What brought you to UNI?

I went to a small private school in Iowa. We had about 80 kids in our graduating class. UNI was a welcoming and smooth transition to a state university. The size of UNI was appealing to me and their social work program stood apart from the other two state universities within Iowa. I chose UNI because of the sense of community UNI provides. UNI is much more than academics, it is family, a support system, people who advocate for you, and what I now like to call home. 

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

All the professors within the MSW program have been very influential throughout my academic career at UNI. Dr. Vasquez has an abundance of knowledge about trauma and processing trauma in new and inventive ways. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to learn about the different ways to process trauma from him. Libby Fry is also another professor that is exceptional not only within the classroom but supports and advocates you through your journey after UNI and may we not forget Jennifer Becker. She works harder than anyone I know and she is the greatest support of the social worker staff. I would not be here today without any of their support. 

How did you become interested in your program? 

I completed my BSW through UNI within 3 years. I loved the program, my peers, the staff, and experience. The MSW advanced standing program was very intriguing to me because it is a summer and year long program. I am blessed to have the opportunity to complete my Master of Social Work in just 4 short years. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

My BSW field placement was at Waverly Health Center where I got to experience every role a social worker has within a hospital. My MSW field placement is at Waterloo West High with their English Language Learning Guidance Counselor. Here I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse population and expand my cultural competence while practicing social work. I participated in a Dance Marathon on the Family Relations Team for one year at UNI. This gave me the opportunity to connect and help children and families that have experienced a traumatic event. I volunteered for a year with Families and Children Council teaching k-3rd grade sexual assult prevnetion circulum. This gave me the oppetunity to adovate, prevent, and educate children on sexual abuse and asault. 

Post-graduation plans?

I have accepted a full time job offer with Mayo Clinic Health Systems within their Emergency Department at their Mankato Location.

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

UNI gives the opportunity within the MSW program to implement and practice what we have learned in the classroom in real life settings. Field placement has given me the opportunity to practice different modalities, diagnostic assessments, grounding silks, processing, advocating, and creating policies. Taking what we have learned in the classroom and implementing the skills in real life setting through field placement has helped me grow and learn from other professionals within the field. 

What advice would you give to students currently looking into grad schools?

The MSW degree opens many windows of opportunity not only for career success but for personal growth. The UNI masters program connects students to many job opportunities and prepares them for those job opportunities by giving them classroom education and real life experience. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Upon degree completion I look forward to sharing my knowledge and skills with the rest of the world.  I am beyond excited to pursue my passion of helping others and changing the systems that prevent those in our society from succeeding.