Year #1: Freshman
Fall 2019
I started Sacred Heart University (SHU) as a freshman in August 2019. I entered my first semester as a nursing major with a social work minor. I ended up moving in early due to being a part of a nursing pre-fall program. This gave me an opportunity to connect with people within the same major. I felt very quickly that I did not belong within this career path. I started the semester taking 5 courses including labs, as well. The topics could not stick and I felt continuously not good enough for this program. I was choosing the wrong path for myself and it was showing through my test scores. I would constantly study and try my hardest and end up with a C- and below on all test material. I never have been a great test taker, especially in aspects of science. So, at this time it took so much self-reflection on what I wanted for my future. I loved how the nursing field was so respected due to the impact they made on the community. And I wanted to have that same feeling when it came to the work I did.
I remember making a decision on the last day to add/drop and withdrawing from Anatomy and Physiology (AKA: A&P). Finally, I was taking steps to become a Social Work major. Honestly, before I made a decision I met with the head of the Department of Psychology, as well as, the head of the department of social work. Quickly I felt a sense of belonging within the school of social work. It sparked my interest and there was always some way social work makes an impact. It took me meeting the department head of social work to truly realize the passion I had for social work, and have the confidence to own it.
Something that stood with me throughout the process however was the stigma of failed nursing majors going to social work. This had always left a bad taste in my mouth but motivated me to be the best social worker possible. I wanted this and the passion I had for it no one could object to. This is the work I am doing for my living, and who's to say what you do for your career path and what ignites your flame? Something important I learned was to truly do what you want to do in life. No one is living your life but yourself and it is important to find something you are good at and bring you interest, challenge, and purpose.
Spring 2020
The spring semester of my first year I got to experience a taste of social work. I took an Introduction to Social Work Class. This is where I had the opportunity to learn about the Social Work Club (SWC) and all the different aspects of this field. This was my favorite class of the semester and it really molded my views on how and what is possible within social work when you have a creative opportunity. I also remember hearing about the Code of Ethics for the first time, and the impact of the values on my personal and professional development. I remember at this point in time being so eager and hungry to get into the next steps of the program.
Since I was still a freshman at this time I was not yet technically a declared social work major. This was due to having to apply to the program at the end of sophomore year. This was important because being accepted into the program provided an opportunity for when you graduate to apply to an accelerated 1-year Masters of Social Work (MSW) program. This intrigued me due to social work being such an interesting and informative topic. I felt I can truly feel a calling to help and impact society in a helpful way, even if it's just through writing my experiences.
At this time I did not get to experience many SWC meetings due to the COVID19 Pandemic’s debut, making our college campus cancel classes and course work until further notice 1 day after returning from spring break. Never would I have thought after I made it through my first ever midterm, finals, and overall first semester that I would then experience no midterms and a virtual education experience everyone had to adjust and become accustomed to.
There were points during this time I felt so defeated and other times where I felt this was an opportunity for me to really lock into the student I wanted to be, and no longer struggle getting through my courses. Adjusting to college life and experiencing an entire pandemic was the last thing I thought would occur. But, without this pandemic I do not know where I would be or if I would have seized the opportunities and got out of my comfort zone like I did as the new school year began.
I started Sacred Heart University (SHU) as a freshman in August 2019. I entered my first semester as a nursing major with a social work minor. I ended up moving in early due to being a part of a nursing pre-fall program. This gave me an opportunity to connect with people within the same major. I felt very quickly that I did not belong within this career path. I started the semester taking 5 courses including labs, as well. The topics could not stick and I felt continuously not good enough for this program. I was choosing the wrong path for myself and it was showing through my test scores. I would constantly study and try my hardest and end up with a C- and below on all test material. I never have been a great test taker, especially in aspects of science. So, at this time it took so much self-reflection on what I wanted for my future. I loved how the nursing field was so respected due to the impact they made on the community. And I wanted to have that same feeling when it came to the work I did.
I remember making a decision on the last day to add/drop and withdrawing from Anatomy and Physiology (AKA: A&P). Finally, I was taking steps to become a Social Work major. Honestly, before I made a decision I met with the head of the Department of Psychology, as well as, the head of the department of social work. Quickly I felt a sense of belonging within the school of social work. It sparked my interest and there was always some way social work makes an impact. It took me meeting the department head of social work to truly realize the passion I had for social work, and have the confidence to own it.
Something that stood with me throughout the process however was the stigma of failed nursing majors going to social work. This had always left a bad taste in my mouth but motivated me to be the best social worker possible. I wanted this and the passion I had for it no one could object to. This is the work I am doing for my living, and who's to say what you do for your career path and what ignites your flame? Something important I learned was to truly do what you want to do in life. No one is living your life but yourself and it is important to find something you are good at and bring you interest, challenge, and purpose.
Spring 2020
The spring semester of my first year I got to experience a taste of social work. I took an Introduction to Social Work Class. This is where I had the opportunity to learn about the Social Work Club (SWC) and all the different aspects of this field. This was my favorite class of the semester and it really molded my views on how and what is possible within social work when you have a creative opportunity. I also remember hearing about the Code of Ethics for the first time, and the impact of the values on my personal and professional development. I remember at this point in time being so eager and hungry to get into the next steps of the program.
Since I was still a freshman at this time I was not yet technically a declared social work major. This was due to having to apply to the program at the end of sophomore year. This was important because being accepted into the program provided an opportunity for when you graduate to apply to an accelerated 1-year Masters of Social Work (MSW) program. This intrigued me due to social work being such an interesting and informative topic. I felt I can truly feel a calling to help and impact society in a helpful way, even if it's just through writing my experiences.
At this time I did not get to experience many SWC meetings due to the COVID19 Pandemic’s debut, making our college campus cancel classes and course work until further notice 1 day after returning from spring break. Never would I have thought after I made it through my first ever midterm, finals, and overall first semester that I would then experience no midterms and a virtual education experience everyone had to adjust and become accustomed to.
There were points during this time I felt so defeated and other times where I felt this was an opportunity for me to really lock into the student I wanted to be, and no longer struggle getting through my courses. Adjusting to college life and experiencing an entire pandemic was the last thing I thought would occur. But, without this pandemic I do not know where I would be or if I would have seized the opportunities and got out of my comfort zone like I did as the new school year began.
Year #2: Sophomore
Fall 2020
This semester I decided to live on-campus even though all my classes ended up being online-based anyways. This is something that not everyone had the privilege of experiencing. However, my favorite time on-campus was during this time. There were strict rules and regulations on-campus and within the dorms. However, I gained the opportunity to do sorority recruitment and find my home Chi Omega. Without the pandemic, and the abrupt ending of connection and opportunity to build these connections made me want to be a part of a group or something where I felt a sense of belonging. Chi Omega became my home during recruitment in my Frasatti room and I would not trade this experience for the world. Thinking back to how time was in 2020 in present 2023 time, it makes me realize how different and full of uncertainty things were back then. However, getting through this experience to present day times, makes me appreciate how this led me to be the person I am today in 2023, as I am writing this.
Another item that occurred this semester was I applied to become a Resident Success Assistant (RSA). This was something I did that took me out of my comfort zone. I had thought about applying after my freshman year, but with what happened with COVID19 pandemic I never really got to attend a Hall Council meeting to learn more about the Residential life aspects on campus. I ended up not getting the position when I first applied so I planned on just staying home in the Spring of 2021. However a few weeks before school I got placed in Scholars Commons. Which saying yes to this position at this location was by far the best choice I ever made… little did I know at the time.
Spring 2021
This semester I began my job as an RSA. This took up most of my time because the pandemic was still in effect. Not many students were on-campus, and our jobs were to ensure studens were safe, supported, and following policy to prevent to the spread of germs. Being hired as a mid-year posed its challenges, but I had such an amazing staff I entered. They were mostly upperclassman so I was able to look up to these individuals and lean on them for support. I will never forget entering this staff and just feeling so welcome and family oriented. We had an amazing RHD and the enviornment was always positive and funny. Being apart of this staff allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and appy to leadership positions within my junior year. Having leadership skills through my RSA role set me up to further develop and impliment these skills learned. This semester I also applied to enter the Social Work Program at SHU and was accepted!
This semester I decided to live on-campus even though all my classes ended up being online-based anyways. This is something that not everyone had the privilege of experiencing. However, my favorite time on-campus was during this time. There were strict rules and regulations on-campus and within the dorms. However, I gained the opportunity to do sorority recruitment and find my home Chi Omega. Without the pandemic, and the abrupt ending of connection and opportunity to build these connections made me want to be a part of a group or something where I felt a sense of belonging. Chi Omega became my home during recruitment in my Frasatti room and I would not trade this experience for the world. Thinking back to how time was in 2020 in present 2023 time, it makes me realize how different and full of uncertainty things were back then. However, getting through this experience to present day times, makes me appreciate how this led me to be the person I am today in 2023, as I am writing this.
Another item that occurred this semester was I applied to become a Resident Success Assistant (RSA). This was something I did that took me out of my comfort zone. I had thought about applying after my freshman year, but with what happened with COVID19 pandemic I never really got to attend a Hall Council meeting to learn more about the Residential life aspects on campus. I ended up not getting the position when I first applied so I planned on just staying home in the Spring of 2021. However a few weeks before school I got placed in Scholars Commons. Which saying yes to this position at this location was by far the best choice I ever made… little did I know at the time.
Spring 2021
This semester I began my job as an RSA. This took up most of my time because the pandemic was still in effect. Not many students were on-campus, and our jobs were to ensure studens were safe, supported, and following policy to prevent to the spread of germs. Being hired as a mid-year posed its challenges, but I had such an amazing staff I entered. They were mostly upperclassman so I was able to look up to these individuals and lean on them for support. I will never forget entering this staff and just feeling so welcome and family oriented. We had an amazing RHD and the enviornment was always positive and funny. Being apart of this staff allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and appy to leadership positions within my junior year. Having leadership skills through my RSA role set me up to further develop and impliment these skills learned. This semester I also applied to enter the Social Work Program at SHU and was accepted!
Year #3: Junior
During my junior year at SHU, this was by far one of the busiest years I had yet. I learned so much not only about myself, but work-life balance, and burnout. I was having such a good time being present at all these events, especially post-pandemic. However, at the end of the year, it caught up with me!
I started off the fall semester with summer Residential Success Assistant (RSA) training, which consisted of 2 weeks of meeting new RSAs and re-meeting/bonding with “returners” or past RSAs. I had such amazing staff within the Elizabeth Seton Hall building. I produced so many cute programs and door decks, as well as implemented affirmations amongst the floor 5 community. I honestly loved working with incoming freshmen to navigate their college experience. Seeing my previous residents on-campus and even after graduation continue to thrive is such a rewarding part of becoming an RSA. I also decided to push off getting a little within my sorority until the spring semester due to all the commitments I had present and upcoming at the moment.
During the fall semester, I was also the secretary of the Multicultural Council (MCC). Through this role, I gained opportunities to connect with members of the club through email and meeting minutes. Being able to connect with different cultural identities, share some commonalities and celebrate the difference we had is what made these club meetings so rewarding. There was not one meeting where there was not something new I learned. In addition to being an E-board member of the MCC, I was also a work-study student within the Multicultural Center (MC) at SHU. This role consisted of attending and being present at events, assuring the center was presentable and organized, and being able to support each other whether this was answering a question or supporting center programs/projects. These roles lead to an opportunity to then intern within the MC. I was a college student without a license and the reality of this was I needed an internship that accommodated my access to transportation. Since the center was based on campus this posed an opportunity for me to have an internship experience that could fulfill my learning and transportation needs. I got to walk to my internship every day and I lived right outside of this. I enjoyed going to the center even off the clock and still find myself there even post-graduation! I also got to work with another supervisor from the school of social work since this was the first time this internship site was used, and there was not an on-site social worker to be supervised by. This gave me an opportunity while entering the world of social work practice to implement, acknowledge, and apply skills learned in on-site interactions. By far this was one of the best semesters I had at SHU and will never forget all that I learned during this time.
In December the Social Work Club (SWC) had an election and I prepared a speech to share in front of current E-board and club members to present why I am fit for this role. I became the co-president and got to work with an amazing upperclassman social work student. I learned so much about character and kindness through working with the co-presidency. It was amazing to work on the main project I was assigned which was to develop a slide deck and organize a discussion panel for social justice week.
As the Spring Semester started I gained the responsibility to develop the slide deck for the first annual Let's talk about it underrepresented student panel held by the SWC. This was a smaller event, but we were able to discuss some realities on campus and highlight students' voices who were often not being represented. Through starting my role as an intern within the MC I was also able to work with and through the center to make this event something that provided value to the conversations present. While being an intern I also was present at almost every Wisdom Wednesday. I created a document with the material and this was something that reflected a semester of growth and development. The supervisor I had impacted the way I experience and take on my career and personal development because, at the end of the day, they are all intertwined to make up one individual overall. I also was present at MC advisory board meetings which was a meeting with a collective group of students who often participate within the center or on campus to further spread the word and get the word out about the center. The exposure to this very positive and authentic environment helped me realize the abilities and confidence within myself to apply for a promotion within my RSA role to then be an SRSA. I applied and gained this role. Something I didn't know then was I was one of the upperclassmen entering this role. I always thought being shorter than everyone was always older than me. So when you are working with people, take the time to remember and learn about where they are. People often have confidence and you can learn so much from stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know people on a deeper level than name and major. I feel this information would have made me take on more of a leader-like team captain role, but I didn't want to be overbearing and do too much. Being able to gauge the ability is important, especially when working with different personalities and communication styles. Through this role, I also got to be creative and develop a going away gift for the RHD at the time within that area, in addition to developing my application to apply for Senior Resident Success Assistant (SRSA). This was something I took a lot of thought and drawing to do because I had a vision of it being a storybook, I feel Looking back I definitely would have been more concise/sweet, but I had experienced so much this year that I was ready to show all that I had prepared for including my level of confidence.
I also decided this semester to sign up to get a little. This was something within Chi Omega that I was pushing off due to all the responsibilities I had on campus. I was not sure if this was something I would necessarily be good at (as if there is a right way to be big in a sorority). This turned out to be something so rewarding, and I am lucky to have a family line as I experienced and further developed outside of my undergraduate school experience.
I started off the fall semester with summer Residential Success Assistant (RSA) training, which consisted of 2 weeks of meeting new RSAs and re-meeting/bonding with “returners” or past RSAs. I had such amazing staff within the Elizabeth Seton Hall building. I produced so many cute programs and door decks, as well as implemented affirmations amongst the floor 5 community. I honestly loved working with incoming freshmen to navigate their college experience. Seeing my previous residents on-campus and even after graduation continue to thrive is such a rewarding part of becoming an RSA. I also decided to push off getting a little within my sorority until the spring semester due to all the commitments I had present and upcoming at the moment.
During the fall semester, I was also the secretary of the Multicultural Council (MCC). Through this role, I gained opportunities to connect with members of the club through email and meeting minutes. Being able to connect with different cultural identities, share some commonalities and celebrate the difference we had is what made these club meetings so rewarding. There was not one meeting where there was not something new I learned. In addition to being an E-board member of the MCC, I was also a work-study student within the Multicultural Center (MC) at SHU. This role consisted of attending and being present at events, assuring the center was presentable and organized, and being able to support each other whether this was answering a question or supporting center programs/projects. These roles lead to an opportunity to then intern within the MC. I was a college student without a license and the reality of this was I needed an internship that accommodated my access to transportation. Since the center was based on campus this posed an opportunity for me to have an internship experience that could fulfill my learning and transportation needs. I got to walk to my internship every day and I lived right outside of this. I enjoyed going to the center even off the clock and still find myself there even post-graduation! I also got to work with another supervisor from the school of social work since this was the first time this internship site was used, and there was not an on-site social worker to be supervised by. This gave me an opportunity while entering the world of social work practice to implement, acknowledge, and apply skills learned in on-site interactions. By far this was one of the best semesters I had at SHU and will never forget all that I learned during this time.
In December the Social Work Club (SWC) had an election and I prepared a speech to share in front of current E-board and club members to present why I am fit for this role. I became the co-president and got to work with an amazing upperclassman social work student. I learned so much about character and kindness through working with the co-presidency. It was amazing to work on the main project I was assigned which was to develop a slide deck and organize a discussion panel for social justice week.
As the Spring Semester started I gained the responsibility to develop the slide deck for the first annual Let's talk about it underrepresented student panel held by the SWC. This was a smaller event, but we were able to discuss some realities on campus and highlight students' voices who were often not being represented. Through starting my role as an intern within the MC I was also able to work with and through the center to make this event something that provided value to the conversations present. While being an intern I also was present at almost every Wisdom Wednesday. I created a document with the material and this was something that reflected a semester of growth and development. The supervisor I had impacted the way I experience and take on my career and personal development because, at the end of the day, they are all intertwined to make up one individual overall. I also was present at MC advisory board meetings which was a meeting with a collective group of students who often participate within the center or on campus to further spread the word and get the word out about the center. The exposure to this very positive and authentic environment helped me realize the abilities and confidence within myself to apply for a promotion within my RSA role to then be an SRSA. I applied and gained this role. Something I didn't know then was I was one of the upperclassmen entering this role. I always thought being shorter than everyone was always older than me. So when you are working with people, take the time to remember and learn about where they are. People often have confidence and you can learn so much from stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know people on a deeper level than name and major. I feel this information would have made me take on more of a leader-like team captain role, but I didn't want to be overbearing and do too much. Being able to gauge the ability is important, especially when working with different personalities and communication styles. Through this role, I also got to be creative and develop a going away gift for the RHD at the time within that area, in addition to developing my application to apply for Senior Resident Success Assistant (SRSA). This was something I took a lot of thought and drawing to do because I had a vision of it being a storybook, I feel Looking back I definitely would have been more concise/sweet, but I had experienced so much this year that I was ready to show all that I had prepared for including my level of confidence.
I also decided this semester to sign up to get a little. This was something within Chi Omega that I was pushing off due to all the responsibilities I had on campus. I was not sure if this was something I would necessarily be good at (as if there is a right way to be big in a sorority). This turned out to be something so rewarding, and I am lucky to have a family line as I experienced and further developed outside of my undergraduate school experience.
|
|
|
|
Year #4: Senior
During the Fall semester of my senior year, I started being on-campus for the usual RSA Training that consisted of about a week or two. Since I was now a SRSA I was expected to be there a bit earlier than other RSA’s. We had our type of training, but I never felt fully ready for the role (I would later find out in my graduate degree endeavors this is described as imposter syndrome). I started an internship as a remote BSW intern for the Jahmeyka Project, which is an international nonprofit social service organization that assists the area of Kingston, Jamaica. Through this internship, I gained the opportunity to connect with many people internationally to network and build partnerships amongst the organization as it restructured. I also assisted with policy development and social media affairs, in addition to research efforts in Jamaica. This role was pretty consistent throughout the entire year.
In addition to this semester I also began planning the 2nd annual SWC, Let's talk about the underrepresented student panel that would be collaborating with Student Government. This would be held during Social Justice Week, and this event was something I developed to allow opportunities for students who would not traditionally have an opportunity to speak and/or are leaders who can advocate for experiences they have and or see amongst their peers.
During the Spring semester of my senior year, I was inducted into the NRHH and Phi Alpha which are 2 fraternities one related to residential life and one related to Social work. These were awesome to be a part of and I got to make new connections through this. I also got my driver's license which opened up doors for me to find a job and be a reliable worker with a means of transportation. I also gained a G little, my little took a little this semester and my family line was able to grow more! And last but certainly not least, I unexpectedly got accepted into Columbia University, when I applied for ha ha’s. I remember not getting accepted for undergraduate and I had already been committed to SHU and was excited to begin my journey not too far away from home. Never would I have thought that this would lead me to an Ivy League graduate-level education opportunity.
Throughout my journey at SHU, I did not have a detailed plan of what I was going to accomplish or do in an extracurricular sense. But, I did know I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and be like the leaders I constantly saw in public speaking and making an impact on their community. I have gained such a valuable experience through my educational journey.
In addition to this semester I also began planning the 2nd annual SWC, Let's talk about the underrepresented student panel that would be collaborating with Student Government. This would be held during Social Justice Week, and this event was something I developed to allow opportunities for students who would not traditionally have an opportunity to speak and/or are leaders who can advocate for experiences they have and or see amongst their peers.
During the Spring semester of my senior year, I was inducted into the NRHH and Phi Alpha which are 2 fraternities one related to residential life and one related to Social work. These were awesome to be a part of and I got to make new connections through this. I also got my driver's license which opened up doors for me to find a job and be a reliable worker with a means of transportation. I also gained a G little, my little took a little this semester and my family line was able to grow more! And last but certainly not least, I unexpectedly got accepted into Columbia University, when I applied for ha ha’s. I remember not getting accepted for undergraduate and I had already been committed to SHU and was excited to begin my journey not too far away from home. Never would I have thought that this would lead me to an Ivy League graduate-level education opportunity.
Throughout my journey at SHU, I did not have a detailed plan of what I was going to accomplish or do in an extracurricular sense. But, I did know I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and be like the leaders I constantly saw in public speaking and making an impact on their community. I have gained such a valuable experience through my educational journey.
|
|
anti-racism/anti-black racism presentation: |
Created by SHUssw presentation group: 11.6.21 |
|
|
|
|
Presentation Description: This presentation was developed within class with social work fellow students due to everyone in the course gaining an opportunity to teach a topic that related to social injustice. This was a great opportunity to further discuss, clarify, and elaborate on aspects of racism.
