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Did any one person or thing influence your decision to be a social worker?
With my church youth group I went to visit a homeless shelter. The man who ran the kitchen had a little apartment in the back. He could go back there and watch TV and have a sense of normalcy. He had formerly been homeless himself and working for the shelter was his way of giving back. I was impressed that not so long ago, he was disadvantaged, but he was changing his life. But someone stole his TV -- the one special thing he had was gone. Despite all the good things he was doing with his life, this one terrible thing happened. So our group collected money and bought him a new TV.
What do you like the best about USI’s MSW program?
It is really a good fit for someone who works full time and has a family. The department has been very accommodating to fit my schedule. I also enjoy my cohort group, which is the group of students that move together through the program. They have become an extension of my family.
What college activities or community service do you participate in to prepare you for a career as a social worker?
I worked at a teen help hot line. I dealt with numerous issues a young person would have. I worked providing activities for children whose mother’s were abused and living in shelters. A lot of the activities we taught were specific to dealing with anger management.
What has been your favorite class in the MSW program?
Anything that gets you out in the field. Nothing is better than real world applications to complement what you learn in the classroom.
What was your first job as a social worker?
Program Coordinator for biBrothers/Big Sisters match program. I matched up mentors with children. I also coordinated after-school programs and summer programs for the youth.
Where do you work now as a social worker?
I work at Petersburg Elementary School as a home/school advisor, which is a link between the home and the school. For the school, I provide classroom guidance lessons and small groups on creating self-esteem and combating bullying. As an advocate for the students, I help find special services though agencies to help a child be successful at home and at school.
What is the most demanding part of your job?
It is hard to provide balance between the parent, the school and the child. You are really a three-fold advocate. Sometimes you are working for the parents, sometimes the child, sometimes the teacher. I am always taking off one hat and putting on another. It is hard to keep those hats straight. You switch hats so much in one day, you lose track of whose best interest should be at the forefront.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Change is powerful. To be a catalyst for change is extremely rewarding. Especially when working with kids, I am reminded daily of the innocence that a young person holds. They are at an age that you can really be a driving force for change even with everything else going on in their lives. Plus, they say the funniest things!
If you could choose any occupation (no limits) what would it be?
A sports photographer. I love sports. I love photography. What better job would there be than to combine the two? You can go to all the games for free and be right down in the middle of the action. And then sing during the halftime show! Even though I don’t sing.
What advice would you give someone who was considering entering the social work field?
You can’t take all the classes and assume you will be prepared to be a social worker. Volunteering and community service work gives you the skills to add to the knowledge you acquire in the classroom.
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