As members of the University of Maryland School of Social Work community, let us embrace this spirit of renewal wholeheartedly.
Dear School of Social Work Community,
As we welcome the arrival of spring, a season synonymous with renewal and rejuvenation, I reflect on the connections between the concept of “spring cleaning” and the essence of social work. At its core, social work is about fostering holistic well-being, addressing systemic challenges, and promoting resilience among individuals and communities. Just as we tidy up our physical spaces during this time of year, it’s equally important to engage in the practice of “spring cleaning” for our mental and emotional health.
Spring cleaning is not just about decluttering our surroundings; it’s about creating space for fresh beginnings and positive energy to flourish. As members of the University of Maryland School of Social Work community, let us embrace this spirit of renewal wholeheartedly.
Spring invites us to reflect on our professional goals, values, and ethical principles. It’s a time to renew our commitment to social justice, equity, and human dignity, reaffirming our dedication to creating positive change in society.
As we embark on this journey of renewal, I am reminded that this is a time we can all look ahead with optimism and enthusiasm. We will have another town hall for our new building on May 2. Convocation is also fast approaching on May 17, when we celebrate the achievements of our students and launch them into the world as changemakers and leaders in social work. We will also host an all-school meeting on June 10. This will be a great opportunity for us to come together and further build upon all the great things taking place.
Let’s channel our energy into building upon the strong foundation of our School of Social Work, nurturing it with dedication and passion. Each of us plays a vital role in shaping the future of our school and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
As we embark on this season of renewal, let us embrace the spirit of spring cleaning in both its physical and metaphorical sense. By nurturing our own well-being, we strengthen our capacity to uplift others and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
I encourage each of you to take some time for self-reflection, engage in meaningful self-care practices, and seek support from your colleagues and mentors as needed. I am incredibly proud of the resilience and dedication demonstrated by each and every member of our school community. I am here to support you, and I know we can all continue to support one another, lift each other up, and inspire positive change as we journey forward together.
Warm regards,
Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW
Dean, University of Maryland School of Social Work