I was amazed by the breadth of the social work profession and was introduced to macro social workers, professionals committed to addressing social justice issues through systems work. It was everything I had been searching for, and more.

In that moment, something in the depths of my being clicked into place. I knew immediately I had found my calling. I had never been so sure of anything in my life. I would dedicate my life to protecting the vulnerable from systems that perpetuate harm, and I would do so through social work.

From Calling to Community

Since that decision, every step on this path has reinforced my conviction. I have created programs at nonprofits and state agencies aimed at addressing community inequities, developed and piloted a data system for the Iowa CASA program, and worked directly to create behavioral supports for children in the public education system. I've witnessed the resilience of communities, the creativity of advocates, and the courage of colleagues, all of which have strengthened my belief in the possibility of systemic change.

While I still carry the weight of the experiences that led me here, every program I develop, policy I improve, and individual I help eases that burden a little more.

This is my "why." It is why I believe in the power of social work and why I am so committed to social justice and systemic change. It is why I believe this profession is meant for more than managing broken systems: We are called to change them. Finally, it is why I created The Macro Lens. I hope to build a community of like-minded social workers and allies, providing the support, resources, and inspiration needed to effect change in our systems and communities.

I hope you will join me in the effort to create a more just and equitable future for everyone.