Episode 3: From Maryland to Kerala: Exploring Social Work's Global Impact

Lynn Michalopoulos: [00:00:00] Hello everyone. Welcome, uh, welcome to the Social Workers Everywhere podcast, where we uncover the powerful, diverse, and far reaching impact of social work across the globe.

David Robertson: Each episode, we spotlight the practice, research, and experience of students and social workers from a wide range of industries and professions, from clinical care to policy change, from leadership to grassroots advocacy and community engagement.

Social work is truly everywhere.

Lynn Michalopoulos: Through the voices of the University of Maryland School of Social Work Community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and global partners, we'll explore unique perspectives and innovative initiatives shaping the future of the field. We are your host, Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos, David Robertson.

Today we are very excited to be interviewing two students, um, that are [00:01:00] Christa Gloster. Welcome and Claude Thomas. So we are talking today about the India course, um, as a global opportunity for students. Um, this is a course that is, um, was developed many years ago, um, based on a long-term partnership with Rajagiri Geary College in Kerala India. And this course, um, is really about going to India. We, um, uh, students engage in a conference, an international conference, and then go to a number of different, um, have different site visits. I. Um, have cultural experiences and then also have time to have fun in the mountains at the beach. Um, and so I was able to fortunately, uh, be a part of this trip as one of the co-teachers, myself and Dr. Joan Pittman. Um, and so, uh, Christa and Claude and eight other students joined us on this trip. And so let's get started. [00:02:00]

David Robertson: Christa and Claude. First question, when you heard about this experience, could you share with us two things that came to mind? Uh, and addendum to that question is, was this recommendation from a professor or through the elm?

Lynn Michalopoulos: Claude, you wanna go first?

Claude Thomas: Yeah, sure. I'm trying to think. Um, yeah, so I'm gonna answer this a little out of order. I saw this in the Elm. Um, I also think there was a more targeted email about this, uh, opportunity that came through my inbox. Um, so that's how I found out about it. Um, and I had originally learned about the opportunity to do my field placement internationally.

Um, but that was not an opportunity that was aligned for my circumstances and so I was disappointed about that. And then when I saw this opportunity, um. [00:03:00] I immediately wanted to learn more because, um, I wanted to have the opportunity to learn about social work in a global context. Um, and the ability to only be abroad for two weeks worked out perfectly with my life circumstances.

Um. Then my family is originally from Kerala, India. So I was especially excited that we were traveling to that part of India, um, because I could really integrate my personal professional experiences, um, that would carry me forward into my career.

Lynn Michalopoulos: That's great.

Thank you. And. Also just want to put a plug again for reading The Elm.

That's kind of been the theme of this podcast.

David Robertson: Yes.

Lynn Michalopoulos: The Elm.

David Robertson: Yes.

Christa Gloster: Yeah, fair enough.

David Robertson: Flag it and read it on the weekends if it's overwhelming during the week. Right.

Christa Gloster: Facts. Uh, for me, I'm pretty sure [00:04:00] I also heard about it. Through a targeted email in the inbox. Um, in my inbox more specifically, I just, how I grew up in funding wise resources.

I didn't have an opportunity to study abroad or do anything similar in undergrad. And I worked full time, um, the entirety of the program and so I actually had the funds and the resources to be able to do something like this. And similar to Claude's situation, I knew I couldn't do an international field placement.

But I was like, this, I can, I can pull off for two weeks. And so it aligned with my schedule and actually had the, the funds and resources to be able to do it.

Lynn Michalopoulos: So thinking about this trip, um, what were some of your perceptions about the experience before traveling to Kerala

Christa Gloster: I [00:05:00] You want me to go clap? Sure. Yes. Uh, so I, I love to travel and have been, uh, a few places. So I'm familiar with the experience of traveling internationally, um, but hadn't, um, not been to India in any way, shape or form. And so one, I wanted the opportunity just to, uh. Get, get a place off my, my travel list. My bucket list.

Nice. Um, in a way that was in a group where I felt comfortable and had people to help me navigate. but I think perception wise, I, while I was, uh, in the program and on the trip, but in the class, worked full time in, um, kind of diversity work. Mm-hmm. And so I was very familiar with, um, different.

Community and local voices talking about, um, colorism and fat phobia and different types of things. And so my perceptions were based off of what I had read, and [00:06:00] I definitely try to focus on like voices from the area that I'm coming to. So as soon as I figured out I was going, I was like, all right, who are the scholars?

Who are the people in this area? Who can I read? Who can I be looking, um, to get information from? But those, those were I think, at the forefront of my perceptions before we went on the trip. Hmm.

Lynn Michalopoulos: What about you, Claude?

Claude Thomas: Yeah, um, I think I went into this with very much an open mind. I'd never studied abroad before.

Um, and so I didn't quite know what to expect in that regard. And this was a bit unique in that it wasn't, you know, a full semester. It was condensed into two weeks. Um, but also. Having, um, like a personal connection to where we were traveling to. I think that, um. I, you know, I've traveled to Kerala multiple times I've visited, um, but it was always in the [00:07:00] context of family, right?

And so I was really eager and curious to see what it would be like to travel outside of that context and how much more I would get to experience as a result of that. Um, I also was reflecting prior on how. Um, the way I had been raised and how I had learned about the culture is that it is very community oriented.

It's very much mutual care for one another. And so as a social worker in the United States, I was very curious to see how that profession would be taking place in India where there's already this different underlying set of cultural values. Yeah. Um, yeah.

David Robertson: I guess on the lines of that, uh, how did these perceptions shift and change throughout your experience? Mm-hmm.

Christa Gloster: So, uh, Lynn and Claude were with me. Yeah. So I had, [00:08:00] uh, a very interesting start to my trip in India, and so my. Our first night there, um, the airline completely lost all of my stuff, um, in terms of like my, my check bag.

And so I just had my carry-ons with me. And so for me, that was like the beginning of my trip. That's kind of where we started. But I will say, um, the folks that we went with, um, were incredibly supportive. Um. Is actually my roomie, um, on for the entirety of the trip. And so having folks to debrief this was, was helpful and helped me like reengage in the purpose of the trip.

So I think something that definitely shifted for me once we got there and like got through the first few days was the, the stark contrast of how like central colorism. is[00:09:00] and so we talk about colorism in the context of the United States, and I think one of the conversations Claude and I had while we were there was we can point to examples of different, like skin tones of people in like media on billboards and things, but when we got to Kerala specifically like.

All the examples of people in terms of like advertisement, marketing, media, were very much like fairer, lighter skin. And then you just look directly underneath the billboard to someone who was like 2, 3, 4 shades darker. And like having that just like jarring comparison right there in front of you for the entire trip was something I like, I knew was a thing, but just like didn't expect it to be that central and like that like easy to to spot.

Claude Thomas: getting to travel with a diverse group of peers was definitely very interesting because I've been aware of these cultural [00:10:00] issues within the diaspora, but I hadn't experienced it myself in India because. There I'm in within the majority. Um, and so witnessing what it's like to truly move through so many spaces with privilege.

Was, um, it gave me a lot to reflect on, and then there was a lot that I learned from my peers and their experiences, um, and getting to reflect on how I could use my privilege there to support them while they were traveling through the country. And then getting to meet, um.

Professionals there. Um, it was really interesting to see how, um, right now there is no licensure for social work, um, in Kerala And so seeing the incredible work that they're doing and yet the barriers that they're facing because the profession [00:11:00] is not entirely legitimized, um, yeah, also gave me a lot to think about and how, um.

There was this integration of, um, eastern and western values within the profession because social work was brought over from the west. Um, and so there is that element too, to the practice, um, and how it's accepted in communities.

Lynn Michalopoulos: Yeah. Yeah, it is. I wanted to also, um, bring up, as, as you were talking Kris, I remember this, this incident, um, there was

a little shop that sold like coffee and little snacks. Um, at the, we stayed at, at the conference center. And so there was you, you know, in between sessions, groups of, of some of the students. And Joan and I would, would go down and grab a coffee or, um, and.

I remember, um, being I went down with another student, um, who was also black, um, darker than me. [00:12:00] Um, and they ignored her, like saw it in plain sight. They absolutely ignored her and, and, but served me. And I'm used to light-skinned privilege in, in the States, but seeing it in another context was really,

stark. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Um, what advice would you have for students that would like to attend this course?

Christa Gloster: I would say don't let maybe your perceptions or your fears about what might happen deter you from going, um. Like a pre-brief meeting before we went and we, we talked, we talked about a lot of things. 'cause for folks who will eventually take the course, there's like a semester's worth of work you do beforehand and meetings and stuff that you have and then a pre-brief meeting.

And so we [00:13:00] talked a lot of, a lot of, about, a lot of things from, um, traveling internationally to, to colorism, to racism, to homophobia and transphobia to disability and ability. And so, um. I would say to everybody's point earlier, we had a very diverse like, group of people that worked with us. And so I think for folks who want to go on this trip, the advice I have would be to ask the questions you need to ask.

So you, so you know, and you can prepare, but don't let the answers deter you from going. Um, ask someone who. Was excited to go, but also very nervous, um, in terms of just a new environment. That's just something that happens to me and I think to a lot of people, um, I still wanted to go, so don't let that deter you from going and also like pick.

Make sure you have what you need to like ground yourself. That was also part of the reason me losing my bag was such a struggle because I had all of my grounding items in the bag. And [00:14:00] so once I was able to get my luggage and get my stuff together, it was a lot easier for me to process through the day.

'cause I'm also, um, neurodivergent. So there were just lots of things that um, I needed time to reset. Overstimulation is totally a thing. Um, yeah. Specifically the parts we were in. It's a lot of people. It's big. It's big. There's things happening everywhere, lights and everything. So if that is something that, um, you're going to need, just make sure you have yourself to be prepared.

Go, but just be prepared. Right. That's great.

Claude Thomas: That's great advice. Um, I would say approach this experience with both curiosity and humility. Um, the assignments before we actually went abroad were really wonderful. In prompting, just deeper reflection and getting to explore a little bit of areas of interest that each person had within social work, within the con context of international social [00:15:00] work.

Um, so definitely make the most of those excitement, those assignments, but then bring that curiosity with you when you travel. Um, and like Christa was saying too, there's just, there's so much that. In our control and isn't in our control. And so a also that humility to just keep learning and like kind of taking everything in stride is also really helpful.

Um, important. Yeah. And we're gonna, like, you'll learn so much from not only the people you meet there, but the people you're traveling with. Um, so that's one of the best parts too.

Lynn Michalopoulos: I always tell folks that, you know, there's always a plan B, C, D, and you just keep going until something, until it works, right?

David Robertson: On this trip, I've noticed and heard a lot about identity. Um, and I'm curious too, a part, a, part B question for you both is how do you ident, how do you define your [00:16:00] identity and, and these spaces? And then part B is, is how did you navigate the different aspects of your identity, both positive experiences and challenges.

Claude Thomas: Do you want me to go first? Krisa?

Christa Gloster: Yeah, go ahead on it.

Claude Thomas: Yeah. Um, I mean, I touched on this a little bit, but I definitely experienced privilege moving through everywhere that we were traveling. Um. Partly just by recognition, I have features that people recognized and understood as someone who has ties to that area.

Um, also my language skills aren't great, but I understand Malayalam enough to like move through just colloquial [00:17:00] conversation or just things to get by. Um, so that was helpful in. In terms of just the little things, um, that I think really made a difference in the treatment that I received, but also the ease that I felt moving through spaces.

yeah. I think there were some opportunities, for example, to, um, kind of serve as a communication liaison between a local person and one of my peers. Um. That I certainly did not take for granted. Um, and then in terms of other aspects of my identity, um, I think as a woman, um, I definitely was careful about, you know, my surroundings and ensuring that I wasn't going anywhere by myself.

Um, and that really just came from like prior knowledge. Um. Also just the, the concerns that you [00:18:00] take into consideration in spaces you're not as familiar with. Um, yeah. And then I think there were other aspects of my identity too, that I was cognizant of within the space of my peers, but maybe less willing to share in spaces that I was just meeting people or who were acquaintances.

Um, like my queer identity, for example. It was certainly relevant, but not something that I openly shared with, you know, colleagues that we met at the conference, for example. Um, and that's just taking into consideration, um, how culturally that's not something that's openly discussed. Mm-hmm. Right. Um, yeah, so those are my first thoughts.

Maybe Christa as you share, might think of something else. Thank you.

Christa Gloster: So, um, as I mentioned kind of earlier, I am neurodivergent, I'm also black, um, and queer and I had a lot, a lot [00:19:00] of my questions early on stemmed from like, what I had read and kind of heard and watched about, uh, the experiences of queer folks in India and then also, um, black folks who had traveled abroad before.

Just to, you know, learn about some things to be expecting. Um, so I, I was aware, obviously there are gonna be cultural differences that lots of folks maybe just have never seen black people in real life before. Um, but I think what to me ended up being.

Jarring feels like the word that's coming to mind right now. It doesn't feel accurate, but we'll stick with jarring. For right now, it's just the,

the freeness folks had to want to like. Touch me, which is a thing in the US like, but I think it's, it's [00:20:00] more commonly known, like stop touching people that's don't do that, that's strange. But, um, the amount of people that are like, can I touch you? Can I touch your hair? Like, how do you get your hair? Like that, like can I random?

We were in the middle, um, of a, uh, of a tea field and a ran a random couple and their child were like, Hey, my wife wants to take a picture with you. And I was like. I'm sorry, what? Um, so it, it was just stuff like that or, um, I remember one of our classmates, um, shout out to Theo was with me. We, we were having an overstimulation break 'cause it was loud and we were outside and so we just stepped aside to, to, you know, grab some air and take a moment.

And there was a photographer we had visited, uh, Ayurvedic Ayurvedic Hospital and there was a photographer kind of, uh, documenting the whole experience, taking pictures. Normal stuff, at least what I felt like made sense. Mm-hmm. But he had asked like, oh, can I take a picture of you? I'm like, sure.

[00:21:00] But I guess the way I was positioned, he asked me to turn so he could get my hair, and I'm like, it's just hair. It doesn't do anything. So for me, that was the thing that like kept coming up. There were other experiences that I certainly had to navigate. I I, that one for me was the. Most difficult one because I just felt on display the entire time in a way that I don't feel in the US and I.

I recognize that we are a very, um, multiracial multi, multi-ethnic, multicultural like society, especially in Maryland, like where we're coming from. And so just to be in a space where folks have literally never seen, potentially someone that looks like you and like are not understanding just how you function and exist as a person.

And so that for me is what I had to process in real time of like. Okay, are you actually in danger or is this just curiosity? And [00:22:00] overwhelmingly, it was just curiosity. Folks were just interested in figuring out how I was doing, how I was existing. So, um, but that's not something I've ever had to like, break down before in that way because, you know, being for Maryland, it's black folks everywhere.

So no one is, you know, trying to touch my hair or figure out, like, take, like taking pictures. Like this person just wanted to take pictures of my locks and I was like. It's just hair. It doesn't do anything. Um, the, the, the last thing I'll say about this is we had gone to, um, a boy's home, which for some folks in the us um, they may consider that like an orphanage.

And one of the, the young boys there, he asked if he could touch my hair. I said no. And he was like, okay, cool. And moved on. And so I'm like, you are like eight. And you get it. Like you get personal space, you know, enough to ask and like, be okay with my answer. Whereas you had whole adults like, come on trying to like, you know, um, like push me into like having interactions with them, whether it [00:23:00] be a picture or a hug or like touching my hair, whatever it is.

But this little 8-year-old. I was like, no worries, let's move on. And um, I just thought that was very interesting to see the difference between how grown adults responded versus like an actual child. Mm-hmm. Mm.

Lynn Michalopoulos: Kind of shifting to thank you both for, for sharing that I think it, it, it, you know, and for being vulnerable and sharing that, that experience.

Um, what similarities did you see between the our school university, Maryland School of Social Work and Rajagiri Geary College, um, school of Social work and more generally differences in similarities between social work practice in both settings? Do you wanna start with the first one? It's a double edged. No, you're good.

So the, the, um, kind of similarities or differences with, um, and you spoke a, a bit about this some Claude, um, with Rajagiri and, and our school. Yes. I don't know if [00:24:00] you all can hear the Raging Thunder. Yes. Yeah. No, I don't hear it, but it's, it's here in DC too. I think it may be hail outside. Yeah. Um. Yeah. Um,

Claude Thomas: I would say one similarity, but also difference is of course they have field work as well, or field placements.

Um, but they do more, they rotate to different agencies as opposed to, um, our program where you have one placement for the entire academic year. Mm-hmm. And, um. I think that's very interesting because on one hand, getting to be at one agency for nine months means that you really get to dive deep into Right.

That particular organization and their mission. Um, different just opportunities to get involved. and also develop longer term relationships with clients. Um, but I also think [00:25:00] the students at Rajagiri who are able to, I think it's every semester. Um, that they go to a new placement. Um,

Lynn Michalopoulos: yes, I think, yeah.

Claude Thomas: And so that's double the breadth of experience that they get. and so especially for social work students who are looking to explore different areas within the field to identify what calls to them the most, I think that's an incredible asset for that kind of, um, program. I mean, you, you bring up a great point of, of,

Lynn Michalopoulos: we were talking about this in a previous episode of the importance of, um, social work in terms of understanding the, the micro macro and that that's what makes us social workers because we have the, the blend and of, of the both.

Um, and it's not just the individual work, but, um, and so, and I think they may have a more of an opportunity to have that, to have that understanding and, and kind of combination. Yes, definitely.[00:26:00]

Christa Gloster: I would say speaking about differences, something I really appreciated about their school of social work, this goes back to something Claude said earlier, is the opportunities they have just for. Community engagement and development. And not that we don't have those, but for me it felt like that was like the bulk of their program.

Like really like steeped and invested in community in a way that ours is just not particularly like, mostly focused on that. I would say like we're very, we're we're changing and we're making different shifts and stuff, but we're very largely a clinical program. And so, but I also recognize that comes from the fact that like, that's not.

A model of practice that they are able to do, um, in Kerala. And so that, that would be one difference. I would also say another difference is, um,[00:27:00]

the, I wouldn't necessarily say it's the name, but like the type of field placements they're able to do is a little bit different. We, as a part of the. The course, um, for folks in the future. There's an assignment where you connect with the student from Rajagiri College and you talk about social, work, life, all the things.

Mm-hmm. And, um, the student that I connected with, um, her name's Alita and, uh, she was doing a, the acronym is I think per personal PSR, personal social responsibility, um, or Corporate Responsibility, corporate Social. Corporate Corporate Social Responsibility. Thank you.

I don't think, that's, not that we couldn't do that here with our program, but like the, the way that it's like an actual pathway, like that's one of their sub-specializations in their programs and people like think about that and pursue that. Like often isn't something that we particularly have carved out [00:28:00] in that way.

So that was another difference that I appreciated.

Lynn Michalopoulos: And either you might remember this, but I'm, I'm pretty sure that that's, that's a requirement of all companies, correct? Yes. Component of social response.

Christa Gloster: It's, it's a, uh, a requirement in India. I cannot remember the actual policy or legislation, but every company in India is required to have some type of, some type of like department entity, whatever that does that type of work as part of their, um.

Standing to be like an actual company. So like they have to, and like oftentimes social workers are doing that work for them.

Lynn Michalopoulos: Right.

David Robertson: How did this program impact your professional development? Um, and can you name two to three things that resonated about your experience?

Claude Thomas: I can go first. I have a couple things in mind. Um. [00:29:00] So, um, the first is I currently work for a nonprofit within the Space of Disability Justice. And, um, prior to this course, um, my experience with disability in India and how it's perceived and approached has been very family oriented, like families take care of.

Um, those who need, um, support. Um, and I personally had not heard of any, um, like government sponsored support for people with disabilities. Um, and so, and I had, I have family who are disabled, um, and that was the model that they experienced was just within the community. And so, um. When we went to Kerala in January, we [00:30:00] went to visit two organizations that specifically serve people with disabilities.

Um, and it gave me a lot to reflect on in terms of one, just the progress that is being made and the effort that's being made to support the disabled population locally. Yes. Um, one of the organizations was. Um, ultimately funded by a corporation. Um, and then another of the organizations was church funded, I think through the Catholic church, um,

Lynn Michalopoulos: where the boys were, um, no, um,

Claude Thomas: Kripa right?

Christa Gloster: Yeah, yeah. Was the one towards the end. Yeah. Because they had the, the mural of one of the, mm-hmm. Yeah.

It was a priest who, like the father, who I was just told yesterday that I have CRS. Do y all know what that is? [00:31:00] No. Can't remember shit.

My friend was like, you should go and get it checked out 'cause you may have CRS. And I was like, oh my God, is that like leading to dementia? And he was like, yes. You can't remember shit. I was like, oh, I felt for it. Listen. No I do that daily. Sorry I interrupted. Sorry. No worries. No worries. Um.

Claude Thomas: And so on one hand I was really heartened to see that there's organized efforts being made to support the disabled population in terms of providing educational education, vocational training, and even, um, employment opportunities.

Um, and at the same time also seeing how there are differences in the language that's being used that. In the context of the work that I do here in the US might be considered stigmatizing or ableist. Um, and then having to take into account, they're [00:32:00] telling us about their organizations in a second language, right?

Mm-hmm. English is not their native language, even though English is, is, um, spoken in Kerala. Um. And so it just gave me a lot to reflect on in terms of, again, that progress, there, further progress that I would love to see made, but also how important is that language when there's also tangible work to be done.

Like, there's just a lot that it gave me to think about, um, in that regard. And I was able to discuss with my peers too, um, on the trip, um, to give me some more insight there. Um, I. And then the other big takeaway for me was, um, I've been a clinical student, um, and my goal is to, um, be able to provide culturally competent therapy services, um, just based on my life [00:33:00] experience growing up, um, and seeing how much mental health is stigmatized within the South Asian community within the Indian community.

Um, it's been really important to me to be able to just improve the accessibility to these services. Um, and so thinking about this within the context of clinical social work, I was talking to one of the PhD students at Rajagiri um, and she was sharing a bit about her experience within the program and where she is headed professionally.

Um, and she was sharing how, um. You know, at this conference that we're at, we're hearing these wonderful lectures and about all these different social work initiatives. Um, and she was saying how important it is from her perspective to integrate that micro and macro social work because she said it's great to just be talking about these social initiatives.

Right? Yeah. And talking about systemic [00:34:00] scale, but say for example. Um, casteism is, is, has been dismantled, but it is still pervades every single aspect of society and, um, really work that needs to be done in addition to everything else that's. Currently happening is that, um, that really micro level work things within families, within communities, but you know, those interpersonal relationships.

Um, and that is ultimately why I was motivated to pursue social work and clinical social work in particular, was to be able to really address things from a relational perspective. Mm-hmm. And so, um, that was really, um, affirming to hear that. Um, there's this beautiful synergy between clinical and macro social work, um, even in addressing these larger systemic issues.

Christa Gloster: Co-sign what Claude said. I [00:35:00] will also add for me that I, I'm also a clinical student, um, prior to switching career paths to social work, an educator and did a lot of like community engagement. and Involvement. And so what I appreciated from this trip was the eagerness to communicate across cultures. I spent time in between sessions at lunch, just, just talking and chatting with people, whether it be someone who had a session that I really enjoyed and wanted to follow up with folks from other universities, uh students, even from Rajagiri.

And just really providing an opportunity to sit and have a conversation. Of course we talked about social work because that's what we were there for, but we just also talked about life, which was really nice. And like how often and when are you going to have an opportunity just sit with somebody and talk to [00:36:00] them about like how they live their life and their lived experience.

So for me, the biggest takeaway was, uh, never be afraid to pursue opportunities to engage. 'cause I think that's what. For me at least. I won't speak for anybody else, but for me at least, that's why I, one of the reasons I got into social work is because I appreciate that this is a profession and that I have met people who are like, we should be working together globally.

Like the fact that we are so siloed across the world is ridiculous and makes no sense. So I. I really appreciate the opportunities to engage with people, but also just to laugh and like, make jokes and like to, um, I, you know, by accent and other things. Like there are obviously lots of folks and we could tell we were from the US and I had, uh, I wanna say it was somebody either from [00:37:00] Scotland, I feel like it was Scotland, just reached over at the conference.

It was like. You're American, right? And I was like, yeah. And they're like. You okay? I was like, no, I'm not. Okay. Thank you so much. I'm not, well, I'm not okay. And they were like, we're thinking about y'all. I was like, thank you so much. And like, they, they get it. So it was, it was really nice to just have those like very human moments.

And that's my biggest takeaway, like. Always, if you can like, engage in the opportunities to do that, whether you're uncomfortable or you think you might be uncomfortable or you feel like you're missing something, like just go and do it. Um, I even had conversations with Lynn over dinner while we were in the middle of the mountains.

I'm like, Lynn, you got more projects. You need some, need some help on. Um, I'm happy to pop in. You lemme know. Um, so yeah, that was, that was something that really, um. That stuck with me. Also, this is like very specific and like very niche. When we went to Kripa they have a sensory or they had a sensory room that I think about all the time because I work with [00:38:00] children and families right now and we have like a playroom.

We have like a small sensory room, but that thing was like two and a half rooms. Large. It had like every texture, sand. We may turn the lights out. Yeah, turn the lights out. The lights did things. And so like that is the, the sensory and texture room of my dreams is a neurodivergent human who has texture issues.

I wish mini me had something like that. And so I think about that room often. Mm-hmm. And that's awesome.

Lynn Michalopoulos: Well, thank you both so much for your time and insights and, um, being vulnerable and, and sharing, um, your experiences. Yeah. Like to ask you as in a sentence, and you've both said this, but is there anything else that you would,

like to add that every prospective student should know about global social work at UMB?

Claude Thomas: I think that. The diversity [00:39:00] in our peer group spoke for itself, not only just in identity, but also areas of interest within social work and future career plans. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. So on that note, anyone would be a good fit for this program if they have a desire to learn? Um, I think it love that it would enrich any, any social worker's career.

Um, yeah. That's great. I love that. Yeah.

Christa Gloster: I would add. Along the level of like connecting with peers as an introvert is sometimes it's hard for me, you know, to come out of my shell and like connect with new people, but it is so worth it, like not just to connect across. Uh, the conference and with the agencies that we met with, but with the group of peers we went with from the University of Maryland.

Like I talk about them all the time. We also have a group chat that's like fairly active and we talk all the time. We've already done a reunion dinner, like they're some of my favorite people that exist [00:40:00] in the world, like. Five of us just graduated this past May. And so we all, for the most part, like got to take a picture together, um, with one of our, uh, our other professor, um, Dr.

Joan Pittman. And so if you are nervous about a new setting and making new friends, I hear you. I understand. And also do it 'cause it's one of the best experiences I've ever had and. Truly my peers that went with us on this trip, including our professors, some of our favorite people. And the question, endless amount of shena foolishness, I'll call it.

And inside jokes that we have is truly comical. Like we don't have time to get into all of them. I, I, and I wish the same or a similar experience for you should you decide to go.

Lynn Michalopoulos: That's

Christa Gloster: amazing. Thank you so much. Well, thank you. Um, thanks again to both of you. [00:41:00] Um, and

Lynn Michalopoulos: thank you listeners for joining us today and for listening to the Social Work is Everywhere podcast if you've been inspired by the stories and impact shared today, please consider supporting the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Your donation helps fund scholarships, research, innovative teaching, and community partnerships that make a real difference.

David Robertson: Every gift matters. Uh, please visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate.

Please choose other and specify Global.

Lynn Michalopoulos: To request more information about admissions to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, please visit ssw dot u maryland.edu. Msw. Thank you. Bye for now.

David Robertson: Go Social workers. Woo.

Christa Gloster (they/them) is a liberation centered educator with 10 years of experience in higher education. In their previous roles they have served as a Coordinator for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, a Board Member for GLSEN Maryland, a Safe Zone Trainer, a Residence Life Hall Director, and a member of a Commission for LGBT People. Christa is also an experienced LGBTQIA+ educator, trainer, and facilitator. Christa is finishing up a Master of Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work with plans to work in community mental health after graduation. Christa looks forward to transitioning full time into the field of Clinical Social Work with a focus on supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Neurodiverse communities. Their hopes for their work are that people feel seen, people feel heard, and to provide space for continuously excluded communities.