From Student to Social Worker

I am officially an MSW (Masters of Social Work) graduate. Three long years of part-time online school through Florida State University, while working a full time job, and balancing a family. As I enter this next chapter, I have intended to update this space and reflect on the journey. This MSW is truly the beginning of a deeper road, where I will meet new challenges. This degree to me is a culmination of achievement that for many years I did not believe would be possible. After being diagnosed 20 years ago with bipolar disorder as I finished college, I felt so many doors closing before my eyes. I nearly and literally shut down and as many people with serious mental illness do, believed that I would not amount to anything spectacular. Over time, I recovered, I met my husband, raised two daughters and every day that went by gained another ounce of hope and confidence. During that time I advocated through volunteer work, as an Ombudsmand for my husband’s command during one tour and worked with National Alliance on Mental Illness for over 18 years. I started to connect others to resources, I refined and built on my ability to listen, as a facilitator, educator and trainer. Once the girls were of school age, I worked full time and eventually worked up the gumption to apply to graduate school in 2023. Over the subsequent years I worked to maintain a 3.92 GPA at FSU College of Social Work’s Masters program, while working full time in the dependency system as a Guardian ad Litem. I was still a mom, and struggled so many times over trying to keep up with kid schedules, working on school work late at night and on weekends.

I walked the stage in Tallahassee, FL, on a dreary rainy Saturday morning, May 2nd, 2026. While I am so very proud of myself for making it to this step, one step that I never dreamed would come to fruition, I know I still have challenges ahead. As I now interview for full time positions with local hospitals, I realize again how cut-throat the real world is. I also know myself and my capabilities to pursue the impossible. I hope that my unique perspective and empathy will make me the social worker that I believe I can be. That I may continue to envision a world where people are seen, heard and valued. That I meet every patient, every client with compassion, not judgment. I may not be able to change the world, but I can change something. I can sit with one person at a time, advocate in one space at a time and choosing to show up with integrity and care, remembering where I have been and knowing what is possible for someone else.