A Graduation Message from NASW-Michigan Policy Intern, Mariah Benford

A Graduation Message from NASW-Michigan Policy Intern, Mariah Benford

My name is Mariah Benford. It is a wonderful pleasure to be able to deliver a message to a group of extraordinary people – our future Social Workers, and to do this while being amongst the graduating class of 2022. As both the chapter’s Policy Intern and a member of the NASW-MI, I am more than delighted to share a few words with you in this capacity. 

I’m going to start off with a quote that I knew was perfect for my time with you all! It begins:

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style” 

– Maya Angelou

Think for a second, back to the time you had to submit your MSW application to your university (if you’re able). Thinking back to my experience, I recall that I couldn’t exactly tell you what being a “Social Worker” meant, let alone inform you of anything “social work-related” that I had done in my lifetime. I only knew that I felt strongly about being here. I have had a passion for relationship building and advocacy since a young age. I’ve even been presented with awards from the U.S. senate recognizing me for the community service I’ve led and done in my hometown, the City of Southfield—but I still hadn’t been convinced that I knew what SW was, if I was qualified/could ever identify as one, and if I could ever successfully serve as a Social Worker as a black woman – still not having a clear understanding of all of what social work could be.

Shortly after my admittance to the University of Michigan School of Social Work, which was towards the end of my undergraduate degree, I finally had a better understanding of what SW was, while also understanding that to do this work, I had to get familiar with the idea of “courage”. This happened when one of my strongest mentors within the SSW, Colleen Karim, passed early in 2021, and as a “4+1, Sociology & Social Work” undergraduate major along with being a first-generation college student, I knew I had to find a way to develop a unique type of courage for the fall that I firmly believed only she could coach me into having. She saw greatness in me, and I wasn’t sure if I could get there on my own.

I want to take time to acknowledge/remind you of the greatness that someone sees in you, whether they’re here with us today or not. There’s so much greatness inside each of us that we may not be able to see at times, and sometimes all it takes is for someone else to identify the shine, or glimmer of light inside of us and to make us feel that we are capable of achieving much more than we can see. You have worked very hard to get to this point, allowing for the vision that’s planted over your life to begin to come to fruition. Never forget that those you are inspired by, are oftentimes inspired by you!

So here I was: Finally, the week of orientation. I was charged with the task of re-thinking courage and re-learning the steps to show up authentically. I then told myself “You need to have the courage to be who you really are. You need the determination to BOLDLY stand in the face of adversity. You can’t be so afraid to do things the wrong way that you stand in that fear for a lifetime. You have to have the confidence to ask the right questions, and the confidence to learn to do things your way”. From that point forward, authenticity had been at the root of the experience that I wanted to have here, at my School of Social Work. I was empowered by owning my difference, owning my style, making good connections, and enjoying myself. 

In a few weeks I will officially be a two-time Michigan Graduate. I represent one of the few members of the first “Sociology & Social Work 4+1” cohort, completing four years of undergrad with the aforementioned major, and one year within my SSW program studying policy, political social work, management, and leadership. I was the first in my cohort to pursue the aforementioned policy pathway, and in a few weeks, I will be the first soc & SW student to graduate with this specific track. 

So, take it from me: don’t let fear of the unknown or “new” stop you. Don’t be afraid to follow your heart and step in a direction that many are not able to identify as “successful”, because only you can determine that for yourself. Oftentimes when we’re in new spaces with new tasks, we constantly seek reassurance. We constantly seek feedback to know if we’re doing things the “right way”. And many times, our dreams, hearts, and passions get confined because we limit our thinking to what’s already there – the things that we are “certain” of, and never the things that we haven’t tried before (things with uncertainty). There is power in trusting yourself and allowing your passions to be free, creating opportunities for others to do things in a “new” way as well. 

If you’re able, please recall the quote by Maya Angelou again. I believe that while on our missions, we get the opportunity to jump and land in moments full of humor as we both (1) sit and celebrate with one another and (2) sit and cry together. I believe that when we take that jump, we get the opportunity to sit and dream together. (also acknowledging those that may not be able to participate in the way we imagine). Our passions and goals are fueled by one another as we find time to connect in the midst of a storm. We end up dancing while in the midst of a storm, laughing while in the midst of a storm. And while others may see this as danger; we learn that there’s a positive alternative to that word, called courage. 

Now give yourself a hug (if you’re able) and say: COM-PASSION. 

Every one of us has the ability to show some type of empathy/compassion (I’m sure you learned a bit about this in your programs). Re-write the recipient address every now and again to give yourself the very gift that you selflessly give others. Give yourself the ability to thrive, and to put your own style on things. Give yourself space to be confident; to be you. Give yourself space to be creative, to enjoy your passion, to show compassion and to thrive – all things I know that you’re more than capable of demonstrating and owning!

Once I gave myself the opportunity to show up authentically, I was able to navigate challenges with a strong sense of dignity. Yes, the tears fell from my eyes. Yes, I struggled. Yes, I succeeded -- and yes, I failed. Even if fear tried to sit in the driver’s seat, I reclaimed my place by knowing that if I had to do something intimidating, I would still make sure I got it done. Sometimes you have to say, “I’ll do it afraid”.

Ultimately, don’t deprive the world of your style of doing things. You are naturally going to grow and evolve, and you simply have to allow that process to happen. That process starts today, with YOU stepping into the fullness of who you are, believing that you can do it. You don’t have to create stress over wanting to know that you’re doing it right, you just have to believe in yourself to get the task done. Yes, stepping outside your window of tolerance may be challenging and yes there are great opportunities that can become available to you once you do so. You might as well build community and have wonderful laughs with the wonderful people that you end up surrounded by such as your loved ones, the people sitting next to you, your colleagues, your friends, and your guardian angels. Remember, there is always someone that is inspired by you.

Please know that it has been a wonderful pleasure to speak to you all about the importance of having your own style, reminding you to have the courage to make decisions that may sound scary. To remind you to be committed. To be consistent. And ultimately, empower you into knowing that there is power in seeing things through to the end – just as we did (to my fellow graduates). Y’all, we did it! 

So, as I bring my message to a close, I hope that you remember the words that I spoke to you today. What are they again? On the count of three let’s say together: THRIVE.  Let’s say PASSION, COMPASSION, HUMOR, and let’s say STYLE.