Voices: Reflections on the School of Social Work by SSW Alums

Donna LaFrance

"My experience at the UW School of Social Work has been an amazing adventure filled with opportunity, mentorship, professional challenges and personal growth. My foundation and advanced practicum experiences were absolutely extraordinary! An SSW education offers the opportunity to understand the theory behind the practice. The curriculum trains you to be self-reflective in the context of race, ethnicity, gender, sex, age and class. I most appreciated my opportunity to participate in the Children’s Administration’s Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP), which contributed to such a rewarding educational experience. I’m now in a strong position to make a significant difference in the lives of children and families and advocate for those experiencing marginalization and discrimination. I’m better equipped to articulate the personal and professional values that support social justice."
─ Donna LaFrance, MSW Extended Degree Program ’08

Nicole Aguilar

"Having transferred from a human services program at a small school, I was amazed by the endless opportunities that the School of Social Work offers. I’ve especially appreciated the School’s commitment to community involvement. Because faculty and staff are experienced in the field and continue to serve in their communities, students have an abundance of available resources and mentors. During my first year in the BASW program, I became very interested in issues concerning global policy and international development. Through my adviser’s extensive network, I had a unique opportunity to do an international practicum with a Canadian organization focused on easing the pain of AIDS in Africa. Then a professor put international practicum placements together in Cambodia for six of us students. I’m grateful for these experiences, which are invaluable to my future career."
─ Nicole Brittney Aguilar, BASW ’08

We'll feature more alums, as well as students, faculty and staff, in future issues of the newsletter.