Image from The Funny Beaver
Many of you are already aware that we’ve been releasing mini interviews with our incoming cohort of MSW students. We want to know not only why they chose UNE , but what their social work aspirations are. Visit our initial post HERE to learn more. Keep reading to learn why MSW Students, Ashley Potvin and Amber Wilson, chose UNE and what they plan to do with their social work degrees!
Ashley Potvin
What made you choose UNE over other options?
I currently work as the women’s rugby coach on the Biddeford campus. I have wanted to pursue a master’s degree for quite some time. I bounced back and forth between athletic related programs and education programs and circled back to UNE after I heard Clinical Professor Arabella Perez LCSW (Trauma Certificate Coordinator) speak at last year’s Scholars of Color breakfast.
Learn more about our Trauma Certificate at our Sept 26th info session, led by Clinical Professor and Trauma Certificate Coordinator, Arabella Perez LCSW
What drew you to the social work profession?
The versatility of the areas of study and the idea of studying to help others drew me to social work.
What area of social work are you most interested in?
I am most interested in areas that deal with women and girls, immigration, Native Americans, and education.
Do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
I am not entirely sure what I want to do once I am finished my studies! I think if I had a dream scenario, I would work doing research for the Tucker Center for Women and Girls in Sport and/or Champion Women. These two organizations deal with Title IX violations, best practices, investigations of sexual assault in sport, and researching the numbers of participation, involvement, and barriers to participation in the US. I think it would be a very cool way to tie my interests together and work with schools and universities rebuilding their culture regarding women in their athletic departments.
Amber Wilson
What made you choose UNE over other options?
I came to UNE as a transfer student from another MSW program. The reason I sought out a different program and found a home at UNE is due to how students are able to customize the UNE MSW program to fit future goals. The faculty have a passion for the profession and it is obvious that they want their students to succeed.
What drew you to the social work profession?
I have taught yoga for years, and have seen how powerful the mind/body connection is in mental health. My desire to become a social worker stems from my experiences in helping others and wanting to increase my skills and ability to promote mental health.
What area of social work are you most interested in?
- Mental Health/Clinical
- Incorporating mindfulness/meditation/yoga into treatment
- Advocating for marginalized populations
Do you plan to pursue any certificates? If so, which ones?
- Applied Arts and Social Justice
- Training in Ageing and Diversity
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CERTIFICATES
Do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
My goal is to work with those struggling with eating disorders and body image issues through private practice and interdisciplinary treatment teams.
What are you looking forward to most about living/studying in the Greater Portland Area?
Making connections with professors and future colleagues.