(Posted 2023 February)
Sarah is still in the early stages of her career. She just graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work in May 2022 and went straight into an accelerated, one year Master of Social Work program at George Mason University.
Last year Sarah had the pleasure of interning with the Manassas City Department of Social Services, and she is so excited to be interning for Fairfax County this year! “I have already had many new experiences and opportunities since starting with Fairfax, and I am excited for what this next semester will bring,” she said.
FFN: What led you to pursue a career in child welfare?
SC: I would say a mixture of childhood experiences along with the experiences of my peers growing up. I saw a need in society and felt drawn to being someone who can support and advocate for children when they most need it. Once I got to college and learned more about the field of social work I knew it was for me.
FFN: So, tell us about more about your family experiences.
SC: I come from a big family! My father is retired military, and my mother is a teacher. I have two older siblings, three younger siblings, as well as a niece and two nephews. I don’t often find time in my busy schedule to travel home to see my family, but when I do I enjoy my time with them. I enjoy the excitement of a large, fun, and chaotic household when we all come home to visit. It reminds me of the fun times during my childhood, and it keeps me grounded!
FFN: What are you most looking forward to in your internship?
SC: I am looking forward to building on the skills and knowledge from my classes and previous field experience to become a more informed and well-rounded worker. It is exciting to learn about all the resources available in such a large locality as Fairfax.
FFN: What is most rewarding to you about your work?
SC: One of the most rewarding things I have experienced so far is witnessing growth. Whether it’s growth of an individual child, a caregiver, or the family unit, seeing genuine growth and knowing I was able to provide support and encouragement is very rewarding.
FFN: What do you think will be your biggest challenge?
SC: I think that the biggest challenge will be making sure to take care of myself. I tend to put the needs of others above my own, but I am working on implementing self-care to maintain my own well-being. When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking, baking, and playing video games. I try to incorporate these activities into my busy schedule whenever possible to make sure I’m caring for myself as much as I care for others.
FFN: What are your goals for the future?
SC: In the short term, I hope to graduate summa cum laude and be invited to the Phi Alpha honor society at GMU. After graduate I plan to become a Foster Care worker and continue to learn, improve, and progress throughout my career.
This is an exciting time to join Fairfax County Department of Family Services. Learn more about our job opportunities.
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