Hi, I’m Leonie – and This Is My Honest Journey Through Social Work and Self-Discovery
Hello, my name is Leonie, and I’m so grateful to share my thoughts with you. Through this blog, I want to give you a real insight into my life, my experiences, and my studies in Social Work – with all the challenges and growth that come along the way.
I’m 23 years old, and I often ask myself how exactly I’m supposed to “fit” into this system. I struggle in exams – I know the material, but recalling it under pressure is difficult. Do you feel the same? How do you deal with those moments?
Despite everything, I want to encourage others: There’s always a way forward. Every internal struggle I face has a deeper meaning – and sometimes even a hidden strength. I remind myself that I’m capable, even when things don’t go as planned. And when I make mistakes, that’s okay – because I take responsibility, and that’s what matters most.
Challenges in the Education System
Even before I started first grade, certain words stuck with me – words that still echo inside me today. Learning to read before school was difficult, and that struggle shaped my view of learning.
Over time, I developed a fear of making mistakes – of not being good enough. Even now, it’s hard for me to allow failure.
Can you relate? How do you learn to be okay with getting things wrong?
Still, I reflect on these thoughts and believe that self-awareness is key to recognizing your own worth and strengthening it over time.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Learning challenges & the fear of failure
- The power of self-reflection
- Taking time to understand and value yourself
I’m With Myself – For Life
No one is with me more than I am with myself. No one hears my thoughts and feelings as much as I do.
That’s why I owe it to myself to take time – to breathe, to reflect, and to heal. Because at the end of the day, this time I give to myself is what truly counts.
Self-Care and Seeking Support
It’s important for me to take my needs seriously – and to be there for myself. At the same time, I’m learning to ask for support from people I trust.
Even though I carry emotional wounds and sometimes battle with my own thoughts, I know it’s okay – and necessary – to allow others to help.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Respect your needs and seek support
- Allow help, even during inner struggles
- Self-care is essential for personal growth
Not every day is easy. Some days, I feel like I don’t have the strength to face my inner demons.
But for my life and my dreams – it’s a fight worth showing up for.
Question for you:
What does self-care mean to you? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you through difficult times? Share in the comments – I’d love to hear from you!
First Impressions From Studying Social Work
In the first two weeks of my social work studies, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: I had arrived.
I love the topics we explore – especially the emphasis on self-reflection. We’re even encouraged to question the teaching methods, which makes it so much easier for me to learn.
How do you experience teaching methods in your studies or your job?
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Self-reflection and questioning teaching methods
- Personal growth as a core of social work
- Finding community and inspiration through like-minded people
I’m emotionally engaged, but I’m not trapped in my thoughts. I ask myself:
Who can really teach me something – and who values diverse perspectives?
For years, I felt lost in my thoughts and disconnected from others. But in my first lectures, I met people who were passionate about social work – just like me. That inspired me deeply, because it wasn’t just about academic content, but personal development – the kind we need in this profession.
Reflections on Stigmatization
One topic that struck me early on was stigmatization. It’s often framed only as something negative. But I think it’s important to distinguish between harmful stigmas and the sense of safety that sometimes comes from shared identity.
Yes, stigmatization can be damaging – especially when it leads to prejudice and exclusion.
But sometimes, it helps people find common ground and feel understood.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Stigmatization can be both harmful and relatable
- Openness toward others is crucial
- We must be cautious not to reinforce inequality through stigma
Stigmatization refers to how individuals or groups are excluded or negatively labeled based on things like mental health conditions, background, ethnicity, or life circumstances.
This happens especially in areas like homelessness, mental illness, or migration – and it limits access to education, employment, and healthcare.
Want to dive deeper?
Great sources include the World Health Organization (WHO), Robert Koch Institute, social science journals, or books like “The Stigma Effect” by Patrick Corrigan.
Question for you:
Have you ever experienced or witnessed stigma – positively or negatively? Share your thoughts in the comments so we can learn from each other.
Conclusion: Personal Growth and Community Matter
At the end of the day, I feel deeply grateful for the start of my studies and the insights I’ve already gained.
I’ve learned how important it is to stay true to yourself, recognize your own worth, and open yourself to support.
Social work is meaningful. It challenges us and connects us.
And I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and giving back to society.
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Stay true to yourself and allow support
- Personal growth is essential to working in social work
- Give yourself the time and space you need to grow
No one walks through life with me as closely as I do.
That’s why I’m giving myself the time I need – to grow, to heal, and to become who I really am.
How do you make time for your personal growth?
If you’re interested in topics like these, feel free to leave a comment or a like.
I’d also love to hear your thoughts on stigmatization or your perspective on studying social work (or working in the field).
🗳️ Survey: What Are Your Biggest Challenges in Studying or Working in Social Work?
Let’s open a space for honest exchange and mutual support.
💬 Leave your answers in the comments – I’m excited to hear your stories, share experiences, and grow together as a community.
Last question for today:
What topics would you like to read about in future blog posts? Let me know – I’m always open to your ideas.
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