Hi there, my name is Elsy, and I am a Social Work and Psychology double major at UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Looking back at what led me to USG, funny enough, it seemed as though UMBC-Shady Grove actually found me. I was just in the right place at the right time. I know that sounds silly, but let me elaborate.
When I was younger, I had hopes of going to fashion school. But life happens when you are busy making plans! I attended Montgomery College (MC) as a returning student, mainly because the campus was close to home, but I did not have a clue what to major in at the time. While fulfilling my general coursework at MC, I had taken an interest in psychology. I attended a transfer fair and there it was — the Social Work program at UMBC-Shady Grove!
I was instantly drawn to the activism around social justice and the desire to help others, especially for those whom society often fails. I researched everything there was to know about the program at UMBC-Shady Grove and met with the Program Director, Dr. Katie Morris, who offered guidance on the program requirements and helped me create a path towards enrollment. I also attended open houses at USG so that I could learn more about UMBC’s Social Work program there, and visited the campus myself. As a result, I now feel right at home with my UMBC-Shady Grove family.
Today at USG, I am the Vice President of the Social Work Student Association (SWSA), a Writing Fellow of the Social Work Program, and a member of the Peer Advisory Team (PAT), or a “Pat pal.” I am also a member of the Tau Sigma Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the National Social Work Association (NASW).
I am currently fulfilling my social work field placement, a social work curriculum requirement, through the student Title IV-E Child Welfare Program. My current placement is in one of Maryland’s county departments of social services.
My anticipated graduation date is May 2022, and following that, I plan to take a very long summer vacation to celebrate my achievements! After that, it is back to business! I look forward to pursuing my Masters of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Maryland’s School of Social Work in Baltimore, Maryland through advanced standing, which will enable me to earn my master’s in one year. My current goal is to work in child welfare following my master’s degree and intern through the Title IV-E Child Welfare Program.
As a first-generation immigrant, I hope to eventually work closely with immigrants and refugees long-term, either in the child welfare setting, or within a nonprofit organization that promotes social justice and focuses on empowerment and self-determination.