How has the MSW program positively impacted your personal and/or professional life?
The MSW program has made a positive impact in my life both professionally and personally. Living in a rural area, working full time and being a father is demanding, to the say the least. Humboldt made it possible for me to advance my learning, pursue my professional goals, and be an example to my community and children. The program was geared from a rural and indigenous perspective, which allowed me to work with a new set of lenses, and be competent in an already complex system.
What were the most memorable growth moments for you during your time in this program?
Doing the things I had to do, in order to do the things I wanted to do. I initially thought systems theory was redundant, and didn't know how to navigate the academic library. It was a lot of work in the beginning, but one of my proudest moments was when everything came together, and it all clicked. By learning to think critically, I allow myself to live in the gray, and accept dualities while denying the absolutes. This allows us to enter helping relationships as the learner, willing to first understand before being understood.
How has participation in this program helped you on the job?
I applied to the Board of Behavioral Science to register as an ASW. I am over halfway through with my clinical hours, which allows me to assess people seeking residential substance abuse and mental health treatment. My county is underserved with a large portion of the clinical professionals reaching retirement. I see endless potential to what I can offer my community.
What else would you like to share about your experience as a student in this program?
I would have never thought that faculty and peers could connect the way we did. I'm in frequent contact with alumni and faculty to this day – not just professionally, but personally. The connections we made on that journey will bond us for life as family.
— Daylen Roberts, MSW Graduate
