Online Experience:
What drew you to the online Master of Social Work program?
A simple Google search on “what degree should I get to work with people in a highly-regarded professional manner” started the process of enrolling at Saint Leo University. I had been away from college for a period of 13 years and I wanted to resume my education. I wanted to find a career that allowed me to impact the way people live, learn, and interact with their world. The advisor offered a great plan to obtain my undergraduate degree in psychology (Saint Leo University Class of 2023) and pursue the MSW shortly thereafter. It was one of the greatest moments of my life to finally find direction in a career path.
How did the online format fit into your lifestyle and responsibilities?
The online format proved to be very convenient to my work schedule, which has been some parts hectic and other parts demanding. The lifestyle and convenience of online learning offer flexibility, but it comes with great responsibility to manage time, assignments, and personal discipline.
What aspects of the online learning experience stood out to you the most?
The ability to interact with others instantly and the program’s steady encouragement to reach out and engage with fellow students. During my time at Saint Leo University, I have come to appreciate the online learning platform and can attest to its powerful dynamics in creating a better me.
Practicum Placement:
Can you share a bit about your practicum placement and the type of work you were involved in?
I have been involved in two practicum placements. One at a crisis-level mental health facility and one in private practice. Each setting carries a weight of demand and expectation to be professional at all times. In the crisis-level facility, I learned how to engage clients face-to-face in various settings from one-to-one assessment and group therapy sessions. Also, I participated in interdisciplinary meetings which helped structure my thought process in the treatment of clients from different levels. In private practice, I have worked with individuals and families while also providing support to my local community through advocacy events and volunteer events. These placement opportunities reshaped how I engage, interact, and listen to others who come from different backgrounds.
How did the program prepare you for your practicum experience?
Preparation through practice. Practice makes perfect. From a social work perspective, no one thing ever appears perfect. The program used practical role-play sessions and real-to-life assessment scenarios to perfect the application of skills. These skill applications helped me navigate treatment plans, interviews, and professionalism throughout every step of the way.
What impact did your practicum have on your professional growth or career goals?
It sparked a deeper desire to learn about the world in which I live. It drove me to be a better listener. Ultimately, it drove my spirit to want to produce high-quality work. In turn, that has led me to being a better human being. I wanted to do more with my time and continued to learn and pursue professional licensure and potentially another degree related to the field.
Faculty Support:
How would you describe the support and guidance you received from the faculty?
I cannot say enough about how much I love the faculty at Saint Leo University. Every faculty member takes an interest in your growth and development and makes it their mission. Furthermore, these points help foster an environment where a student wants to do their absolute best. Because the faculty cares so much about pouring into the students, I want to make them proud with every interaction.
Were there any specific professors or staff members who made a lasting impression on you?
During my time at Saint Leo University, I have been privileged to be under the tutelage of outstanding faculty members. There are so many I can name. I thank each and every one of them. However, there are three faculty members responsible for my being here at this point of my education journey. Dr. Anyikwa, Dr. Senger, and Dr. Ruegg are truly the best of the best. Each one of them pushed me to perform better, turn in quality work, and inspired me to be more. They instilled a belief in myself that I sometimes did not see. For that, I am forever grateful for their impact on my educational journey. I want to emulate them as professionals, but more so their character as people.
Program Impact:
How has this program helped you grow personally and professionally?
I come from an extensive retail background so it is a completely different world from social work. However, the experiences and lessons have helped me apply knowledge and skills to everyday life. I came to Saint Leo University five years ago wanting to become a better person and professional. Being here at Saint Leo University changed the trajectory of my life. I will continue to use the lessons learned for the rest of my life.
What skills or knowledge have you gained that you’re excited to apply in your career?
I am excited to apply effective listening skills, strong diagnostic aptitude, discipline writing techniques, research practices, and personality disposition into a career in work with clients. I gained insight into people and this journey helped me understand that people are the greatest currency in the world. The value of people has no price; the program will help create a platform to help realize their full value.
How has earning your MSW impacted your career opportunities or goals?
I never thought at any point of my life I would have earned a Master of Social Work degree. It feels unreal to say that I have earned such a high distinction. Earning an MSW ignited the learning process within me that I want to bring to future organizations whether through client work, advocacy, leadership, and instruction. I am looking forward to future opportunities to obtain licensure and potential avenues in doctoral studies.
Overall Experience:
What would you say to someone considering enrolling in this program?
Trust yourself to be guided by highly-skilled faculty members who teach in this program. Allow yourself to be teachable, having teachable moments, and turn those teachings into effective practice behaviors. It will transform your life and give life more meaning.
If you could sum up your experience in one sentence, what would it be?
Saint Leo University saved my life from being ordinary without any direction and turned into the most dynamic existence with a purpose of serving others.
