Nineteen Fifty-Six Vol.4 Issue 2

to that is, if you don’t see color, then you’re ignoring
somebody’s lived experiences.”
Davis expressed that most people are unaware that social
work is dynamic.
“It’s shifted from this assumption that all this person
does is take kids away; the field is incredibly diverse with
practitioners; it’s very broad,” Davis said. “Social workers
are sort of jack of all trades, and the same social worker
can kind of shift and blend into different areas and serve
as that sounding board. For a lot of people, I think social
workers serve as a mediator between different groups.”
Davis said social work, though incredibly difficult, is a
rewarding job.
“My favorite part is holding bits and pieces of power and
privilege and access and using that to help other people,”
he said. “Growing up and using the skills and some of the
things that I have to help other people has been that has
always been my favorite part.”
Despite the importance of social work, it is often
represented poorly in the media. Social workers are often
depicted as villains, becoming intrusive and a nuisance to
families.
“I think that the assumption is, all this person is coming
to take my kids away,” Davis said. “I think that we can
shift and move away from that by teaching some different
things in curriculum and by having some discussions
with folks in the field about how you should go into
communities.”
Davis said the future of social work sees a more nurturing
approach to social workers of “different identities.” He said
young and aspiring social workers should consider the
profession as a “marathon” and not a sprint, emphasizing
the importance of taking care of yourself.
As far as being an educator, Davis pushes the idea of
changing as the world changes around you.
“I think a good educator looks like someone who is always
willing to listen and be flexible and fluid. As the world
changes, and as ideas change, we have the opportunity to
nurture students,” Davis said.
Social Work is a vigorous job that takes considerable
mental strength, but Davis still finds things to enjoy in
the profession.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with over 30 doctoral
students serving as their advisor,” Davis said. “That
means that there are at least 30 doctoral students with
different identities who’ve become doctors and who’ve
gone on to serve their community. In essence, my favorite
part is growing up and using the skills and some of the
things that I have to help other people.”
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