What brought you to UNI?

I’m a UNI devotee. I bleed purple and gold. I’m also a legacy as my maternal grandmother attended when UNI was the Iowa Teachers College. I earned my undergraduate degree in elementary education and another master's degree in school library studies from UNI. 

I had always wanted to be a social worker/therapist, but never felt ready for the challenge until I saw a notice from the Alumni Association about a fully online MSW program. I worked full-time in library management and lived two and a half hours from UNI, so this was the perfect opportunity to fulfill my dream.  

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

I was challenged by my classes and gained a great deal of valuable knowledge. I also enjoyed getting to know and working with my fellow students. I have developed relationships that I am sure will last a lifetime. 

How did you become interested in your program? 

I have a lifetime of personal experience with mental health issues and treatment that I felt would be beneficial to develop into a professional career. I believe that, with my personal experience and the sound social work education I’ve received, I can help others thrive, just as I have.

In what ways have you been involved outside the “classroom"?

I completed a practicum, as a degree requirement, at the library where I worked. Libraries have always gone beyond reading to help people meet their needs. During my practicum, I built connections with community mental health providers and social work agencies to streamline services within the library. I learned how to manage difficult situations and help people address their concerns. My practicum also involved producing a day-long symposium for area librarians that helped them learn more about the history of immigration in our area, mental health issues, children’s programming, and substance use. All librarians received a Narcan kit at the end of the symposium.  

I’m finishing up the internship I’ve been doing at the Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) here on campus. I resigned from my job and have been using my savings to support myself so I could take advantage of this opportunity. People ask me what kind of social work can be done in such a setting, and I tell them everything is social work. I’ve learned about and worked in areas of human rights and social justice. I’ve learned how human beings have impacted our planet and how that affects people’s everyday lives. Developing recommendations to help the CEEE become a more trauma-informed organization has been part of my internship. I’ve also undertaken projects that I hope will help the Center build capacity. My experience with the CEEE has also reinforced the concepts of agency and dignity for all human beings for me. 

I attended conferences related to university life and my internship, including the Systems of Support in the Cedar Valley Conference, which UNI staff produced. I also volunteered at the UNI State Fair booth.

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

Jennifer Becker has been instrumental in helping me achieve success as a UNI MSW student. I was able to come to campus and meet with her about concerns I had early in my program. I have sent her numerous emails requesting help, and she has never hesitated to offer me her assistance. She has also encouraged me when I was feeling anxious or discouraged. I have found her to be an excellent advisor for my cohort's internship seminar classes. The most important thing she did, however, was help me through a period of serious illness at the beginning of my internship so that I was able to meet all of the criteria and graduate on time.

Ashley Coffin, the director of the CEEE, has been my internship site supervisor, and she, too, has been a great help with my education. Like Jenny, Ashley supported me in succeeding in my internship when I was ill. She has created learning opportunities that have helped me see the world in a whole new way, and she exemplifies how people should treat one another.  

Post-graduation plans?

I feel so fortunate to have passed my licensing exam and to have secured a job the next day. Once my license is finalized, I will be working as a LMSW mental health therapist at UnityPoint’s Berryhill Community Mental Health Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa. 

How did UNI help prepare you?

All of the classes have provided me with an excellent foundation for my future as a therapist. What I have learned has been deep and wide. I can’t share everything I have learned, but the highlights include therapeutic interventions, examining and reflecting on personal biases, self-care, human rights and social justice, my research, and much more.  My practicum and internship have also been highlights that I know will make me a much better therapist. My education here at UNI has prepared me well to begin my next learning journey as I embark on my clinical career. 

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

My advice is to be as confident as you can that your chosen field of study is truly what you want, as it’s not easy, especially if you have a job or a family. Work hard and reach out for help if you need it! Be proud of what you’re accomplishing. Remember that what you are doing is a choice you’ve made, and it’s up to you to take the lead in making your dream come true.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience at UNI or within your program?

This is my third master’s degree. If you look up "lifelong learner" in the dictionary, you will see my picture. It is an understatement to say that I love learning, and I do my best to instill that love in other people. 

I achieved my goal of becoming a mental health therapist with the unwavering support of my husband (Allen), our children and grandchildren, and my sister Misty. I also appreciate the support from two of my library coworkers, Jody and Katie, several friends, and my spiritual guides. A young man who works as a desk clerk at the hotel where I stay when I’m in Cedar Falls for my internship has also been an encouraging presence when I've been away from home.