Christian Latina Leadership Blog

By: Anna Rodriquez

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“You need to be a teacher.” My mother would strongly suggest after observing my passion to help people. However, after listening to her, I would not entertain the thought of becoming a teacher. Now, if my grandmother were the one who said I needed to be a teacher, then most likely I would have been a teacher. 

It is not that I do not listen to my mother’s suggestions, but my grandmother, who lived next door, influenced my life in such an impactful way. She was my hero and role model of Latina leadership. A significant portion of who I am and how I serve the community is because of her influence. I inherited this gift of serving from my grandmother at an early age. My heart sings whenever someone says, “You have your grandmother’s heart.”  

As I reflect on my journey It brings joy to my heart when I recall the precious moments spent serving within the people-helping profession, and how my grandmother inspired me to serve others. As a child, my grandmother would include me in conversations of the importance of The Golden Rule: Do to others as you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12).

She demonstrated The Golden Rule in her conversations and actions by preparing meals for sick neighbors, taking people to their medical appointments, and helping in crisis by utilizing her critical thinking strategies, making a way out of no way so that everyone’s basic needs would be met. Following her example eventually led to me participating in community service, which would become my career. 

Recently, I was offered an opportunity to return to school and earn a master’s degree in Social Work (MSW), opening up the way for me to become a Licensed Clinician Social Worker. (LCSW). When I started thinking about my age, I was skeptical about returning to school. I thought this is the time I should be planning my retirement, not looking for more to add to my plate! After trying to convince myself that I did not need to work on another degree, I remembered my grandmother’s voice. Her words to me were, “Where there is a need there is a way.” All those times she served others with me by her side paved the way for me to pursue a path where I could be a voice for the vulnerable.      

The field of social work is a fast-pace environment that requires a lot of hard work, unfortunately, there are many times when social workers are put in difficulty situations with the responsibility to find solutions. In my experience, working in the social work arena has had many challenges. I currently reside in the Permian Basin of West Texas. There is a limited number of non-profit organizations offering social services. Most of these organization have a dire need for therapists and social workers. I recently read a quote, “If variety is the spice of life, then social work is one of the hottest careers around.” 

The Code of Ethics plays a significant role in this profession. It is an outline of best practices in maintaining licensure. When I study this Code of Ethics, I am reminded of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth who guides us into all the truth (John 16:13), and who invites leaders to live with honesty and integrity. The ultimate goal of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being, help meet basic needs by paying attention to the context of the client, and empower the vulnerable, the oppressed and those living in poverty.  

This passion of serving others that started with my grandmother has continued throughout the years. At the same time, there continues to be a shortage of licensed professional counselors and Masters-level social workers. These two realities intersected as the university I will be attending offered a scholarship in behavioral health to address the growing need. I intend to work hard on successfully completing the program and serve as a role model to those who come behind me while also, paying tribute to women who paved the way before me. I will be forever grateful to my grandmother who sparked the fire in my heart to serve others by being a woman after God’s own heart.  

In our community we have a common saying, ¡Sí Se Puede! (Yes, we can!). I invite you to go and inspire others to become the best that they can be for the well-being of our communities and for God’s glory.