Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Green.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m the woman I am today because of my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and siblings pouring positivity and knowledge into me over the past 27 years. I grew up in a loving household and community, so positivity and inspiring others has been instilled in me since a young girl and always will be. I knew I wanted to become a social worker after talking to one of my undergraduate professors about my spirit and resiliency. I dealt with some health issues in undergrad and it was a very challenging time for me. I wanted to give up on plenty of occasions, but I just could not. After talking to this professor about how resilient I was and still being able to encourage others during my hard times, she suggested I explore social work in the future. I researched it and went and spoke with the program director at Kennesaw State and I fell in love with the school. Social work means the world to me now. Just thinking back on all those kind acts I did for people as a young girl, made me realize that this has always been my purpose. I just didn’t know it.
Advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves can be a challenging but rewarding thing. Since I started my MSW program, I have been so happy. Helping individuals and fighting for important issues is a very rewarding thing at the end of the day. I’m only in the first year of my program, but it seems like it’s been longer. I am ready to graduate and start working in the field. I know I will be an amazing social worker. I have some of the best professors and family members that are supporting me heavily through this journey. I find myself getting overwhelmed at times because it’s so much I must do for school and there’s so much I want to do after I graduate. I’m always planning things for the future. I am learning to just be patient with myself and listen to God when he tells me to slow down “Ashley.” I just want to inspire others to get out in the world and find their purpose and live it out no matter how hard things get. If I can do it, so can you. A favorite saying of mine that I always tell my family and friends is ,“Go be great.”
Has it been a smooth road?
The program so far has been great. It is school, so it is going to be hard. I don’t expect it to be easy all the time. I thought it would be a struggle jumping back into school after being out for a year. But I jumped back in like a boss. Knowing that there are people out in the world depending on someone like me to help them, makes it easier to get through the struggles when they do arise. I’m a very resilient person, so I tend to bounce back from challenges very fast.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. I just want those who don’t have someone in their corner to feel supported and to know that there is someone out here fighting for them. I’m truly a genuine person and want nothing more, but to see everyone succeed in life. God put me here to fight for social justice and world peace. It’s a dream of mine before I die to bring about world peace. I know that’ll be hard but with the help of others it may be possible. Never say never. I’m currently focused on tackling issues within the homeless population in downtown Atlanta. I am also currently focused on getting things in order for my non-profit organization that I plan to start in my hometown of Macon, GA next year.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is the perfect place for what I’m trying to do. I would recommend anyone to come here that’s trying to become a social worker and do the same work as me. There are a lot of issues that need attention in the city. There is always room for more social workers. If you are interested in becoming a social worker , go for it you strong and amazing person.
Contact Info:
- Email: chanaegreen11@gmail.com
- Instagram: chanae_27
- Facebook: Ashley Green
Image Credit:
Melissa Green, Asha Jordan-Hayes
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