STUDENT VOICES

Rochelle Spagnolo
(Class of 2006)

Why did you choose Messiah?
Messiah suited my needs because of the Christian principles that Messiah has been founded on and has incorporated into their curriculum. Messiah was willing to tailor to my needs as a student and the size of the college was perfect for building lasting relationships. I was excited to learn about the Messiah College Philly Campus, especially because I was able to take advantage of being able to learn in Philadelphia.

What inspired you to study Social Work?
I have always felt that I possessed qualities and gifts that could be used and channeled toward working with people. Naturally, this comes easy for me; however, through life experiences and growing up the way I have and meeting the people I have, it has created a passion in me to work with those whose experiences and life greatly differs from my own.

How would you describe the Social Work major at Messiah?
The Social Work major at Messiah is a program developed toward the students becoming Generalist Social Workers. Generalists are those who look at the whole picture and the entire client, including related systems to provide a more holistic and complete practice toward aiding and empowering the client and all who are involved. The Messiah Social Work professors give a great foundation to the major and the hardships that Social Workers face while in the field. They adequately prepare us for Social Work practice of all arenas, including, but not limited to Christian practice.

What class or professor has been most influential to your learning? Why?
The classes I learned the most from would be Helping Processes 1 and 2, which are taken during your sophomore year, in conjunction with field placement once a week. I thought that field experience was such a learning tool, even at this level of college. It allowed me to begin to put what we were learning in class and apply it to my field experience. Making these connections was crucial to my growth as a future Social Worker. The class explored areas such as social histories, evaluations, and assessments of clients. Having “hands-on” assignments was relevant and a HUGE learning experience.

How do you hope to use your major in the future?
I plan on using Social Work to work with women getting out of prison. I would like to eventually be a director of a half-way home for women. I would like to develop an effective program for women to be a part of. Social Work is such a crucial and important profession. I am honored and pleased with my time at Messiah and I am truly excited for what the future holds.

 

Malinda Kirk
(Class of 2006)

Why did you choose Messiah?
For their Human Development and Family Science major, ironically.

What inspired you to study Social Work?
Professor Root.  She worked at the same camp as me, saw how I interacted with our campers and ended up converting me to the social work major.  Obviously my interests and gifts aligned as well.

How would you describe the Social Work major at Messiah?
Cozy, comfortable, you really get to know your classmates well.  At the same time it has a contrasting edge of always needing to push yourself to the next level.  There is an incredible amount of field practice all throughout the four years of the major where you run into the ethical situations that many majors just talk about in the classroom.  It becomes necessary, early on, to choose how you are going to practice what you’re learning.

What class or professor has been most influential to your learning? Why?
Both Dr. Root and Dr. Seitz have affected my life enormously, both by the classes, but even more by our out of class interaction.  I can call these incredible mentors my friends and know that my personal experience has been enhanced by this friendship.  It was so beneficial to me because I got to know them, and they got to know me and as that, they could speak into my life and show me my gifts and weaknesses so that I could be the best that I could be.

How do you hope to use your major in the future?
To make changes happen everyday.  Whether the changes are small and seemingly inconsequential…or huge, for example the policy changes that we have to work for years towards.  I hope that I do not become overwhelmed by all that has to be done still, and keep the hope and determination that I have now.

Mallory Goodman
(Class of 2006)

Why did you choose Messiah?
It was the only school I looked at, it had a good social work program, and two of my church friends had come here and loved it.

What inspired you to study Social Work?
Passion.

How would you describe the Social Work major at Messiah?
Full of demanding and great experience opportunities. It is truly focused on helping students reach their full potential.

What class or professor has been most influential to your learning? Why?
I would say both Dr. Root and Dr. Seitz. They provide both positive reinforcement and criticism that has allowed me to see my strengths and develop as a professional social worker. They truly take an interest in students’ lives.

How do you hope to use your major in the future?
I plan to work in the social work field the rest of my life. I hope to further my education and help as many people as God allows.

Sarah Hibshman
(Class of 2006)

Why did you choose Messiah?
I chose Messiah because of the Christian atmosphere, as well as the good soccer program. The girls on the soccer team were a big influence of my decision to come to Messiah.

What inspired you to study Social Work?
I knew that I wanted to do something where I interacted with people and a close friend and a close relative, who are in the field of Social Work suggested it to me. After taking my first Social Work class, I knew it was what I wanted to do.

How would you describe the Social Work major at Messiah?
The major prepares each student for working in the field of Social Work through discussion, learning, and a focus on experience in the field. I find the emphasis on experience to be one of the most influential and beneficial parts of this program. I have learned the most through this part of my learning.

What class or professor has been most influential to your learning? Why?
My advisor, Dr. Seitz, has been the most influential person in my time here at Messiah. He has been an incredible role model as I study Social Work and has been there to answer questions and talk to through any situation. His desire to help each student in Social Work and outside of that is very obvious and is something that I truly respect about him.

How do you hope to use your major in the future?
I hope to go into graduate school for either my MSW or Master’s in Child Life, which my major will be very beneficial to me. When I get a job, the skills that I have learned in my major will benefit me in any field that I choose. The skills I learned in Social Work are also beneficial to me in my daily life and friendships.

ALUMNI VOICES

Rebekah Tucker
2004 Graduate
(School-Based Therapist)

What inspired you to study Social Work?
I decided to study Social Work because I enjoy people and am inspired when people make positive changes in their own lives. This is exciting, and I want to be a part of that change process. The Social Work profession is about helping people to make changes for themselves, and about showing compassion towards people who may not experience love or acceptance from their family, society, or even from themselves.

How would you describe the Social Work Program at Messiah?
The Social Work Program at Messiah challenged me to explore difficult issues, to integrate my faith into practice, and to recognize the importance of social work in our world today.

What class or professor at Messiah has had the most impact on your life? Why?
The experience that impacted my life the most while at Messiah was my time at Messiah Philly, where I completed my first internship. I shadowed a case manager at a Hispanic agency, where I did home visits with a Hispanic social worker. I had never seen or experienced the intense struggles that people in poverty were facing. My eyes were opened, and my life was changed. I then fully recognized that poverty is a vicious cycle, and social workers are needed to help change that cycle. During this experience, I also recognized the importance of the social worker being able to speak in the native language of the clients. I saw that if I could do this, I could break down a barrier and more effectively help the client to make change.

How has your major been useful to you?
Graduating from Messiah with a BSW allowed me to enroll in an Advanced Track MSW Program at the University of Southern Indiana to get my degree within a year, and become a Licensed Social Worker. When I began looking for jobs, the majority of agencies required a social work degree or a social work licensure. I was thankful for my social work degree! I am now working as a School Based Therapist with the Center for Children and Families in Cincinnati, Ohio. My social work degree was necessary to get this job, and the social work values that I learned while at Messiah have proved invaluable.

How do you hope to use your major in the future?
I hope to continue working in the social work field, and possibly become an independently licensed social worker. I want to continue to be a part of the change process in people’s lives, whether through individual, family, community, or policy change.