to my learning portfolio! My name is Michaela Eldstrom, but I prefer to be called Mikki. I use she/her pronouns. I belong to a variety of social groups that shape my identity. One of the most significant communities I’m part of is the MRU social work students, which I hold in high regard.
At work, I feel incredibly fortunate to have amazing colleagues to collaborate with. Beyond my academic and professional pursuits, I have always loved going to events such as raves or concerts. Unfortunately I had to leave that community for a brief time in order to find myself again. Today I am so happy to say I have finally reached a point in my sobriety where I feel safe and confident to regain my space within the rave scene. I have found a group within that is sober allowing me to enjoy raves and festivals again. This new aspect I have become a member of is often referred to “safe” or “comfort” zone. This volunteer-run area provides a quieter, calming environment for individuals who may feel overwhelmed at events. In these zones, attendees can receive support in various forms, such as water, bubbles, hugs, or even a teddy bear. The last groups I would like to mention as I believe hold a significant role within my social location are all the dogs at my local dog park….. I would say people but I am really there for the dogs, as well as my group of art friends.
At the beginning of my journey, my focus was on building a career working with addiction. However, as I delved deeper into my research, I found myself fascinated with a highly controversial area of interest: working with non-offending pedophiles. I want to acknowledge that this topic can provoke extreme emotional and physical reactions, and I appreciate your understanding as I do my best to navigate and understand with compassion and empathy.
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I aim to be the kind of worker who stands up for what is best in each individual case, even if it means challenging traditional approaches. I will seek guidance and approval from my supervisors before taking action. My goal is to prioritize what is right over what is easy.
As I continue within my studies to become the best social worker I can be, I recognize the importance of developing several key qualities. I feel confident in my ability to remain non-judgmental, but I know that this trait involves more than most people realize. One of my strengths is valuing and respecting individuals, even when their beliefs, opinions, or actions differ from my own.
I find that I can become to eager to share things which has good intentions however does limit my active listening during conversations. This is important to focus on strengthen in order to help me communicate effectively. While I consider empathy to be another strength, I realize I need to improve my understanding of the difference between cognitive empathy and emotional empathy, particularly because of its link to burnout in the field. These qualities are just a small part of what I am eager to enhance.
I believe these traits are crucial, and I am committed to continually learning and growing in them. Life offers me countless opportunities for improvement, and I am ready to embrace them.