We at GVT are filled with gratitude as we look back over 2023. While examining a facet of the social services world each week, we are always intrigued, sometimes surprised, and often awed by the displays of kindness, empathy, generosity, and heroic dedication on the part of case workers nationwide.

Social Workers

Social workers, whether toiling in a government social service agency or an NGO, are marching to a silent drummer that many of us do not hear. Like young people who choose to become schoolteachers, nurses, police, and military professionals, social workers are inspired to serve rather than seek fame or fortune.

A retired high school history teacher said that she could see the difference in her students' eyes. "There's something gentle in the eyes of young people who ultimately choose the helping professions. I can see it every time. Oh, some may not end up in a professional capacity, but then they usually turn out to dedicate their lives to raising a big family. I don't know what it is exactly, but I can see it in their eyes."

Changing Times?

The number of young people choosing the helping professions has been in decline for the last ten years. The most popular career choices for male teens are "professional athlete" followed by "online content creator" while females still trend toward Doctor/Nurse as their first choice.

Male                                                              Female

                        (survey sample: 3,670 U.S. teens, 13-17 y/o)

Our retired history teacher had this to say about our survey of American youth.

"I don't think the survey means that people have changed. Young people have always chosen the most glamorous and lucrative professions while they're still in high school. This doesn't surprise me a bit. However, once they're a few years out of school the ones with that look in their eye always choose to be of service in one way or another. I can't tell you what percentage of males or females that look is present in, but I know they are the ones who ultimately choose to be of service to their fellow man. It's their destiny."

Thank You All

This is our last correspondence in 2023. Thank you all for your service and the inspiration you have been to us at GVT throughout the year. It has been a privilege to share your world weekly, and we hope you will permit us to continue to share throughout 2024.

Happy New Year