2011 Scholarship Entry #40: Teri Palmer

Ever since I can remember, I have been passionate about social justice. Throughout the course of my childhood and youth, I have engaged in change initiatives both locally and abroad. Now in my twenties, I am determined to set the course of my career to improve social justice, and effect change in my community.

When I reflect on my community - its capacities, its members, and its possibilities - I am often astonished by the strength and resiliency demonstrated by my peers who experience oppression from addiction. It is here where my commitment to social justice lies - in the faces and hearts of those around me who struggle daily with addiction.

This epidemic plaguing Canadian youth is pervasive. Addiction does not discriminate against age, culture, socioeconomic status, or any other variability. In the past year, 26.3% of Canadian youth (aged 15-24) used cannabis, and 6.3% of youth (aged 15-24) used any drug excluding cannabis (Health Canada website, 2011). Last year, substance use amongst youth was significantly higher than substance use in adults - marking addiction as a significant challenge for my generation (Health Canada website, 2011).

Over the past eight years of my work within the social sector, I have seen my community members struggle with addiction. And I have witnessed the power of an individual who has achieved sobriety. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed an individual give up his power to his drug of choice. This is the journey of addiction for many.

Throughout that journey many people seek out support, either through residential treatment, individual counseling, group programs or detoxification services. However, long waitlists, limited bed space, rigid entry requirements, and stigma are barriers for an individual seeking support.

It is with my Masters in Social Work that I intend to garner my skills to combat addiction in my community. By developing comprehensive programs and advocating for expanded services I will strengthen prevention services and increase accessibility to support services.

Throughout my career I will act as a catalyst for social justice through the elimination of oppression - to overcome one of my generation's biggest challenges - addiction.

Health Canada (2011). Major findings from the Canadian Alcohol and Drug Use Monitoring Survey (UMS) 2009. Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hc-ps/drugs-drogues/stat/index-eng.php