Social Work Ambassadors

Why UB? I chose UB School of Social Work for it's reputation among peers who are former alumni. In addition I choose UB because it offers a rigorous program for P/T grad students like me without watering down the delivered content.

Best part so far? The learning opportunities and being challenged academically has been the best experience so far.

Advice for students? No matter how overwhelmed you feel during your studies and period of tremendous growth just always remember that you will get through it. UB offers support to help you get through the challenging days ahead. No student will ever feel left behind or unsupported.

Why UB? I applied to the University of Buffalo, because the School of Social Work’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and public service match my aspirations and career goals. The program’s trauma informed and human rights perspective will help me continue to learn about how social workers can work towards social justice in their communities or positions, whether that is in a courtroom or a clinician's office.

Best part so far? The best part of my experience at UB has been the professors and students. I remember a strong feeling of belonging I had at the MSW orientation last fall, and I have felt that everyday at this university. Although the campus is big, the cohort is tight knit and very supportive. The professors care about their students on an academic but also personal growth level and want to see you succeed in all areas of your life. There is a strong sense of unity within this school.

Advice for students? Give everything a chance, and say yes. Talk to your peers, go to office hours (even if on zoom), form study groups, and really immerse yourself in your classes. Take some time to find your people on campus who are your go-tos for questions and support. Give it time, and know you're right where you're supposed to be. Everything happens for a reason, and you were accepted here for a reason.

Why UB? I liked the trauma-informed curriculum, the communication and clarity from the admissions department, and the wealth of accessible information about the program that I was able to obtain online.

Best part so far? The professors have been wonderful.

Advice for students? Maintain a baseline of simple self care as much and as consistently as possible. (sleep, hygiene, good food, exercise).

Why UB? I chose the UB School of Social Work because I wanted to pursue a dual degree in public health and social work. I loved how UB Social Work includes a focus on trauma informed and human rights perspectives. UB is close to where I am from so I felt that this would allow me to be a commuter student at an institution that supported my goals. The UB School of Social Work felt like the perfect way for me to gain the necessary experience while also deep diving into the micro and macro practice of social work.

Best part so far? Meeting other social work students! I love learning about their placements and why they have chosen social work. I have been able to have rich and deep discussions about important social work topics which is incredibly exciting. The students of social work are amazing and allow for a safe space for rich discussion.

Advice for students? Invest yourself in what is important to you. If you enjoy a field of social work, allow yourself to fully engage in that area. Don't be afraid to discover new passions but also allow yourself to engage fully in what you love. Also, make sure to take care of yourself - it is the ONLY way you can provide for those around you.

Why UB? I chose the UB School of Social Work because it is an intentional program. The curriculum and pedagogy of the program, specifically the emphasis on trauma and human rights aligns with my values and how I want to practice as a social worker. Also, the program's online, part time option was conducive to my life as a full time professional.

Best part so far? The connections I have been able to make with other classmates and faculty.

Advice for students? I would say come in to the program with a level of preparation (idea of interest areas in social work, a time management plan, etc.), but also come into the program with a level of flexibility and openness.

Why UB? I choose UB because of its trauma-informed perspective. I also choose UB because financially it was more feasible.

Best part so far? Meeting other students and the discussions in class has given me the opportunity to grow so much this past year. The best experience thus far has been my class discussions. The discussions in class really opens up difficult conversations and forces us to face our own biases and I love that about this program. It's not uncommon to deal with the hard stuff.

Advice for students? Be open-minded, but don't bend your values or morals for the sake of agreeing with everyone else.

Why UB? I was impressed with the curriculum plan and trauma-informed focus of the program.

Best part so far? I have really appreciated the mentor support group; it's helped me feel the most connected to others in the program. I've also enjoyed the alumni mentor relationship to learn from someone who graduated long before me.

Advice for students? Say "yes" to opportunities to be involved, especially in an online class setting, to not feel so isolated.

Why UB? The trauma-informed care perspective was something that was important to me in an institution.

Best part so far? The friends I have made in my interventions class.

Advice for students? Take care of yourself and use your professors and friends as resources.

Why UB? I chose the UB School of Social Work for the trauma-informed care implemented into the pedagogy. This approach to social work feels more compassionate and addresses what social work should be in the modern world. Additionally, I love how UB made it easy for me to pursue my interests with the dual degree program.

Best part so far? The people! I really appreciate my cohort and the professors I have met along the way. Everyone has had success unique experiences and all the professors really bring a lot to the table.

Advice for students? Your academics are essential, but allow yourself to be a whole human! Taking care of yourself comes first, so don't be afraid to allow yourself time to rest, spend time with loved ones and care for yourself daily. While it may seem weird in the moment not to be focused on school, it will better prepare you to tackle assignments that can lower your stressors!

Why UB? After working in adoption recruitment for four years, I recognized that there was a gap in services in Western New York for families of adopted children, and I hoped to do some work to fill that gap. I knew that going to school would be a priority only if I went all in, so I decided to transition to being a full time student! UB was the best choice for me because of the opportunities to work within the systems in Buffalo while learning at a highly ranked organization.

Best part so far? I have made amazing friends and connections (both in a personal and professional capacity.) Additionally, being in this program has helped me to better understand the work I was already doing but from different perspectives, including the macro/policy side of things. This has really changed my plans for the future and has made me really fall in love with macro/advocacy/policy research side of work.

Advice for students? You don't know what you don't know- be open to having your path and plan shaped by the program- an MSW opens way more doors than we might traditionally think about when we consider what a social worker does.

Why UB? It is one of the few programs that are online in the state of New York, but also because of the programs integration of trauma and humanistic practice.

Best part so far?  The instructors and online support options.

Advice for students? Be flexible in your expectations, and be aware of what you are willing to sacrifice when things do not go as expected.

Why UB? I felt like the values of the UBSSW aligned with my own values and because of that, I knew that getting my degree from UB meant that I would be well prepared to do the kind of work I want to do.

Best part so far? I have loved everything about my classes so far and I appreciate the lengths the School of Social Work has gone to in order to provide opportunities for learning and connection during a pandemic.

Advice for students? Plan ahead. Get a planner that works for you... and put as much of your semester on it as possible, making sure to leave time and space to shuffle things around if necessary. Planning out ahead has helped me manage my time and energy as I balance single parenting, full-time work, and the part-time MSW program.

Why UB? I chose UB School of Social Work because of its dedication to trauma-informed care and the ability to pursue a dual degree with the School of Law.

Best part so far? The best part of my experience has been my foundation year field placement. I was able assist with policy work and learn more about the City of Buffalo and its history. I feel more connected to my community and better able to advocate for its residents.

Advice for students? Be open to new experiences and new information!

Why UB? I chose this program for its Trauma-Informed focus. As well at its high standard reputation. It’s also very convenient that it’s online and is very flexible with all other responsibilities.

Best part so far? Getting to know my classmates and professors! As well as engaging in my 1st field placement.

Advice for students? Don’t give up! And always ask for help. Reach out to others.

Why UB? The cliche "I want to help people" answer fits me well! But I've had some mentors in the past (and currently) who suggested this program to me that graduated from the MSW program as well. I also took interest in the range of electives offered and programs such as the IP Forum.

Best part so far? Working with the Sexual Violence Prevention & Response group on campus and participating in the IP Forum

Advice for students? Trust the process. The first semester of your foundation year is an incredible adjustment. But if you work hard, stick to it, and use the resources around you, you will get through it and your second semester will feel like a breath of fresh air!

Why UB? I was driven to apply to UB because of their commitment to Trauma-Informed Care and improving equity within Buffalo and the WNY region, as well as being a top 20 MSW program in the country. I loved my undergraduate experience at UB and my time in the UB EOP program, and knew that UBSSW was the next step to help further my social work career.

Best part so far? The events and experiences that UB offers if you want to take advantage of the opportunities. Being able to attend the Campaign School for Political Social Workers at UCONN this past weekend was amazing! I am so grateful that UB not only provides funding for students to attend events and conferences like this, but also encourages the student body to become more politically active and engaged in the community.

Advice for students? Take advantage of everything that UB offers! Those random emails from UB faculty or UBSSW are interesting-- if it even interests you a little bit, register or apply for it. Apply to represent on a student board and get your voice heard, register for clubs and networks (even if you can't always make the meetings). You don't know where your passion will find you. You're paying to be here, and the faculty and professors genuinely want to see students succeed and find their passions. Make the most of it!

Why UB? I have been interested in attending UB since my high school days, and since I graduated with my degree in Psychology, many of my colleagues from undergrad had either been accepted to or currently attended the UB MSW Program. When I worked at Crisis Services after graduating, my supervisor was a UB MSW alumna, and she was such a wealth of knowledge when it came to mezzo level operations and trauma-informed care. She gave me information about the program and helped me apply!

Best part so far? The people I've met have really made this experience of learning the curriculum and going through field placement a lot more manageable and beneficial. I've met professors that have helped me redefine who I see myself as within social work, and I've met colleagues who inspire my way of thinking.

Advice for students? For the first semester, I'd recommend organizing their schedule so that they have as much time for school work/rest as possible & if possible. And then when they're acclimated to the work load and responsibility of being a student, then add in more work hours/hobbies/clubs/etc. (This is what worked for me, as someone who took out loans to help me get by!)

Why UB? The esteem of the program and faculty, the potential to participate in research and in hopes of finding diverse student and faculty. I also appreciate the opportunity to focus on clinical options as well as other interests, and discover areas I didn't realize I had interest in (ie. macro).

Best part so far? The faculty have been wonderful, and the opportunities I have been presented with. I will be studying abroad in the summer.

Advice for students? Take advantage of as many opportunities that are presented to you in the next two years as possible. Once you are in practice these opportunities are sparse, especially for free.

Why UB? I enjoyed my time as an undergrad at UB, and UBSSW’s trauma-informed program was a significant factor as well. Many of my supervisors have attended UB for their MSW and spoke very highly of it!

Best part so far? The professors have been absolutely incredible, they are so experienced and knowledgeable, and I feel like I have learned so much in just two semesters.

Advice for students? Find an organization style that works for you before the semester starts, and organize your assignments as soon as you get the syllabus.

Why UB? I chose the UB School of Social Work for a few different reasons. First, it integrates trauma informed care and a human rights perspective into its MSW curriculum which I believe in an integral part of being an empathetic and effective social worker. Secondly, it is the flagship social work program of Buffalo and it represents the diversity and determination for the city it its values. Finally, UB School of Social Work offers me a chance to feel part of a larger community of social workers devoted to different paths to each a similar goal; impactful justice for the world.

Best part so far? The best part of my experience at UB is that although it is a huge school, the diversity makes me feel like I am accepted and celebrated fully for who I truly am. Without having to put on a front or a facade, I can realize my full educational and personal potential.

Advice for students? It sounds cliché but don't be afraid to talk to everyone. Speak up and talk about everything. Talk to your professors (they are there to help you) and they are truly awesome! Talk to student services, the dean, whoever. Talk to your fellow classmates. Your field placement supervisors. Everyone. For introverts like myself, the idea of speaking up is terrifying but there is a small saying in Burmese who goes like this: "those with a mouth, find the village". This continues to be one of my sayings through this program and it will serve you too.