A passion for connecting with Latine children, youth, and families led Kimberly Rios to the field of social work, but a unique scholarship program, as well as the educational and social connections she found at UConn’s School of Social Work, have helped her prepare to offer evidence-based, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and culturally and linguistically inclusive mental health services for children and youth as she takes the next steps in her career.

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose UConn because I wanted to be close to family, and I was interested in the Connecticut ¡Adelante! Scholars Program, which is designed for bilingual Spanish-speaking social work students.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?

My field of study is social work, with a focus on individuals, groups, and families. During my undergraduate career, I majored in counseling psychology and human growth and development. What stayed with me is my passion for connecting with Latine children, youth, and families. Social work felt like a natural progression of my professional development.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

My favorite class was Human Oppression, taught by Milagros Marrero-Johnson. This class challenged me to think critically about the impact of socialization and my role as an agent of change. I appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with my peers through small and large group discussions and group projects. Milagros did a fantastic job setting boundaries to create a space for learning and reflection while also incorporating feedback from the class. Since I’m torn between two classes, I would like to also mention The Puerto Rican and Latino Experience, taught by Lesly Sanchez-Villar. This class brought me closer to my cultural roots and taught me about the Puerto Rican and Latino experience in the United States from historical, social, political, economic, and cultural perspectives. Examining the impact of poverty, migration, and discrimination on individuals, families, and communities gave me a deeper appreciation for the culture I grew up in.

What activities were you involved in as a student?

I am a member of the Connecticut ¡Adelante! Scholars program, which has enhanced my linguistic and sociocultural competencies to address the behavioral needs of the Latine community, and the Connecticut School Social Work Certification program, so that I can work in the school system after graduation. Further, I will receive a Certificate of Child and Youth Behavioral Health to provide evidence-based, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and culturally and linguistically inclusive mental health services for children and youth.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

One thing that surprised me about UConn was how much I would enjoy the class structure. Collaboration is a big part of social work, and the activities created for classes facilitate relationship building. I was hoping to find friends during my time at grad school, but I was surprised at how close I would get to the friends I met.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

After graduation, I plan to work in a school setting, or maybe a community-based health setting. Wherever I end up, I want to support Spanish-speaking children, youth, and families.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has prepared me for my next chapter in life by providing information about different identities, the history of oppression, and theories and techniques to use with clients.

Any advice for incoming students?

Check your student email and take advantage of the opportunities available. I was able to find a part-time job with the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement and learned about scholarship and workforce opportunities. This position led me to work at the Office of Student and Academic Services, where I support undergraduate and graduate students. There are so many emails that come in, so it can be overwhelming to check through all of them, but there are great resources, workshops, events, and opportunities listed in those emails.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

One thing everyone should do is get to know your professors and attend at least one event hosted by UConn.

What will always make you think of UConn?

Some things that will make me think of UConn are a husky and the Travelers Building, because it’s the first building I notice commuting into UConn Hartford’s campus.