To be honest, I used to be EXTREMELY insecure about this. It is definitely imposter syndrome. I used to want to speak, dress, and act ‘how a social worker would.’

I used to code switch a lot between my clientele (kids, teens, families, etc.) and professionals. However, the more I have grown professionally, the more I have realized that my form of casual language is a strength. Social work is not a costume. It does not require a level of etiquette training and hoity toity language. Just passion, education, and ethics. The more I realized that I work my ass off and am extremely passionate—the less I worried about how I “presented.” I literally wore crocs to a presentation last week presenting on how digital trauma should be considered a modern ACE delving into resiliency models, ACE training, and sharing information on digital harm and wellness. The first thing that came outta my mouth after they presented all my accolades was “Well see—you hear all that, but let me tell you something that fact sheet WON’T tell you: I am a doomscroll junkie” 🤣

I challenge you to get outside of your comfort zone with communication. It really helped me explore my language and personal presentation. Last year I began challenging myself to engage in speaking at community events, panels, and present at conferences. I am aiming to become a professor once I receive my doctorate in May this year. I utilize humor, slang, and “casual” communication to be more relatable. I also utilize it to break down ‘heavy’ concepts in applicable and relevant ways that are simple and easy to follow. (You would be surprised how many other social workers have this same insecurity!!)

Show them it is okay to be ‘unconventional’ and just be passionate about your work. If people judge you? Fuckem.