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As a helping professional, my ultimate goal is to be able to utilize my skills, knowledge and prior experience in order to lift others up. Although many helping professionals give out advice and/or put a plan into action, I hope to be a helping professional who demonstrates that behaviour firsthand. In other words, rather than saying what to do, I hope to showcase what to do.

This is demonstrated by the selected image which shows how an individual is lifting up another person as they are rock climbing. As such, the leader in this case is not foraging ahead, bur rather, he is stopping and ensuring that the person behind him is keeping up. This photo demonstrates my goal as a helping professional, as I will not only help others correct their behaviours and strive for success, but I also hope to demonstrates the positive values which they can adopt through my own actions. As they say, "actions speak louder than words." I hope to be an example of that saying in my practice.

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A big aspect of who I am has to do with my connection to my culture and heritage, as well as my broader cultural community. I am from Ethiopia and where I come from, community is so incredibly powerful in both a physical and a theoretical sense. From a physical perspective, community is crucial as it can help ensure that an individual has supportive people around them, particularly during hardships. Meanwhile, from a theoretical sense, community relates to the idea that one is a part of something bigger than they are, it speaks to their connection to others and the greater "world."

This notion of community is something that is pictured here. This photo demonstrates a proud group of individuals who are clearly part of a singular community. It is their commitment to each other and unwavering support which I hope to demonstrate within my practice as a helping professional.

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Family is such an important aspect of who I am and who I hope to be. More specifically, family is very central to me from both a present day and future day perspective. Indeed, I am not only inspired by my present day family, both close and extended, but I am also inspired by growing and shaping a future family unit. This is pictured in the selected photo. The family in this image looks united in their appearance and garb, making them appear like they have a common purpose. This sense of connectivity and mutual goals, is something that I also hope to emulate in my future family.

This notion of family is also something that I hope to translate into my practice as a helping professional. More specifically, through my practice, I hope to be able to look at the family as a unit and to provide them with holistic support, rather than only address the issues of the individual. This is due to the fact that family members are almost always impacted by one's actions and/or struggles. On the whole, this approach is very much in line with my own emphasis on family values and a deep appreciation for the strength of a family unit.

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Much like family and community, faith is an integral part of who I am and who I hope to be. Indeed, my faith consistently keeps me connected to my community and family, while also ensuring that I am grounded, grateful, and consistently looking for the good in dire situations. In other words, often times, my faith acts as a beacon to help guide my decisions and help solidify some of my choices, however difficult they may be.

The chosen image shows a beautiful mass in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during Ethiopian Christmas at Holy Trinity Cathedral. This image was chosen because it not only emphasizes the importance of faith and communal gathering as a place of support and mutual respect, but it also reflects on the importance of celebration. Indeed, the Pilgrims pictured here all come united for a specific purpose and to rejoice in celebration. From my perspective, this is a beautiful and very inspiring thing to witness. This image represents the type of commitment and support that I hope to achieve within my practice. Indeed, I aim to not only unite people with a greater purpose, but I also hope to provide a safe space to do so.

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Given the long and beautiful history of the Ethiopian people, I am always enthralled by traditional Ethiopian artwork that speaks to the lives that my people once lived. These historical depictions are a beautiful homage to another time and place, and act as a celebration of my ancestors' place in the world. This particular image depicts a family enjoying a traditional meal together, while celebrating as a singular unit.

This image speaks volumes of my goal as a helping professional, whereby I hope to comprehend the history of people and their cultures. Moreover, in addition to commemorating and understanding the history of one's people, I hope to be able to be able to link one's history to one's present day life. As a helping professional, I hope to be able to instill confidence in people and allow them to see their true selves, as a reflection of historical roots.

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This is an image of traditional Ethiopian food. In addition to its appetizing aroma and initial presentation, the true beauty of Ethiopian food arguably lies in its ability to promote sharing. Indeed, families sit side by side when having a meal, and they all share the different dishes and flavours as one. This can sometimes be a stark contrast to the more Western notion of "ordering for oneself."

Given the importance of the sharing of traditional Ethiopian foods, I hope to be able to infuse my helping professional career with this same notion of sharing. It is not enough to solely be responsible for oneself and when one shares with others, they seek out the support and love of those around them. This is something that I hope to infuse my practice with, while also perhaps enjoying some delicious food along the way!

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I am a firm believer in the notion that one can start fresh. I feel that people can easily turn the page and shift gears. They can rewrite their history and change the course of their story as THEY see fit. This is why I have selected a beautiful and powerful image of a sunrise as seen through my cultural land.

This particular image represents the idea that we can all start fresh and focus on the good. It helps reorient us to our goals and the fresh day ahead. As such, I selected this image as it speaks volumes to the positive attitude through which I hope to approach my clients. It also speaks to the future focused planning that I hope to bring forth in order to motivate them to improve their future selves.

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I selected this photo of my country's astounding nature. This image is powerful as it not only speaks to the bounty that my land has to offer, but it also speaks to the possibilities of this land. Last but not least, this photo depicts the interconnections of all aspects of this land, and how these elements work together to achieve a common goal. The farmer cannot grow their crops without the rain or the sun. While the crops cannot flourish without the rich land. All the elements are equally important in the success of the land.

I believe it is this notion of interconnections that I hope to bring forward as a helping professional. Many people may simply see one or two aspects that are top of mind, but do not comprehend all of the other factors that come into play. I hope to be able to remind my clients about the importance of their lives in relation to a greater whole, as well as emphasize the good that they can do.

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I equate many aspect of Ethiopian culture with what I consider to be beautiful. Indeed, traditional Ethiopian garb, foods, and rituals, are reminiscent of many fond childhood memories. They also demonstrate my pride in who I am. As such, the selected image depicts a beautiful woman in traditional garb, with many traditional foods laid out. Her pride in her culture is evident in her gaze and her smile.

Through my career as a helping professional, it is this pride that I hope to be able to instill in my clients. I hope to not only help them be proud of their lives, but also to be proud of their traditions, ethnicity, as well as family connections.

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This image depicts a smiling bride and groom, as part of their traditional wedding celebration. I have selected this image given that it not only effectively incorporates my culture, but it also showcases the means through which traditions can lead to real beauty and celebration. In other words, having a deeper connection with oneself and one's roots can undoubtedly spark external motivation and potential for growth.

I hope to be able to effectively link tradition and celebration through my work as a helping professional. Indeed, I believe that all individuals deserve to celebrate their uniqueness and it is through this that we can become more whole and complete.

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This image is powerful as it depicts how a helping professional can positively impact the lives of others, particularly the elderly, through advocacy and support. I have selected this image as it speaks to the work that I hope to do as a future helping professional.

Within this role, I hope to be able to not only advocate for those who have difficulty advocating for themselves, but I also hope to forge meaningful and lasting relationships with my clients. Moreover, I also hope that this work can motivate clients to grow in their own way and to find meaning in various aspects of their own lives.

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The song "Oceans" by Hillsong UNITED speaks to the importance of faith in one's life. The song lyrics are included below:

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) You call me out upon the waters The great unknown where feet may fail And there I find You in the mystery In oceans deep my faith will stand … And I will call upon Your Name And keep my eyes above the waves When oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine … Your grace abounds in deepest waters Your sovereign hand will be my guide Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me You've never failed and You won't start now … So I will call upon Your Name And keep my eyes above the waves When oceans rise My soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine, oh … And You are mine, oh … Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Saviour … Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Saviour … Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Saviour … Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Saviour … Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Saviour … Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Saviour … I will call upon Your Name Keep my eyes above the waves My soul will rest in Your embrace I am Yours and You are mine

This sounds is powerful as it constantly reminds me of my own ability to be confident and my willingness to trust. It also reminds me of how important it is to continue exploring and striving to keep growing.

I selected this song as it aptly reflects my goals for being in a helping profession. I want to continue to make a difference for others, to grow, as well as continually be challenged and emerge on the other side.