Why Pitt School of Social Work?
I was introduced to the BASW program through an Intro to Social Work course taught by Professor Keith Caldwell. He helped me connect with others in the program and showed me just how expansive the field of social work truly is! From the start, everyone in the school was so welcoming and informative. I very quickly learned that this incredible program is full of wonderful people with a variety of experiences in the field. It’s special, and exactly where I’m meant to be.
Tell us about your field experience.
My field experience began at a site that, while providing me with a great opportunity to work with vulnerable populations, was not the best environment for me. My experience there showed me the importance of advocating for oneself. With the support of Dr. Jones, Professor Cherry, and Dr. Slawinski, I was able to transfer to WPH Bellefield and have had an amazing learning experience! I am currently shadowing outpatient care coordinators across a variety of programs related to mood, anxiety, and eating disorders. I attend regular staff and intern meetings, and have the opportunity to sit in on clinical evaluations and a variety of group therapy sessions. I am also a member of the Survivor Link + AmeriCorps fellowship, which allows me to engage in educational opportunities led by nationwide experts who work with people impacted by intimate partner violence. This fellowship works in conjunction with my field placement and grants me the opportunity to train staff at my agency on intimate partner violence based on what I have learned.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
With my degree, I hope to continue working with vulnerable populations and those who have experienced unexpected or traumatic events globally.
How does your field experience prepare you to achieve your goal?
Both placements have allowed me to gain valuable experience working with individuals who have had various life experiences and traumas that led them to the agencies. They reinforced the importance of meeting people where they are, allowing them to be the experts of their own stories, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Tell us about a memorable experience in your Field placement.
The first day I arrived at Bellefield, I had just sat down in my office when the fire alarm started going off for a drill. My supervisor and I sat outside for a while, wondering why we hadn’t gone back in yet. It turns out that something malfunctioned and they couldn’t turn the alarm off. It was a hectic start to say the least, but everyone took it in stride, and I had a great first day!
Fun Facts
I love exploring new spots to eat and study on campus!