Write an essay on being an associate teacher made me want to purse social work
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: From Associate Teacher to Aspiring Social Worker: A Journey of Purpose and Passion
Introduction:
The role of an associate teacher offers a unique opportunity to witness the impact of education on young minds and the challenges they face outside the classroom. Through my experiences in this role, I have come to realize the profound influence that social factors have on a child’s development and well-being. This essay explores how my time as an associate teacher has ignited a deep desire to pursue a career in social work, driven by a passion for advocating for vulnerable individuals and creating positive change in their lives.
Body:
Witnessing Inequality and Injustice:
As an associate teacher, I have encountered students from diverse backgrounds, each carrying their own set of challenges and obstacles. It has become evident that many students face inequality and injustice in their communities, such as poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, and inadequate access to healthcare and educational resources. Witnessing these disparities firsthand has ignited a sense of urgency within me to address the systemic issues that perpetuate these injustices.
Building Relationships and Providing Support:
Working closely with students and their families has allowed me to develop strong relationships built on trust and empathy. I have had the privilege of providing emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to students who have experienced trauma or difficult circumstances. These interactions have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of compassionate support and have motivated me to pursue a career where I can provide comprehensive assistance to vulnerable populations.
Advocating for Change:
In my role as an associate teacher, I have been exposed to the limitations of the education system in addressing the complex needs of students. While education is vital, it is just one piece of the puzzle. Many students require support beyond the classroom to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This realization has inspired me to advocate for systemic change, promoting policies that prioritize the well-being of students and provide equitable opportunities for all.
The Multifaceted Nature of Social Work:
Social work encompasses a wide range of roles and interventions, from individual counseling to community organizing. Through research and conversations with practicing social workers, I have come to appreciate the breadth and depth of this profession. Social work offers the opportunity to engage in direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, as well as contribute to policy development and advocacy efforts on a larger scale. This versatility aligns with my desire to make a meaningful impact at both micro and macro levels.
Personal Growth and Self-Reflection:
My time as an associate teacher has not only revealed the injustices faced by marginalized communities but has also prompted self-reflection and personal growth. I have recognized my own privilege and the responsibility that comes with it. This self-awareness has strengthened my commitment to leveraging my privilege to uplift others and work towards a more equitable society.
Conclusion:
Becoming an associate teacher has been a transformative experience that has ignited a passion for social work within me. Witnessing inequality, building relationships with students and families, advocating for change, and recognizing the multifaceted nature of social work have all contributed to this profound shift in my aspirations. The desire to make a positive impact on vulnerable individuals’ lives and contribute to systemic change has become a driving force in my decision to pursue a career in social work. With a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to social justice, I am eager to embark on this new path and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
References:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (n.d.). What Is Social Work? Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/What-Is-Social-Work
Ruch, G., Turney, D., & Ward, A. (2018). Relationship-Based Social Work: Getting to the Heart of Practice (2nd ed.). Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Saleebey, D. (2013). The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice (6th ed.). Pearson.
Zastrow, C., & Kirst-Ashman, K. (2019). Understanding Human Behavior and the Social Environment (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
