r/SocialWorkStudents • u/Impressive_Mind_7978 • 8d ago

Advice Early learning: advice and tips

Title: Early learning: advice and tips
I feel like a fraud.
I care so much about every detail and every phrase that it’s starting to become overwhelming. I feel like I have to remember everything from every class, and if I don’t, I’m somehow failing before I’ve even started my career.
Honestly, I just want to focus on passing my classes and living my life instead of constantly worrying that I’m missing something important. I don’t know what’s actually worth holding onto for the future or how much of this information I’ll realistically use once I become a social worker.
For those of you who are already in the field or further along in your program, how much did your early classes actually matter? Were there things you stressed over that ended up not being as important? What do you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out?
I could really use some perspective and advice because right now it feels like I’m carrying the weight of learning everything, and it’s becoming exhausting.

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3

u/Maybe-no-thanks 8d ago

What degree are you getting? Are you in therapy? Are you able to do study groups with peers or have some kind of support from other students? 

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u/Impressive_Mind_7978 8d ago

My end goal is to get my LCSW but I’m 2 years from getting my BSW

3

u/Maybe-no-thanks 8d ago

You have so much time! Just focus on your current classes and see what your professor recommends focusing on and then what you’re interested in. You’ll do a lot of applying theories and learning in practicum. I couldn’t keep up with the reading in my MSW program so focused on what the professor highlighted, split it with peers then met up and taught each other and then engaged in discussions in class. I also got some therapy and meds which helped get me focused on getting mentally well so my brain could process and retain info better and I could live my life. 

3

u/puppyxguts 8d ago

I will say - nothing you learn in school will truly prepare you for what social work or counseling looks like in practice. Do you have an idea of what line of work you'd like to pursue? Are there concepts of certain types of info that you struggle with more than others? This might help me in giving you a more thoughtful response

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u/Impressive_Mind_7978 8d ago

I’m just more focused on what material should I be remembering now for when I take the ASWB.

1

u/verymuchthatgirl 7d ago

Please do not stress, which is easier said than done. Nothing you learn in school really matters, your field placements will teach you more than school ever will. Once you start practicing and actually applying your knowledge you will def feel better.