Describe your personal, educational, and professional experiences and how they informed your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
I started this social work journey at WCC where I earned a Human Services Associates Degree then I transferred to Concordia College, NY in order to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I just graduated with a MSW from NYU Silver School of Social Work. As an immigrant, I have always seen myself advocating for women and children, mostly Spanish speakers. While studying my Associates Degree in Human Services I understood that becoming a social worker was the best way to advocate for survivors and victims of domestic violence, which for personal reasons is a topic I have been always interested in. I decided to focus my studies to learn more about this topic for my future career and gain knowledge of the resources and services that organizations and agencies offer here because unfortunately in Mexico we do not have the same social and government support for victims of domestic violence. I knew this vocation was for me and since I got the chance to study in the U.S. I knew that I have to take advantage of this opportunity and do something meaningful in both my life as well as others. Having the opportunity to help others is a dream come true.
What challenges did you encounter along your educational trajectory? How did you overcome those challenges?
My biggest challenges during this social work journey are that it has been difficult talking about my feelings, family problems, my own bias and also my strong accent. Growing up in Mexico my family didn’t discuss family problems such as domestic violence. Getting educated as a Social Worker and in topics like this while studying and learning it has been difficult but I’m glad that I’m breaking the cycle and finally I’m able to have conversation about difficult topics in my culture and society. Also, Spanish is my first language and when I speak English I have an accent that I’ve always been aware of and concerned about. However, this hasn’t stopped me and I feel so happy every time I get to know someone with a strong accent like mine because that means that person speaks more than one language and it is always fascinating to hear and learn about.
What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree?
Do not doubt yourself. If you are thinking about it, it is because you can do it. Probably you feel concerned about the money or what people may think but at the end of the day who cares? We live once and we need to live our lives with dignity and respect and having a school degree will always benefit us and benefit others in many ways.
What did you enjoy most about your graduate/professional program?
Getting to know people that care about the same issues and social justices that I do. While studying my associates degree and undergrad degree, I wasn’t a traditional student because I was older than my classmates but in grad school you get the chance to get to know people that are interested in the same topics and problems as you.
