Whitby, Ontario
Graduating with a Master of Social Work degree
How did you pick your major of study, and why did you choose the University of Windsor?
In June 2009 I graduated from Brock University with my BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. I was always interested in the social, personality, and forensic aspects of psychology and they fit well what I was learning in criminology as well. I knew I wanted to continue on in my education, however, I was not interested in the highly research-based aspects of graduate studies in psychology and really wanted to get into the hands-on, practical aspects of counselling and therapy. I started looking into the Masters of Social Work and realized that this program had exactly what I wanted.
I chose the University of Windsor because it is one of only a few MSW programs in the province that offers a program tailored for individuals who have received an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than social work. Windsor was appealing to me because it gave me the challenge of moving to a totally new city where I did not know anyone. In the past two years, I have met so many amazing people, made so many contacts, and feel that I have really immersed myself in the Windsor and University communities. I also really enjoyed the beautiful riverfront and historical buildings on campus.
What were your expectations of university? Has the University of Windsor met those expectations?
Coming to the University of Windsor from a larger undergraduate program, I was looking forward to being part of a smaller program, with a class of only 30 in my first year and 60 in my second year. While I was able to become involved in the Department of Psychology at Brock University during my last year, I came to the University of Windsor with the desire to become highly involved and get the most out of my time here.
I definitely feel like my expectations of the University of Windsor were met. Within my first week in the program, I became a Graduate Representative to the School of Social Work’s School Council, and over the past two years I have also become the President of Rho Beta, the first Canadian Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work Students. I have been given the opportunity to be a Graduate Assistant for four professors in the School of Social Work this school year, and have also attended many events and presentations. I have been able to get to know many of my professors and faculty in the School of Social Work and feel as though I am a part of the University of Windsor community.
What would you say is the most important thing you have learned at university: about yourself, about other people, about your field of study, or about the world?
The most important things I have learned during my time as a graduate student are not the things I read about in the many textbooks I have been assigned or the classes I have attended, but what I have come to learn about myself through self-reflection about my thoughts, attitudes, previous experiences, and beliefs and how they have shaped the person I am today and how they will influence the social worker I am becoming. I have learned so much about myself over the past two years at the University of Windsor, and know that these are the things that will most strongly influence my practice as a social worker.
What would you say has been the most memorable part of your UWindsor experience?
I would have to say that the most memorable part of my UWindsor experience has been all of the amazing people I have met and life-long friends I have made. The MSW Class of 2011 has been my family for the past two years. We have been through some really tough times together, and then been able to celebrate all of the amazing times that have followed. We have laughed, cried, celebrated, danced, shopped, eaten (way too much), and been there for one another through all of the ups and downs of graduate school.
Please tell us why you are proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s graduating class of 2011.
I am proud to be part of the University of Windsor’s Graduating Class of 2011 because I feel that we have all done such an amazing job and worked so hard to get here, so I can’t wait to cross the stage on June 16 with everyone else. The St. Denis Centre is going to be jam-packed gym of achievement this year.
Did you have a course, professor or classmate who inspired you?
I know this may sound very “social work-y”, but I have had so many wonderful experiences with the faculty and staff in the School of Social Work that to be fair, I really can’t pick out just one person who has inspired me the most. Throughout my many roles within the School, I have had the opportunity to get to know a lot of the School of Social Work faculty and staff outside of the classroom and learn more about their background, families, personal struggles and triumphs, research, opinions, and areas of interest. I am truly inspired by everyone in the School of Social Work.
What are your plans following graduation?
I am moving to Kitchener-Waterloo where I hope to settle down and start my career as a social worker.