By KATHRYN TAYLOR
Students who want to make a difference should come out of college not only with good desires, but with the skills needed to really make a difference, said professor of sociology, Lynn England.
Michelle Inkley, a graduate student studying sociology from Centerville, is one of the many students who hopes to use her education toward the solution of society’s problems.
“Students need to really have an idea of what they are going to do to change to world before they graduate,” said Jim Allen, a graduate of social work from BYU.
Allen spent seven years in family counseling and believes his experience trained him for his work at the Youth and Family Counseling Center. He said he achieved the hopes he had at graduation to help society, but in a more limited way.
“Most graduates come out expecting to find immediate opportunities, which is unrealistic,” Allen said.
England said students need to understand they can’t solve the whole worlds’ problems, but they can make a difference where they are.
“I want to use my abilities to help others discover solutions to their problems,” Inkley said.
“I chose social work because it was a vehicle to helping people as much as possible,” Allen said.
“I just want the world to know what the gospel holds, which is the key to a perfect kingdom,” Inkley said. Inkley said she wants to be a professor of sociology, where she can research answers to problems and find ways to help society.
England said the students’ influence on society is determined by the nature of their chosen careers and the intensity of their efforts.
Some of his students have found ways in their professions to be sensitive to the surrounding problems, while others found careers strictly dedicated to making a difference, England said.
“There is no question graduated students can make a difference,” England said.
Early job training will also prepare students in ways they can change societies problems, England said.
“BYU teaches more of an eclectic curriculum and less of the actual practice,” Allen said.
Allen received his masters in social work from the New Mexico Highlands University in Albuquerque. The main benefit from his graduate work was being able to practice in a family counseling program that was in a diversified and multicultural environment, he said.
“Through my internship, I learned a more focused method of therapy,” Allen said.
England said those students who genuinely want to help should learn the skills before they graduate.
Students should also be willing to respect and understand the different cultures and backgrounds of those they are serving, England said.
“As a teacher, you really hope the students develop a sensitivity to the problems of others and influence their surrounding environment,” he said.
One of the social problems England said is a concern is how the United States is becoming less sensitive to the others needs and being more self-absorbed.
“There is a kind of meanness about the way we talk about those with disadvantages,” he said.
It’s easy to blame the victim for the problems, instead of looking at how the structure of society limits the victims possibilities, he said.
“The rewards of sociology is to see lives change after they have discovered their potential,” Inkley said.
Allen said the two primary problems that will contribute to the increase in social problems is affluence and parents that are too busy to parent their kids.
“There is so much opportunity if people are willing to prepare themselves,” England said. “Students should be willing to participate in the solutions to these problems.”
“The solutions to many of the problems in my counseling relies on individual responsibility,” Allen said. “The most critical part in his therapy is if the patient is committed to changing.”
Inkley said self-reliance and interdependence are two concepts necessary for solving society’s problems.
“In order to make a difference in the larger society, you first create the ideal society in the home and with yourself,” Inkley said.
The basic problem is people never learn the skills and knowledge needed to parent effectively, Allen said. “The solution is providing educational workshops for young couples.”
