It’s time for another Social Work Month highlight! Today, meet Jennifer, ASPIRE Classroom Leader and Senior Staff Associate.
Why did you decide to become a social worker/work in social services?
I earned my degree in School Counseling because I wanted to work with kids and help them with their social-emotional learning, as well as their academic and career goals. Growing up, I saw firsthand how beneficial having a support system in one’s life can be, and I wanted to be that for someone else.
What’s one tip you’ve found helpful for your clients?
One tip I’ve found helpful for my clients is teaching them to become their own advocates. I focus on strategies for asking for help, identifying who they can seek assistance from at school (such as their school Counselor, school Social Worker, or a trusted teacher), advocating for themselves when something or someone is bothering them, and understanding that they have a voice.
Why do you think FCA’s work is integral for the community?
I believe FCA’s work is integral to the community because, for so many, we act as a bridge. At ASPIRE, we help parents better understand the school system so they can ensure their child receives the support they need, or simply provide a safe space for students to get the academic help they require.
What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?
The work I am most proud of at FCA is seeing my students achieve their goals. It might be finally becoming an All Star (earning a B- or higher in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts) or even coming in to show off a good grade they received on an assignment, which earns them a spot on our Bravo Board. Our students love to share their successes with us and come in excited for the day, whether it’s because they have electives with us or because we’re doing a lesson on character. They build friendships with students they might not have met otherwise, and those connections often extend into high school and beyond. I am proud to watch my students grow from 6th graders into high school graduates, returning to visit us as college students to share how they’re doing and to let us know that we played a part in their journey.
