Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Carver.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I work as a School Social Worker, Business Owner and Children’s Book Author. It is funny growing up, my mother worked in the field of Social Work, but the field chose me – it was not forced upon me. I initially wanted to be a Registered Nurse, Psychiatrist, or School Counselor, but honestly the fear of only being able to do one thing the rest of my life scared me. The field of Social Work allows one to hold various positions in different places; for example: administration, policy planning, medical settings, mental health facilities, schools, prison system, social service agencies within the community, or in private practice as a therapist. I attended Tuskegee University where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Obtained my Master of Social Work from Alabama A&M University and completed my Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The struggle for me was navigating and figuring out the right career choice. It is hard being young and not being sure of exactly how you want to use your talents and how you want to contribute to the world. The field of Social Work allows me to help others who are often at their lowest. It is a passion of mine to educate young children and adults about the field of Social Work. Often school-aged children only learn of careers such as doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, police officers and rarely will a child learn about the life saving things Social Workers do daily or of the role at all. I find it important to expand the knowledge base of careers, especially Social Work; a field that children can pursue later as adults. My passion to educate young children and adults delivered my two children’s books, Destined To Be and For My Son: A Path to Social Work. I love what I do, and I believe all Social Workers have great a desire to help make one’s life better and provide hope for those who are hopeless.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Again, I am currently employed as a School Social Worker where I bridge the gap between home, school, and the community. I work with families and students to ensure students attend school daily, determine barriers that may prevent students from attending school and work with the students and their families to break those barriers. I also work to provide students in crisis support, give resources to families living in transition, and partner with child protective services and other stakeholders. I enjoy my job and working as a Social Worker in general. I find great satisfaction in being able to help students and their families. I am not sure what sets me apart from others, I am just a young African American woman who wants to inspire those around me to be who they are meant to be and improve their quality of life…. that is all that matters!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Working in a field that provides direct service to people, I find that the pandemic has affected everyone. I believe the pandemic has shown us what is important, which is our mental health and overall physical health. The pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities of how life changes and has perpetuated the immediate need of action to address the overwhelming challenges of Covid-19. The pandemic has struck many families, leaving some grieving, without jobs, loss of housing, and no sense of normalcy. The pandemic has been hard to say the least – I do believe that during this time, it is most important for individuals to take full advantage of creating spaces that are comfortable for them, build tight connections with family and friends, or determine their own happiness in a safe and positive ways; this will take time and, in many instances, may require the professional assistance of mental health providers.
Pricing:
- 15.00 – DESTINED TO BE by Ashley Carver (ON AMAZON)
- $15.00 – FOR MY SON: A PATH TO SOCIAL WORK by Ashley Carver (PRE- ORDER ON WEBSITE)
Contact Info:
- Email: differentboxcrayons@
gmail.com - Website: https://www.
differentboxofcrayons.com/ - Instagram: @a.different.box.
of.crayons
Image Credits:
Candid Frames Photography
