What is your major and minor? What other academic programs were you a part of?
Social work major, philosophy minor.
What are some of the jobs you held while at McDaniel?
Gold student ambassador, Rec Lounge/Resource Room attendant, peer mentor.
What organizations were you a part of at McDaniel? What positions did you hold?
Hispanic-Latinx Alliance (secretary); Global Zero (vice president); Phi Alpha Mu (service co-chairwoman, assistant recruitment, risk manager and head of Standards Board, Race for Her 5K co-chairwoman); Progressive Student Union; Music Meditation; Social Work Advocates Network; Phi Alpha Social Work Honors Society
Did you enjoy your time at McDaniel? How?
I genuinely enjoyed my time at McDaniel. At McDaniel, I was able to not only grow academically and professionally, but also personally. By being active on campus and taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible during my time here, I was able to expand my horizons and learn from those around me while also enhancing the skills I plan on utilizing as a future social worker. The social work department provided me with countless opportunities to gain experience working with various populations, which resulted in me finding my true passion and solidifying my professional goals.
Who do you think was/is your best mentor?
Michelle Young was my mentor during my time at McDaniel. She has been my advisor since I took her FYS. Professor Young helped me realize my strengths and how to best apply them in practice. She believed in me and pushed me to always to try my best.
What is your best memory at McDaniel?
My favorite memory was going to the Hippodrome to see the Lion King during one of the Weekend Blitz trips.
What are some of the challenges you encountered and how did you overcome them?
During my first semester at McDaniel I was soft-spoken, very timid, and I stayed to myself. Now, I talk to prospective families every week, telling them about my time at on campus, I speak up and I advocate for myself and others, and I love being involved. Stepping out of my comfort zone was something I am glad I was able to do because it has helped me professionally.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I was accepted to the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work’s Advanced Standing program. There I will be working towards my Master of Social Work. I will have a clinical concentration with a specialization in behavioral health. After that, I plan on sitting for the licensure exam and earning my LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker).
What would you tell yourself as a first-year at McDaniel?
I would tell myself to try anyway. I was so afraid to apply myself to a lot of things in fear of rejection. I missed out on a lot of great opportunities because I did not want to put myself out there. If I could go back and talk to myself as a first-year student, I would tell myself to try anyway; that way I can at least say I did my best.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the McDaniel community?
It is okay to ask for help. No one expects you to know everything or be able to handle everything that is thrown at you. If life gets too overwhelming or you don’t know the answer to something, reach out to someone! Everyone needs a support system. Asking for help does not make you weak. If anything, asking for help shows that you are strong, capable, and resourceful.
