Social worker Emily Smith has grown some popularity throughout the school for her outstanding social skills and in-school engagement she has with students of Huntley High School. Obviously, being a social worker can have its ups and downs, but there are still students who find the career interesting and may eventually partake in the job.
However, their initial ideas of the work may be the contrary to what it entails.
Most would say the job seems relaxing and fun and while this may be true, there are still some struggles that may come with the job. Social workers typically help accommodate those who may be struggling in or outside of school and need extra support through tough times.
Smith never fails to show up when someone is in need.
“I do think she deserves more recognition because she has so much to do and she’s always running around,” senior Alexis Kowalski said. “She still finds time for her students.”
This is probably no surprise since being a social worker can be a lot of work. Most people typically think that social work can be draining and sad at times which is not always true.
“I went into the education field to be a teacher but then I was working a job where I had to work with a [Department of Children and Family Services] case,” Smith said. “I changed my major that day because I wanted to make a change in people’s lives.”
Understandably, not everyone can take on the pressure of this career but it takes one caring soul to make an impactful difference in others lives.
“You have to be hard working, passionate and able to make connections with students,” Smith said.
However, what makes Smith so special and different from other people is that it is instantly easy to connect with her even after just meeting her once. Her outgoing and bubbly personality makes anyone feel like they are able to purely talk and share their feelings without holding back.
“She’s nice and helpful,” senior Marley Nickle said. “I love her because she’s honestly great at what she does.”
It takes quite a lot to become a social worker because every day can be different and being able to have good communication with students is vital to working in a school setting.
“I deal with difficult situations every single day [and] it’s very unpredictable,” Smith said.
Most of her days fly by because of how crazy they may be which makes her day feel short.
“I wish there was more time in the day to get done what I need to get done,” Smith said.
Making an impact on other students and sharing similar thoughts and feelings with a student can make a difference and even make a student feel heard when they are feeling doubtful. Smith is known for never failing at making her students feel heard.
“If I could describe her in one word it would be extraordinary,” Kowalski said.
