Optismistic

I had something very strange happen to me and just wanted some advice. I'm currently in a certification program for substance abuse counseling. A lot of the students are ex-addicts. In one class we had to complete a role-playing scenario (counselor/client). I noticed that one guy in my class seemed to shy away from the activity. I had only one previous conversation with him and he informed me he is a recovering alcoholic. I offered to help him practice. We exchanged numbers and planned to meet on campus before class. When I got there everything seemed normal, however, we only practice briefly and he keep derailing the conversation to other things. After this meeting...things got weird. He asked me if I wanted to meet again. I said.."oh for more practice?" And he said...No, I just like being with you. I was a little shocked with this information as it was completely inappropriate, he did mentioned that he's married, and I met with only the intention to help him. I told him I didn't want to meet. Over the following 2 days he called my phone about 5 times, kept emailing me and sent me very strange text messages. He said he was sorry for making me "uncomfortable." I didn't really respond and he texted me things like....."don't shut me out" "I only want to see you reach your potential" "I'm quitting my studies" "I won't be in class anymore" "just let me know you're ok" I really didn't know what to do. I didn't want to respond and ignite more weirdness. So, I finally emailed him and told him that I'm really busy and good luck. He replied with..."my wife left me" "see you in class" I didn't respond. My question is, should I report his behavior to the teacher? This is a counseling program, he doesn't seem to understand boundaries. I really don't know this man at all, I was only trying to help out a classmate. Honestly, I'm a little worried that he might try and follow me home. Any advice?

JillyDilly, It sounds like you already know what to do....... "My absolutely IDEAL situation would be to work part time, go to school full time, and still do a show once in awhile." Anything is possible. My best friend worked two part-times, taught a lab course, and played on a softball team during her MS -in Biology! If there is a will there is a way! Don't give up. I had another friend who worked front desk at a hotel while attending school. The pay is low, but he was able to study while at work. Have you considered a job like that?

Wow, you certainly have a lot on your plate! It sounds like acting is your first love and you have found a great way to make a more profitable career out of it through an MSW. I think that no matter what combination of work/school/social life you put together, it is going to be a very intense next couple of years...but something has to give. The key is to pace yourself and practice self care. It sounds like you are used to working fast and furious but this also means that you are more susceptible to burn out. I'm not sure what the workload in in American MSW programs but here in Canada, it is very intense. People can manage a part time job with full time school but it is not easy by any means. Being a full time student, a part time employee, and a working actor may be a bit too much. Remember, grad school is different than undergrad. There is a lot more reading and assignments can be longer than what you are used to and more research based. Social work in Canada discourages people from their hopes and dreams? http://www.fearfuladventurer.com/archives/5057

I don't know about "above the law" social workers work within the law. There are always amendments, exceptions to laws when pertaining to potential harm, dangers, and threats (especially to the vulnerable). Social workers are here to protect, guide, educate, prevent, intervene.

Does anyone else feel they get asked this question often? If I was pursuing a business degree, I don't think people would think twice. But, for some reason when I say social work, people act as though its a dirty thing, or a waste of time. haha I don't get it. I just sort of assume that most people don't really understand what social workers do, and perhaps they're also very influenced by their pre-existing biases towards certain populations? I don't know. Any thoughts?

I wouldn't include it nor worry about it. It seems irrelevant.