Caring for the Herd: Lessons From the Buffalo

Author

Drea RightsellFollow

Files

Graduation Date

Winter 12-12-2025

Document Type

Portfolio

Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Degree Name

Social Work

School or Department

Social Work

Abstract

This document represents a summary and reflection of my profound journey through the University of Montana Masters in Social Work Program. It begins with the life and professional experiences that led me to the program, and continues to reflect upon the ten competencies of advanced social work practices as I experienced them trough rigourous academic and field work. It weaves together core beliefs from my pre-MSW life and illuminates the ways in which the values and ethics of social work have helped me grow as a person and a practitioner. The title refers to my connection with wild buffalo and the ways they have taught me the values of compassion, stewardship and social justice, all of which grew and took root through the MSW journey.

Keywords

Portfolio, social work, Masters in Social Work, buffalo, competencies, values, ethics

Recommended Citation

Rightsell, Drea, "Caring for the Herd: Lessons From the Buffalo" (2025). Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects. 527.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/grad_portfolios/527