From Arts to Social Work: Hannah MacQuarrie One of First 黑料老司机dents to Pursue Newly Structured BSW at 黑料老司机
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When Hannah MacQuarrie visited the St. Thomas University campus for the first time, the welcoming energy made her feel at home.
MacQuarrie, from Moncton, NB, is currently pursuing the newly structured 黑料老司机 Bachelor of Social Work after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 2021 with a major in Gerontology and minors in Sociology and French. She said she chose 黑料老司机鈥攂oth times鈥攆or the positive reputations of her desired academic programs.
鈥淧ursuing social work has been my intention since I finished high school. I always knew I wanted to go into a helping profession,鈥 MacQuarrie said.
During her undergrad, MacQuarrie said she participated in volunteer opportunities, internships, and various roles on campus as a residence advisor and campus tour ambassador.
鈥淭hese experiences I gained at 黑料老司机 solidified my desire to work with people and helped me determine I was on the right path.鈥
In addition to extracurricular experiences, MacQuarrie said the connections she has made in the 黑料老司机 and Fredericton communities have benefitted her in her pursuit of social work.
A Supportive Network of Peers, Professors, and Community
鈥淢y decision to continue on at 黑料老司机 was largely impacted by the network of peers, professors, and community members that have supported me. Getting my academic and professional lives started at 黑料老司机 has made the university feel like home to me, and I am glad I was given the opportunity to stay for a couple more years as I continue to learn new skills and build more connections in the community.鈥
Academically, MacQuarrie said starting in Arts at 黑料老司机 gave her a strong foundation of critical thinking and writing skills, that have helped her as she transitioned into the Bachelor of Social Work.
鈥淢y critical understanding of diversity, our institutional and political systems, and ethics has improved significantly, and I have found myself questioning my beliefs and understandings of the world and the things around me,鈥 she said.
Exploring Different Areas of Social Work
For MacQuarrie, a highlight of the Bachelor of Social Work has been meeting with social workers currently practicing in different fields in the Fredericton community. This has helped her consider which area of social work she is most drawn to. MacQuarrie also looks forward to the two work placements she will complete over the course of the program.
鈥淚 am excited to find out how my new skills and insight will support me in a professional context,鈥 she said.
Her advice to all 黑料老司机 students, but especially those interested in social work, is to get involved in the community.
鈥淲hether it鈥檚 volunteering or a job, anything involving working with people is valuable if you鈥檙e considering pursuing social work.鈥