Today I had a diversity seminar at U of M for 4 hours where we talked about many different issues that I am soon to face what looks like daily. Maybe you can help me out with some of these questions I had after the seminar.

One woman made the comment, "As a social worker (or professional) one must rid themselves of all personal beliefs to work with people." Is this even a possibility? Can one rid themselves of all their personal beliefs in order to work with an individual or do ones personal beliefs motivate all the decisions that the professional makes unconsiously? Is there a way of embracing your beliefs without imposing them onto others?

Another comment was made by a woman, "I want to work with children because they seem to have the most messed up view of reality." Is this a true statement? Should we be focusing more attention on our youth because when really what is learned in the home shapes a child's view immensely? Do we just assume that parent's views on something such as diversity, racism, sexual orientation, etc. cannot be changed but children's views can?

Just a couple questions to chew on. I will have many more as the semester goes on. It looks like all my classes will be on Thursdays with my practicum being on Mondays-Wednesdays. Hopefully Fridays will be a day of rest for me. How wonderful that would be. Justin and I are still trying to figure out all the little details to make our schedules work. What a joy.

Seize the day.....