Thank you, Gladney, for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion each day through my internship at Gladney. 

During my first semester at North Texas, a Gladney employee came to my class and talked to us about Gladney and the mission that this agency strives for. Hearing about all the excellent work that this agency does, I knew that one day my dream was to be an adoption social worker. Three years fly by and I am ready to be in a field placement. When thinking about my preferences for field, I only saw being an adoption caseworker as a dream, something that I would get to later in life. When my professor offered Gladney as a field placement, I knew that it was meant to be and that Gladney would be an experience that I would remember for the rest of my life. Let me tell you, it has met every expectation since day one. (Day one consisted of holding a baby 😊)

This semester, I was in the New Beginnings Department which facilitates state foster care adoption.  Little did I know how much this department would change my life forever.  Not only did I get to observe adoptions, I got to advocate and help children find their forever home. The New Beginnings staff has welcomed me with open arms and helped me understand more of the adoption process. Before coming to Gladney, I did not realize how many children in the foster care system are waiting to be adopted. Instantly, I fell in love with advocating and working with the NB’s team to find these children a forever home. I became more aware of how trauma can have a negative impact on a child’s development. With that, I learned how crucial the role of a broker is in the social work profession.

In just one week, I will graduate with my Bachelor of Social Work Degree from the University of North Texas. In August, I will be attending Texas Christian University to pursue my Masters of Social Work Degree. Because of the guidance and encouragement from Gladney, I am confident that I have been taught social work skills that I will be able to use in the future. Thank you, Gladney, for giving me the opportunity to pursue my passion each day. Today is the last day of my internship at Gladney and I would not change anything about my experience here. Because of Gladney, I will forever be an advocate for adoption.

Madison Harper,

New Beginnings Intern, Spring 2017