Working World is a recurring feature that highlights adults with an interesting job. 

After years of not finding the right job, Ms. Viana Figueroa found the perfect one to meet her strengths.

However, sometimes her job can be very difficult. Figueroa works with teenagers who need a little help in their daily life and she has done so for a few months now.

“I feel like I listen and make a positive impact on my clients, I’m also gaining a lot of experience and I get to form meaningful relationships with everyone I meet,” she said.

Furthermore, Figueroa works for Nj mentor which is an organization that gives kids the help they need. She takes pride in the things she does and aspires her clients to reach for the stars and accomplish their dreams.

Figueroa encourages people to go into social work but has a few things to say about it.

“Try not to bring your work home with you, practice self-care, and you might not see the change that you make but know that you are making a difference,” she said.

Although sometimes she may doubt herself, the people she helped had some disagreements.

“My therapists in the past haven’t been really focused on my goals and how I was feeling but Ms. Figueroa has,” A.B. said.

12-year old N.H. agrees with this statement noting that therapy has a great effect on helping with struggles, feelings, and your overall mental health.

“Therapy with Ms.V has helped me express myself and communicate better with others,” she said.

Although theirs a lot of positives in her job criteria, there have also been some bumps in the road.

“I tend to bring my workload home with me and sometimes I take things personally, she said.

Despite its challenges, Figueroa believes that therapy and her role as a social worker has given her patients a brighter future.