MEET OUR GRADUATES: Reflections of Lady Franco, M.S.W. 研究生
As a first-generation graduate student, earning my M.S.W. 在临床社会工作中, I couldn't be more grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had and the achievements I’ve accomplished during my years at RIC.
I grew up in a rural area close to one of the biggest cities in Colombia. I had been working on my bachelor’s 学位 in chemistry for one year but suddenly had to flee my country with my two-year-old child. I arrived in the United States in 2016.
在我们到达一年后, I took my first step as an English language learner at Dorcas International Institute. In 2018 I decided to further my education by enrolling in RIC’s Outreach Program, where I not only attended English classes but earned certification in case management. I later enrolled in the ESL Intensive Program to reinforce my English.
Despite the struggles of juggling work, 母性和阶级, the opportunities I found at Rhode Island College fueled my determination to pursue a bachelor’s 学位 in social work.
The experience of relocating to a foreign country, where my family and I were assigned a dedicated social worker, opened my eyes to the impact of social work on immigrants. Our social worker’s dedication to helping us learn how to navigate the system, settle in and find new opportunities, created the desire in me to pay it forward and support others who are facing similar challenges.
我得了B.S.W. 2023年毕业. Now I have completed the second chapter of my journey with an M.S.W. 学位. My specialty is clinical mental health counseling, a field of social work that fascinates me. In Rhode Island, the demand for mental health providers is high. I know that my bilingualism and RIC education will be a great asset to my community.
回顾, I know that my experiences at RIC have been stepping stones empowering me and broadening my knowledge. During my time here, I found a sense of purpose and the belief that I could pursue my dreams. RIC provided the resources and support I needed, 比如终身学习, the Unity Center and the Writing Center, to help me complete my 学位 successfully. The college also offered scholarships, 食品储藏室, counseling and even assistance with assignments.
Although this last year has been hard, the support of classmates and professors, especially Professors Stefan Battle, 加尔松Joise, Dawn Maguire and Aswood Bousseau, has empowered me to see that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.
My heart swells with pride for my children, especially my eldest son. His decision to find a job after he finished high school last year to support our family while I pursued my M.S.W. internship at Butler Hospital fills me with gratitude and admiration.
My story is a testimony to the transformative power of perseverance. My experiences have made me stronger and more empathetic, qualities that are crucial in my profession. And my memories of RIC will stay with me forever. I feel honored and equipped to represent my community and advocate for those who feel voiceless.