Voices: Students Share Why They Chose Social Work

"During my caregiving for a family member with a severe disability, I developed an interest in learning professional skills to serve people, families and communities impacted by disabilities. Social work and its emphasis on compassion, diversity and social justice appealed to me greatly. It was a difficult decision to join the MSW program, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My and others’ perspectives and experiences from diverse backgrounds were embraced and nurtured in classrooms and practicum trainings. The high expectations for academic performance pushed me to expand the limits of my intellectual ability. I am truly grateful for the world-class faculty, diverse classmates and superb mentorship and learning support provided. I started with my heart and experience, and now I’m better equipped with knowledge and skills to use my strengths to serve people impacted by disabilities."
─Hye Kyong (Judy) Jeong, MSW Day Program ’08   

"I was educated in Kenya and Somalia and immigrated to the U.S. in 2002. While working with immigrants and refugees for four years, I felt I didn’t have enough knowledge to empower them. Now, after completing the BASW program, I have a different approach. In doing my practicum at a family center, I saw how my social work education helped me learn how to empower clients by finding their strengths and working with them. I’m applying the strengths perspective in my own family too. As a mother and a member of a patriarchal community, I am a mentor to girls and women in my community, encouraging them to follow their dreams. I’m interested in international social work, especially working with women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. I hope to earn my MSW and MPH (master’s in public health) too. I believe that social work is a noble profession, and I’m glad to be a part of that calling."
─Rehema Abdi, BASW ’08

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