Why did you choose the UConn School of Social Work?
I chose UConn’s School of Social Work because I felt that it made me realize my purpose and passion to truly help others in need. It sharpened my vision on the hidden injustices that occur daily. I believe UConn’s School of Social Work will aid me in developing professional values, ethics, judgement, and skills that will equip me for a life-long critical analysis of my chosen practice.
What’s your major/concentration and why did you choose it?
I am majoring in social work and my concentration is Public Policy. I believe that policies should be implemented to thoroughly aid communities without adding harm and causing alienation.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
It is very difficult to choose one professor. I believe all my professors played a significant role during my undergraduate studies in helping me attain my achievement. I can say that UConn provided me with the Dream Team of social work professors.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on attending UConn School of Social Work’s Advanced Standing program within the Public Policy concentration.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn School of Social Work?
Before attending the School of Social Work, I was unaware of the omnipresence of the social work field. Also, I was intrigued on how every issue that occurred today and, in the past, correlated to the core values of social work.
What’s your favorite thing about the School of Social Work?
In the School of Social Work, we can integrate what we see from the daily news into our classrooms. Our placements provide a hands-on experience that we cannot obtain from the textbooks. We are constantly challenged to become the change agents in our society.
What’s one thing all Social Work students should do during their time at UConn?
I believe all social work students should learn how to ease out of their comfort zones. Participate in local activities within the school and utilize the opportunities ahead.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?
UConn has provided me with an experience to understand and realize the needs of marginalized communities. UConn has aided me in identifying the problems that need to be addressed. I was able to develop a multidimensional perspective on situations that could affect certain communities differently than others. Situations such as intersectionality, a conflict that is consistently ignored by general society. The School of Social Work challenged me to think outside of my own perspective in order to emphasize, acknowledge, and understand the viewpoints of others. I am looking forward to the next chapter and I am more motivated than ever.
What’s something you learned in a class that you’ll always remember?
I had the opportunity to be in the first cohort of the BSW program. I enjoyed the open candid discussions between the instructors and my fellow colleagues. In every class we were able to challenge each other’s thought processes respectively. I believe each of us has grown since our first day of class.
Any advice for incoming first-year students?
Always create an outline for assignments, get to know the professors and the wonderful staff. Watch the news and challenge your own biases. Take advantage of the office hours, and never hesitate to ask a question.
