Congratulations to the class of 2025! Read this year's senior spotlights here.
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Social Work
Minors: Peace Studies; Sociology
Hometown: Swansea, MA
Campus Involvement: Alpha Kappa Delta; Alpha Omega Psi; Building Inclusive Academic Communities (BAIC); First Gen Association; First Year Mentor; Macro Alliance; Orientation Leader; Phi Alpha; Program Council; Resident Assistant/Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) Coordinator; Tri Alpha; Vikings Vote Ambassador
Why did you choose Salem State, and what鈥檚 one thing a prospective student should know about the campus community?
I chose Salem State because it has a strong program for my major. I loved the location鈥攊t鈥檚 close to downtown Salem and Boston鈥攁nd the campus looked beautiful when I toured.
Prospective students should know that Salem State has a space for everyone. I鈥檝e met so many people and had so many opportunities because of how involved the campus community is.
Once you got to campus, what made you say, "This is the place for me?"
I knew I belonged once I started classes and got involved in the Salem State community. I鈥檝e grown, made connections, and taken on so many experiences that helped me feel at home here.
What made you choose your major?
I鈥檝e always wanted to do social work. I love working with people in a community-centered way. Learning from my professors over the past four years has only deepened my love and passion for the field. I鈥檓 confident this career is right for me, and I鈥檓 excited to practice what I鈥檝e learned.
Do you live on campus or commute?
I鈥檝e lived on campus all four years; for three of those, I鈥檝e been a resident assistant in Bowditch Hall. I鈥檝e especially loved working with first-year students and helping them adjust to college life. It can be challenging at first, but supporting my residents through their transition has been gratifying.
How have you grown as a person during your college experience?
I鈥檝e grown most in my self-confidence. Before college, I was very reserved and stayed in my comfort zone. At Salem State, I pushed myself to join clubs, take on leadership roles, and meet new people. I鈥檝e become a better communicator and feel more comfortable putting myself out into the world.
Can you describe a challenge you overcame at Salem State?
Navigating college as a first-generation student was a challenge. There was so much to learn and figure out, but I found support through campus resources that helped me along the way.
Have any faculty relationships influenced your learning or personal growth?
I鈥檝e built strong relationships with many social work professors, including 麻豆成人精品 Amato, 麻豆成人精品 Kessler, 麻豆成人精品 Collins, and 麻豆成人精品 Johnson. They鈥檝e made a real impact on my learning and connection to the program. I鈥檝e also developed excellent relationships with first year experience, student involvement and operations, and res life staff. These connections have made a huge difference in my experience and are why it鈥檚 hard to say goodbye.
How has Salem State supported your academic journey in terms of value and accessibility?
The social work department has brought so much value to my education. 麻豆成人精品s are committed to student success and genuinely care about us. I鈥檝e felt supported by both faculty and my peers, making my experience all the more meaningful.
Can you share a hands-on learning experience you鈥檝e had?
During my senior year, I completed a field placement that allowed me to apply everything I鈥檝e learned in class. It was an outstanding balance of learning and doing. I could bring those real-world experiences back to class discussions, which supported and encouraged me.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how has Salem State prepared you?
After graduating with my bachelor鈥檚 in social work, I鈥檒l return to Salem State for my master鈥檚. Choosing Salem State again was easy鈥擨 feel supported and welcome here. I鈥檓 excited to continue my education and use what I鈥檝e learned to make a difference in my future social work career.