So I finally gave in to starting my blog. I don't know why I was so resistant but maybe I hesitated because I am exposing my thoughts for everyone to read, which makes me feel very vulnerable. However, I am excited to share the interesting topics that will be discussing in class, as well as the readings, local events, resources and more related to Social Work.

I will start with a short intro… I am currently a social work graduate student at Humboldt State University. I am originally from Salinas, California but had previously lived in Humboldt County while working towards my B.S.W., two years ago. Although I always knew I wanted a career where I could help people, my journey towards social work began when I made a volunteer trip to Lima, Peru. I had an amazing experience, volunteering with disadvantaged kids in a school-setting. This experience made me realize how rewarding a career in social work could be, so I began to work towards my B.S.W. One of my greatest passions is working with children and youth because they represent our future. I will be interning at Eureka High School and would like to pursue a Pupil Personnel Services Credential. Other things I live for are spending time with my family and traveling. I LOVE to travel all over the world because I learn about other cultures, see incredible and beautiful sites, and find new appreciation for what I have in life, like family, friends, love, faith, good health, education, and so much more.

During class, our professor Michael Yellow Bird, surprised me by starting the semester with discussions about neuroplasticity and Emotional Freedom Technique (E.F.T.). It’s refreshing to have a professor with a unique approach to social work education. “EFT is an emotional, needle free version of acupuncture that is based on new discoveries regarding the connection between your body's subtle energies, your emotions, and your health. EFT has been reported successful in thousands of cases covering a huge range of emotional, health and performance issues” (http://www.emofree.com/). Our readings were also related to neuroplasticity or our brain’s ability to continuously adapt and change throughout our lifetime, unlike previously understood. It is incredible to think about the progress that can be made by those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, head trauma, genetic conditions or other circumstances, by rebuilding or rerouting pathways that had been damaged. Having a grandmother who suffered and ultimately died from Alzheimer's disease, I am very hopeful that more development is made regarding the treatment of the disease.

I continued thinking about the constant changes in our brain. It made me think about my language skills. Although my native language is Spanish, English is the language that dominates my everyday life, except when I am at home with my family. As I grew up, I had the tendency to speak more and more English because of the increased time spent in school and outside my home. Due to this experience, I do not practice my Spanish as often, so I find myself losing a part of my culture and a valuable tool. I realize that my brain has adapted to the environment that requires me to speak English. Since I value the Spanish language as a key part of my culture, I am determined to use it more often and continue developing my skill until I master it, even if it takes thousands of hours.

See the following website for more details on neuroplasticity:
www.memoryzine.com/neuroplasticity.htm

Change is essential in today’s society, as we fight to achieve social justice. We can start by making changes in our self and then expand throughout the world. As social workers, many of us want to save the world. At times I find myself feeling powerless and overwhelmed, but then I say a little prayer…..

Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.