Social workers go above and beyond for our communities. From providing mental health care to individuals and families to shaping our future leaders at schools, social workers are dedicated to building a better world for everyone.
This Social Work Month, FIU Stempel College honors its faculty and students who represent the values of the field and are making a positive impact in our communities.
Alessandra Maso, second year student in the Master’s in Social Work program, shares why she entered the field and how Stempel College is preparing her to support the journey of students and families across the school system.
What motivated you to pursue a degree/career in the social work field?
After completing my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I was seeking a graduate program in which I could expand my clinical skills while joining a field where I could also provide support to the clients I work with in more ways than one. I was drawn to the way social work looks at the client as a whole person in their environment and goes beyond pathologizing by also exploring how systemic factors can influence one’s mental health.
I have always loved working with children and families and had previous experience in school settings before studying social work. I believe education is instrumental in children's development. A school is where children not only grow academically, but where they learn to socialize, gain their sense of identity, and build upon their skill sets for future success. In my experience, I have seen how schools can be such a significant source of support and community for students and their families and it has been a tremendous privilege to be part of that.
How has your journey in the field been like so far?
I resonated with the humanistic approach social work brings into the therapeutic space; while also yielding different roles social workers can fill to provide the appropriate support for the communities they serve. I also appreciate the ways in which social workers can be involved in advocacy and community work as well. I have enjoyed working with different communities and learning all the ways I can apply what I have learned to my practice. It has been an enrichening journey working in the school system as a social work intern. I have learned vastly about the different ways I can serve and advocate for students and their families at both the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
What has been something cool/rewarding from your time at the School of Social Work?
I am currently interning at Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I have had an amazing experience at my field placement, where I have been able to learn how collaborative working in the school setting can be. It has been so rewarding to work with students and their families to help them reach their goals and needs. Interning at the schools has taught me immensely how to advocate for students, as school social workers play so many roles where they connect families to resources, facilitate the process for students to receive accommodations, and often work as liaisons between the families and the school system.
One of my favorite courses in the program was the Self Awareness class with Professor Victoria Gray, who did an amazing job in facilitating and creating the space for such enrichening discussions. I learned so much from the different stories classmates shared, as well as the work that I — as a future social worker — must do within myself to make sure that I am giving my best to the practice. One of my favorite parts of that class was the connections and friendships I made, which I still cherish today.
I am so grateful for the community I have been able to build during my time in the program.
What is a piece of advice that you’d give to a prospective social work student?
Take advantage of all the different opportunities the program and field work offers you to learn and connect with others. Social work provides so many opportunities to expand your career and skill set while also building your network with other disciplines. I am so grateful for all the possibilities this program has provided for me as a future social worker.
What are your next steps?
After graduation, I hope to gain my licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I hope to work in community-based settings as I gain more clinical experience in the field.