Brockport Today

Carolyn Baker

Since I was a young girl I always loved helping people. I constantly participated in volunteer activities from visiting the sick, to volunteering at Strong hospital in Rochester, and participating in the Adopt-a-Highway program through my highschool. Helping others is a value that was instilled in me by my parents, who coincidently were both social workers. When I learned that I could spend the rest of my life making a difference in the lives of others I knew immediately that was what I wanted to do.

When I was a freshman at SUNY Brockport I decided to go check out the Social Work Department. Immediately I was welcomed by the department al faculty and staff. My first semester here I got involved by attending Social Work-sponsored events. I felt like the Social Work Department was one big welcoming family, and I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to be a part of. I determined that I wanted to take a few classes in the major to explore what it would be like. I took classes that were offered to the general population and immediately fell in love with the major.

The BSW program at Brockport helped me grow personally as I learned to push myself knowing that I always could do better. My professors challenged me to learn as much as possible and to grow as a professional and as a person. My professors listened to my interests and guided me to help me become the person I am today. During my time at Brockport I was also able to participate in field education, where I was able to practice what I was learning in the classroom. This was one of the most beneficial aspects of the social work program as I gained real work experience under guided supervision.

Since I graduated, I received my MSW from the University at Buffalo. I am currently working as a Resident Director here at Brockport where I work on a daily basis with college students. I feel that SUNY Brockport shaped me into who I am today and I came back to work here as I hope to help shape the lives of other Brockport students. I also continue to do volunteer work in the Rochester area.

In the future I plan to work in the field of pregnancy or adoption. Adoption has always been a passion of mine as I myself am adopted and it motivates me on a daily basis. I hope to one day further my education with either a doctorate or a law degree and I feel well prepared to do so with the education that I received while I was at Brockport.

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