Student Name: Brooke Lopez
Major: Social Work
Student Organization Affiliation: Latino Student Social Work Association
Expected Graduation:May 2017
What made you decide to enroll in the School of Social Work at SDSU?
I’ve lived all my life in San Diego County. As a native to some of San Diego’s most marginalized communities, I really attribute them to harvesting the passion in me to become a social worker. I’ve witnessed and been targeted by some of the hardships faced in San Diego and have always felt a deep urge to serve my community and the people who make it great. When time came around for me to pick a college to attend for my undergraduate studies, San Diego State University seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to fulfill that goal. The school has so many connections with service providers throughout the county. As social work is so focused on service/field learning, the school’s partnerships in the community played a large role in my decision.
What have been your most memorable experience in the School?
The school of social work at SDSU is often at the forefront of initiative and trends in the community at large. Several events they have organized have emphasized these trends and have been the most memorable experiences for me. I participated in APISWA’s Diversity Narrative event and the school’s screening of Paper Tigers (a movie about the implementation of trauma-informed practice on a high school campus). Paper Tiger’s helped inspire my career goals and the Diversity Narrative helped me explore my story in order to better connect to and serve my clients. I also really enjoyed my Motivational Interviewing class which has been such an asset to my practice.
What are your plans after graduation?
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to continue my studies at San Diego State’s School of Social Work Advanced Standing graduate program, so that is my most immediate plan for post-graduation. I’m excited to advance my education here and open up more doors for my dream to work with marginalized youth in capacities of mental health and trauma scenarios.
What are some of your favorite aspects of the program?
The program really gives such a great comprehensive experience of social work that prepares students to work in several areas. I have loved my MI (motivational interviewing) classes which are often not ingrained in undergraduate social work programs. The classes we take are curtailed to accommodate the experiences we have in field and we are urged to reflect on that which is so beneficial to my professional development. The school’s teachings have allowed me to work at macro, mezzo and micro levels at my internship at an elementary school.
Describe why you would recommend SDSU to potential students.
I would recommend SDSU to students who love beautiful scenery and are dedicated to helping a diverse population of people. SDSU is the main provider of education for San Diegans and for good reason. It prepares students to address the unique issues and affirm the strengths that exist in this county, along with providing a great base which to apply to regions like it.
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