Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because of the intentional connections they made with me before I ever stepped on campus. The Office of Admissions took the time to truly support me by answering questions, guiding me through financial aid, and making sure I understood my options. My freshman counselor especially played a huge role in helping me feel confident about starting college. From the moment I arrived, UNI felt like home because you can tell they genuinely want their students to succeed. 

What is one of your favorite memories of your time at UNI? 

Being part of Jump Start is one of my favorite memories. Connecting with other multicultural students before classes started helped me feel grounded and understood. We were all navigating similar feelings, and that early community made a huge difference. It also introduced me to the services and organizations on campus that I later became involved in. Jump Start really helped set the foundation for my UNI experience. 

How did you first become interested in your major, and what ultimately led you to pursue it? 

I’ve always wanted to make an impact, so I originally started in Elementary Education. But after some reflection, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. When I met with Academic Advising and shared what I wanted in a career, they recommended Social Work. I enrolled in Intro to Social Work with Libby Fry the next semester, and that changed everything. Learning about the different roles in the field and the relationship I built with Libby helped me see myself in social work. I ended up declaring my major that same semester.

What aspects of your major have you found most engaging or meaningful? 

I appreciate that social work allows me to support different groups of people and work directly with communities. One of the most meaningful parts of the BSW program at UNI is how intentional it is about preparing students for real-world situations. The practice courses we take before internship are incredibly valuable. The faculty provide constructive feedback, teach practical skills, and make sure we’re fully prepared for the field. I felt confident and supported going into my internship because of that. 

In what ways have you been involved outside the classroom?

Outside of class, I’m very involved in student organizations. One of my most impactful experiences was serving on the UNIdos Executive Board as the Director of Administration. In that role, I strengthened my communication skills, collaborated with other student leaders, and helped create cultural programming that supported our Latinx community. I enjoyed building relationships with other multicultural organizations and planning events that made students feel seen and valued. Being part of these spaces taught me a lot about leadership and community building. 

Which professors, mentors or advisors were particularly influential during your time at UNI?

Within the social work department, Libby Fry and Jenny Becker had the biggest impact on me. 

Libby was my first social work professor, and she made an intentional effort to get to know her students. Meeting with her early in the semester allowed us to build a genuine connection. She helped me map out my four-year plan, guided me through course sequencing, and helped me understand how to prepare for an internship. Her support helped me feel grounded in my major. 

Jenny Becker, my field instructor, was phenomenal. She was honest about what we might encounter in our placements and gave us practical tools during seminar that I used directly at my site. She was always available when I needed advice and even attended one of my site’s events. Her support truly shaped my internship experience and made me feel capable and prepared.

What do you plan to do with your degree?

I want to work in higher education and serve marginalized communities. As a Latino first-generation college student, representation is incredibly important to me. I want to be someone students can relate to and feel supported by someone who helps them dream big and see themselves in spaces they didn’t always think were possible. 

How did UNI, and your major, prepare you for your next steps? 

The UNI BSW program sets students up for success. The practice-focused curriculum helped me build the skills I needed before ever stepping into my internship. Because of that, I entered my placement confident and prepared, and I was able to excel there. The support from faculty, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to connect with the community all helped shape me into the professional I’m becoming. 

What advice would you give to students who are considering this major? 

You don’t have to figure everything out right away. College is about learning who you are and what you want to do. Make connections early on, get involved, and take your time exploring. That’s how you’ll discover your path. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share? 

 I’m grateful for my family, friends, mentors, and the UNI community for supporting me throughout my journey. I’m especially thankful to the people who believed in me and pushed me to grow. My experience at UNI has shaped me in ways I’ll carry forward into both my career and my personal life.