Maggy's Experience at the NASW-WI Conference

I had the opportunity to attend the annual National Association of Social Workers Wisconsin Conference (NASW-WI) with other Carthage social work students. Throughout the event, I attended several breakout sessions that expanded my understanding of what it truly means to work in this field and how deeply human the profession is. I left feeling inspired and confident about the path I have chosen.

A breakout session to note was “Doing Supportive Psychotherapy*.” This session highlighted not only the importance of psychotherapy in helping clients heal but also the role of building healthy, ethical, and trusting relationships. It emphasized the importance of boundaries as tools that enable both the client and the social worker to feel safe and supported.

Hearing experienced social workers discuss these concepts made everything I have learned at Carthage feel even more real and relevant. 

Another session that had a substantial impact on me was “Cultivating Self-Compassion for Social Workers.” This session was different, as it focused on the importance of professionals taking care of themselves and their well-being.

It taught me that as social workers, we cannot do our best for our clients if we cannot be the best for ourselves. 

There was discussion of self-care, burnout, and the importance of acknowledging our humanity. This resonated with me because social work is a demanding field, and it is important to know how to take care of yourself. I learned a great deal from experienced social workers as they shared their own stories of burnout and how they continued to progress in their field despite the challenges. 

I was able to connect and learn from many professional social workers, all with different levels of experience and specializations. The attendees ranged from hospital social workers, library social workers, school social workers, and many more. Hearing their stories and advice meant a lot. They reminded me of the passion and resilience it takes to stay committed to the work—qualities that often get overlooked. I realized how much social workers do and how often they may not receive the recognition they deserve for their work. 

On the final day of the conference, an award ceremony was held to celebrate and honor social workers who have excelled in their fields. The impact these social workers have had was incredibly motivating.

It reminded me why I chose this field: to support others, advocate for change, create meaningful impact, and to speak up for those who cannot. 

Leaving the conference, I felt more passionate and knowledgeable about the social work field, and I look forward to pursuing the career I have chosen. The experience is inspiring me to pursue a master's degree in social work and to someday become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to specialize in supporting children who have experienced trauma. I have found something that I am willing to work hard for in order to make a difference in people’s lives. This experience has reinforced that social work is the right path for me. 

BY MARGARITA REYES-PENA

Footnote:

*Psychotherapy: A collaborative process for treating mental health conditions, in which an individual, family, or group seeks guidance and support from a licensed mental health professional.