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Susan Westgate, LICSW, MSW '06
What is your fondest memory or most lasting lesson from your time at the University of Maryland School of Social Work?
I remember the professors the most from my educational experience. There are such wonderful individuals at the School that provide unconditional positive support and that inspire students to be their best in the professional field. What was impressed upon me the most is that you can learn something different from everyone in the School and that all information gleaned from one’s education experience is going to be relevant to your professional future. When you work in such a dynamic a field as Social Work, your work becomes more fruitful when you can pluralize the ways in which you relate to others. At any given moment, I could be delving into lessons learned from evaluation research, or social theory, group dynamics or clinical practice. All of these lessons will apply in your professional future; you just have to make the educational experience work for you.
What are you doing now?
I am an Employee Assistance Professional at a private firm in Washington, DC. Additionally I provide as needed support to a newly formed early intervention and reading program in Baltimore, City. I recently earned my advanced clinical Social Work licensure to practice independently in the District of Columbia. I am excited about achieving that professional and personal milestone. Additionally I serve on the Board of Directors for Alumni Relations representing the EAP field.
What are your hopes for the future of the University of Maryland School of Social Work?
My hopes for the University of Maryland School of Social Work are that it will continue to grown as an educational institution and as a community. I hope also that there will be a movement within the community to engage one another more despite difference in our respective professional areas of practice. We all work better as a community when we can support one another and when we can continuously learn from one another. I hope that this School will continue to remain current and competitive within the academic realm and that it will continue to flourish even in the midst of these tough economic times. This School offers so many people the opportunity to commit themselves to a lifetime of meaningful service. I sincerely hope that it will always be able to continue.
Why did you make a commitment to become further involved with the University of Maryland School of Social Work?
Simply put I care more about Social Work than I have ever cared about any idea or concept in my life. When I became a Social Worker, I knew that I was essentially becoming the person that I was meant to be. This School helped me to begin to actualize my life’s meaning and it helped me to understand how to answer my vocational calling. I was provided with direction, support, a sound educational foundation, and I was able to engage in a community that shared my beliefs about the importance of human service work. When a school offers you these kinds of opportunities, the least that you can do is to become involved and to give back to the students who are coming through after you.
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