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My journey as a social worker is deeply rooted in my own challenging experiences growing up.
I am 33 years old. From the age of eight to 18, I moved between different relatives’ houses, changing several schools along the way. This constant movement and the absence of parental love were the cause of a miserable childhood, filled with pain, hurt and rejection. During those years, I felt I had no purpose in life.
Growing up, I was shuttled among various relatives, each with their own rules and expectations. Every time I started to feel a sense of belonging, I was uprooted and had to start all over again in a new environment. This lack of stability made it difficult for me to form lasting friendships or feel truly at home anywhere. The emotional toll was immense, as I constantly grappled with feelings of abandonment and loneliness.
School was no sanctuary either. Each new school meant having to adapt to different curricula and social dynamics. I often felt like an outsider, struggling to keep up academically while also trying to navigate the complexities of making new friends. My academic performance suffered, and I felt increasingly isolated. The sense of rejection I felt from being moved around and the lack of a reliable support system at home or in school made those 10 years incredibly difficult.
However, at the age of 18, my life took a dramatic turn. I met two strangers who, for the first time, showed me genuine love. This was an unfamiliar emotion for me, and I struggled to accept it. Their kindness marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. They provided the stability and support I had longed for, helping me to heal and start believing in myself again.
At 23, I began working at an NGO focused on girls from diverse backgrounds. Initially, I questioned my decision to take on this role, wondering why I would add more problems to my life by listening to others’ troubles when I was already struggling with my own.
One day, in a moment of deep introspection, I asked God about my purpose. His response was profound: He had chosen me before I was formed in my mother’s womb and had prepared for me for a specific work. I realised that my painful experiences uniquely qualified me to understand and support vulnerable children who had been separated from their parents.
From that day forward, I dedicated myself to investing my time and energy into the lives of these children. Over the years, I have played the roles of mother, sister and friend to many.
In 2021, I decided to further equip myself with professional knowledge by pursuing a Diploma in Social Work at Methodist College as a part-time student. Last year, I completed an internship as a case worker at Cheras District Parole Office under the Department of Prisons Malaysia, and this year, I am interning as a community worker at the Malaysian Mental Health Association. This will be my final year of study.
Throughout my journey as a social worker, I have learned the importance of self-care. Managing my time effectively has become a priority; once I finish my daily quota, I do not force myself to complete additional tasks. It is essential for social workers to maintain their well-being to continue helping others.
I have also realised the necessity of having a strong support system. The support I received from the age of 18 has been instrumental in my growth and resilience. As a social worker, being a listening ear to someone in need has strengthened me day by day. Sometimes, people do not seek solutions but rather someone to listen to them and validate their feelings.
My journey in social work is driven by a desire to give hope to the hopeless and to support them in achieving their goals. Encouraging words, building self-confidence, and helping individuals recognise their strengths can make a significant difference in their lives.
Through my experiences, I have come to understand the transformative power of love, support and resilience. I hope my story inspires others to find their purpose and to extend a helping hand to those in need.
