GOSO is staffed by a dedicated team of licensed social workers. In honor of Social Work Month, we asked our team members to discuss their passions for their profession and reflect on their experiences at GOSO. In the third Q&A of this series, Shaquala Fields discusses family and comedy at GOSO.
What motivated you to become a social worker?
I knew I always wanted to be in a helping profession. I tossed around the idea of becoming a nurse, but Anatomy and Physiology was just not for me! I decided to take Social Work 100 and it was love at first sight.
Where did you go to school and where else have you worked?
I went to Nyack College, where I got my Bachelors in Social Work and Hunter College for my Masters of Social Work. I came to GOSO by way of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC.
What are the challenges and rewards of social work?
It can be challenging at times when you see your clients hurt. You want to do so much more. But at the end of the bumpy road, the reward is always getting there together!
How long have you been with GOSO and what about its mission is meaningful to you?
I have been with GOSO since September of 2014. I think that what makes GOSO so dear to my heart is the sense of community and family we have here. We really create the very thing our guys may have been lacking, which gives them the motivation they need to have a successful reentry.
What is one of your fondest memories working with GOSO clients?
Choose just one? I would say anything that involves laughing with the guys… they can be total comedians sometimes!
What advice do you have for someone considering a career in social work?
For anyone that is considering social work I would say jump right in. There will be days you go home tired and ask yourself “what did I just get into”… but seeing the beauty unfold far outweighs the bad days.