Collective Me: The social constructs, relationships, and experiences that have shaped my identity

Race

Race has been an influential, and sometimes invisible, force in shaping my identity. In my study of social justice, I have learned that privilege and oppression is organized according to race in the U.S. I recognize the privilege I have experienced as a white, middle-class person with educational opportunity. With this in mind, I strive to embrace a multicultural, color-conscious approach to difference and disparity. My goal through this program is to have a better understanding and awareness of history and the impact of discrimination.

For a deeper look at white and male privilege, I recommend Peggy McIntosh’s essay “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” (http://nymbp.org/reference/WhitePrivilege.pdf).

Sisterhood

My two sisters, Allie and Hannah, are the two reasons I would consider moving to my home state, New Jersey. My connection to them gives me true faith in vulnerability and compassion. Beyond my blood relatives, kinship with other women is very fulfilling and revitalizing for me. Women’s and gender empowerment and the practice of finding and reclaiming our voices is vital to empowerment and livelihood.

Positive community participation

My family culture is very community-oriented. My parents are both public school teachers in the same district. They have devoted a total of 70 years in their collective lifetimes to advocate for better education for their students. They serve as positive role models for students and parents, alike. As modeled by my parents, I aspire to make effective change in the communities where I live and encourage the participation of others.

Nationality

As an American who has never traveled abroad, I know I must have a limited world view. I have minimal interaction with immigrants who do not speak English, although I attempt to use my high school Spanish education. I have also had limited opportunity to interact with citizens of other countries. I am not entirely aware of the thoughts and behaviors that are imbedded in my mentality. However, I want my American ideas to be challenged in order to understand their effects.

Music & Dance

Creative expression through music and dance has been a strong influence on my identity. It motivates me to connect with people in different ways. Sometimes movement and sounds convey meaning and feeling that words alone cannot. I look forward to opportunities to learn about Ghanaian music and dance culture to expand my ways of connecting with others.

My overarching personal goal for the Ghana Maymester and Social Work:

Courage

In her TED Talks lecture, "The Power of Vulnerability", Brene Brown states, “The original definition of courage in the English language was to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart.” She goes on to say that the courage to be imperfect allows people to be authentic. For me, I have to practice being courageous in order to be authentic to make connections within myself and with others. This is where I will find the deepest learning, which will enable me to truly be an effective social worker. Ultimately, learning about my own identity and others’ identities requires that I be open-minded, self-aware, and participatory in the search for knowledge and understanding.

Thanks for reading!
Please let me know if you have any questions or want to discuss any items I have shared.

Also, if you have 20 minutes to spare, I suggest watching Brene Brown's compelling lecture. 

Beginning a Learning Adventure

"Adventures don't begin until you get into the forest.

The first step is an act of faith."

~Mickey Hart, Grateful Dead

Before I set out on my first international adventure, I am incredibly excited to share what I learn about Ghana, its culture, and people through this blog!

I'm Caitlin, a native-New Jerseyan, who recently moved to Austin to pursue a Master of Science in Social Work through UT's School of Social Work. I currently intern at a non-profit agency that serves those who have experienced or been affected by family violence and/or sexual assault. I feel honored to work with women, children, and families in their journeys toward empowerment and leading happy and healthy lives.

My goal is to broaden my knowledge of how to empower people, communities, and organizations to improve the well-being of women and families in the US and Ghana. I also want to learn about social justice issues in Ghana and their implications on its development as a nation.

As a social work student, self-care has become an important part of my life. In order to revitalize myself after work and classes, I like to sing, play percussion, paint with watercolors, dance, explore the outdoors, and correspond with my sisters.

If you have any questions for me, feel free to ask! I look forward to a challenging, yet rewarding learning experience through the 2012 Ghana Maymester program.

Talk soon,
Caitlin