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Module 1: Journal Response

Shyterria Sims

SOWK 4310 Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work

Richard Wiley, Jr., MBA, MSW, MA

August 30, 2022

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Module 1: Journal Response

After completing the module, I feel a sense of relief now that I know I am not responsible

for knowing it all, but rather knowing enough to help and being understanding. This, in my

opinion would benefit clients more and build a semi-personal relationship with them to get them

more comfortable with me and better assist them and their needs.

Learning that my thoughts on openly being misunderstood or misunderstanding others

has shown me that I do not have to know it all and that everyone will not understand me. Doing

so would showcase my vulnerability and enable me to learn more, reevaluate my choices and

decisions, and accept others more fairly. These actions may be based on a variety of differences

such as upbringing, race, culture, gender, or even sexuality. Whichever makes us different,

showing and appreciating cultural humility will create an environment for self and client to work

together and find common ground.

Being an Ally versus Being a Nice Person truly made me realize that I not only need to be

aware of the multiple -isms and oppressions, but also get in the field and be an actual ally. As

stated by Adeya, I must be willing to be uncomfortable, being willing to be wrong and [try]

again, over, and over to right the wrongs of others and make an impact no matter the group

(Adeya 2013). I would say becoming an ally to other groups would be nerve wrecking for me

because it would be a new playing field that I will not understand and face backlash for

protecting. Emotionally, this part of the module gave me self-reflection and I was a little

disappointed in myself. Now that I have learned and fully understand the difference between

being nice and what an ally actual is, I will be more conscious and aware when people speak on

such topics and figure out the best way to get my point across without being stepped over. I will

take this information back to my home school and educate others on what an ally and diversity
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truly is and that it is beyond words and physical differences and features.
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References

Adeye, N. (2013, March 1). Being an ally versus being a nice person. Daughters of Eve.

Retrieved August 25, 2022, from

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/daughtersofeve/2013/03/being-an-ally-versus-being-a-

nice-person/