Why did you choose social work as your major?
I really enjoy being around people and listening to what they have to say.

Did any one person or thing influence you to be a social worker?
Not really, my Mom works for a social service type of agency but she’s not a social worker.

Why did you pick USI?
I liked the location and the class sizes.

What do you like the best about USI?
As an undergraduate student I liked the dorms and the closeness your have with your roommates and the bonds you build in the dorms and apartments. As a graduate student I like the social work faculty the best. I don’t think MSW graduate students could ask for a more caring and educated faculty.

What is the best thing about college life?
What is the hardest thing about college life? The best thing about college life is finding who you are. The hardest thing is finding your limits and what people expect of you.

What college activities or community service did you participate in to prepare you for this career? As an undergraduate I was in the BSW (Bachelors of Social Work) Club, an RA (Resident Assistant) in the apartments, and Secretary for Phi Alpha. I was also a student worker in the Social Work department, a research assistant, and I taught gymnastics and dance. I also interned for the Volunteer Lawyer Program As a graduate student I am the President of Phi Alpha, a member of the MSW (Master’s of Social Work) Association, and still interning for the Volunteer Lawyer Program. I am also a graduate assistant. All of these activities have helped me build bonds with fellow soon to be social workers and have also helped me develop a lot of community connections.

What was your favorite college course?
Psychology of Gender 8. What was your first job as a social worker? What did you do? I have never worked as a social worker. I went straight into grad school after I graduated with my Bachelor’s. My first internship as an undergraduate social worker was on an inpatient psychiatric unit. 9. Where do you work now as a social worker? I intern as a social worker at Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, but it’s not my job. It’s part of my schooling.

What is the most demanding part of your job?
Well it’s an internship but it’s still demanding. The most demanding thing is remembering that all clients come from different walks of life and they are constantly facing demands and challenges that I’m not aware of, but have to keep in mind as a social worker.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? When a client says “thank you” or “I feel a lot better just talking with you”.

If you could choose any occupation (no limits) what would it be?
I’ve always wanted to be a therapist. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What advice would you give to someone entering the social work field?
It helps to have your head on straight. If you don’t, people are aware of it and call you out on it. Also, no matter how well you think you know yourself, you will find that there are things about yourself you were never aware of.

Where do you want to work as a social worker?
Right now I’m looking into working for the military or government.

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