We recently connected with Bianca SMITH and have shared our conversation below.
Bianca, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?
I am an International Social Worker, and my favorite place to serve is Kenya. In October 2023, I returned to Kenya to teach and learn from caregivers and educators. While at a school in Kenya, I learned about an 11-year-old student who was experiencing bullying, the most severe “symptoms” of poverty, and suicidal ideations. I had an opportunity to empower his school counselor to build rapport and create a safety plan while assessing for risk and protective factors. He agreed to meet with me, and I was really looking forward to learning more about him as an individual. We met, we talked, and we laughed. He was an artist, and he shared some of his drawings with me. Before, I departed Kenya, that 11-year-old student thanked me for my visit and asked for permission to pray for my safe return to the U.S. I couldn’t understand how someone so young, so innocent, but so burdened, would selflessly pray for me, consider me, and prioritize my safety and well-being. I immediately wished I could stay longer and do more to assist him, but I trust his resilience and his village.
Bianca, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I could go back, like all the way back to high school, I’d choose to be an attorney! But, even if I could go back to my undergraduate days, I would choose to be a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Self-love and self-care! More recently, I engage in macro-level social work and international social work much more than clinical work because it is taxing on my mind and body. In 2023, I had days where I treated 7-8 clients, and quickly realized my limitations. Some clinicians don’t mind that at all, but I do! I think about the quality of service, ethics, and the risk of burnout. My aunt, Tishona, buys me the best journals! They’re always filled with affirmations, stickers, and ample space to write. Journaling allows me to check in with me and tend to whatever parts of me that need attention…mental, physical, and/or spiritual. It’s a real treat to curl up on my couch, with at least two blankets, and watch Abbott Elementary. Additionally, I love being an Auntie! Spending time with my nephews is self-care because I get to authentically be me and seize opportunities to play!
Contact Info:
- Website: ikultivate.com
Image Credits
J.P. Hanney