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An obligation to her community

Convocation grad profile: Robyn Smith, social work

- May 28, 2012

Robyn Smith, social work grad. (Nick Pearce photo)
Robyn Smith, social work grad. (Nick Pearce photo)

Robyn Smith is a busy person. While raising her nine-year-old son, she volunteers at the YWCA in Halifax and works two part-time jobs. Her hard work has paid off as a graduate of the Bachelor of Social Work program.

ā€œI have an obligation to my community,ā€ says Ms. Smith. ā€œI have the obligation to give the best life to my son. I want to model good choices for my son and my community.ā€

Ms. Smith knew she wanted to be a social worker. She has often volunteered with various groups that have been marginalized in society. She is a residential counselor for the Yarmouth Association for Community Residential Options (YACRO) Metro and Program Coordinator for the Employability and Life Skills Programs for at-risk youth and immigrant women at the YWCA.

ā€œI have a heart for the work. Iā€™ve gained a political platform through social work. Itā€™s great to be in a program that follows through in enacting social justice. Itā€™s been absolutely awesome.ā€

Ms. Smith was drawn to social work by the programā€™s commitment to fighting oppression. ā€œSocial work is about realizing human potential. Itā€™s about supporting people from removing personal and systemic barriers. This program is for people who are dedicated to liberation and understanding themselves in the spectrum of privilege and oppression.ā€

Ms. Smith worked at the Department of Community Services for her field practicum placement. She hopes to work in the non-profit sector in the future. In the meantime, she will continue her journey and begin her Master of Social Work program this fall.

ā€œThis is one of the best experiences in my life. The program has been really flexible and fully supportive.ā€