Contact Us
Academic Programs
Licensure
Student Resources
Admission
Center for Social Justice
Careers
Scholarships
Continuing Education
Faculty & Staff
Faculty Research
Accreditation
Did any one person or thing influence your decision to be a social worker?
I have a bachelor’s in public relations from USI and spent most of my professional career working in non-profit or retail. I was working in retail when I met Dr. Kathy Elpers, USI social work faculty. She was wearing a CASA Tshirt (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and I struck up a conversation with her about how great that program is. Before I knew it, I was filling out an application to the MSW program. Then shortly after meeting Kathy, Dr. Wendy Turner-Frey happened into the store, and we talked about social work, too. It began to feel like God had a wonderful plan for my life as an advocate. And I will be graduating this spring.
Why did you pick USI?
I have a family connection. My grandfather, Rolland Eckels, was one of the founders of USI. This place is just family to me. I grew up knowing all about ISUE, the name of USI before it’s independence, so it seemed natural that I come here.
What college activities or community service did you participate in to prepare you for this career?
I did a lot of PR for Holly’s House, which is an advocacy center for victims of physical or sexual abuse or neglect. I also worked as a facilitator for Stewards of Children, a child sexual abuse prevention program sponsored locally by the Lampion Center, a counseling agency for children and families.
What was your favorite college class?
My policy class taught by Martha Raske. We talked a lot about advocacy, which is my passion. As part of the class I testified at the Indiana State House on eliminating or extending the statute of limitations on sex crimes. It was very interesting to see how government works, and it was easy to differentiate committee members who were appointed from the ones who really cared. I was given two minutes to give my testimony. But the committee ended up giving me the floor for as long as I needed to make my case! This is where that PR degree came in handy!
What do you do now as a social worker?
Interning in a clinical setting working with sex offenders. This is something I really wanted to do. I wanted to have more of a “global perspective” on the issue of childhood sexual abuse. I want to understand the thought patterns and processes of the offenders.
What is the hardest part of your job?
In addition to the subject matter, the enormity of the internship is the hardest part. I have to submit 525 clinical hours, while trying to balance work and family.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I am learning to be able to sit and listen and not judge the offenders no matter what they have been through or what they have done to someone else. I have learned a lot about myself in this process. Not all the values I held in the past are the values I hold today about offenders. Things are just not black and white anymore.
If you could choose a job (no limits) what would it be?
I would love a flexible, part-time job working with men, women and children who have been in abusive situations.
What advice would you give someone entering the social work field?
Follow your heart and persevere. It is a lot of work and very clinical, but the hard work pays off in many ways. And if you can empathize with someone without judgment you would make a great social worker.
USI Home | Academics | Calendar | Athletics | Visitors | Events and News | Administration
8600 University Boulevard - Evansville, IN 47712-3596 - 812/464-8600
Copyright © 2009 University of Southern Indiana. All rights reserved.
