Indiana University – Bloomington Master of Social Work student, Richa Clements, chose social work for its broad person-in-environment perspective as social work inspires her to scrutinize and shape the environment for the future while helping people navigate challenges in the present.

As a practicing social worker, Richa hopes to work with veterans and other adults who have experienced complex trauma, in addition to also being interested in learning about the intersection between trauma, pain, substance use, and mood disorders and their treatment via meta cognitive therapies.

Currently, Richa works as an intern at the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis and also engages in outreach to prospective social work students and others at the University of Edinburgh, which is her other alma mater. As a student and as a professional, Richa has learned that in undertaking any project, it is better to start small and do it well, and better to deliver 80% on-time than 100% too late. Richa has learned to love deadlines because they motivate action and efficiency.

 

For my favorite quote, I turn to a core teaching of the ancient Indian text called the Bhagavad Gita (2.47):

Your right is only to engage in action,

Never to lay claim to its results.

Never be motivated by the results,

Never be attached to inaction!

To me it means that it is our duty to engage in selfless, disciplined action – the definition of social work.