Meet the Current Social Work Students

Ella Granat (BSW Student)

I chose to pursue my bachelor’s degree in social work because of my passion for advocacy and social justice, complemented by a minor in Child Development to deepen my understanding of my area of interest. During my time at UA, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with dedicated professors and faculty members who have supported my academic and professional goals while offering valuable insight into fieldwork, research, and the realities of social work practice. Currently, I am completing my internship at CommQuest, where I work within the school-based mental health and prevention departments and lead my own prevention groups with middle school students. After graduation, I plan to continue this path as a school-based mental health counselor. I chose the UA for its strong social work program, financial aid opportunities, and the chance to conduct independent research through the Williams Honors College.

Harvon Hamilton (BSW Student)

I decided to pursue my BASW because I’ve always been passionate about helping children and families and making a difference in my community. At the UA, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the many ways social workers can create change and support people through life’s challenges. I am glad I made the decision to attend the UA because I’ve learned a lot about myself, the kind of professional I want to become, and the impact I want to make as I enter the field. The faculty here have been incredibly supportive and encouraging, which has made my experience even more meaningful. As I get closer to starting my field placement, I’m exploring both child welfare and clinical social work as potential paths. After graduation, I hope to begin my career in a child welfare agency or mental health clinic and eventually return to school to earn my master’s degree.

Cody Nolan (MSW Student)

Like most of us coming into the field of Social Work, I was brought here by my passion for helping others to achieve their goals and a desire to make the world a better place. I believe that everyone carries the potential for change, sometimes needing guidance. As a lifelong resident of Akron, I earned my Psychology degree at the UA. The MSW program here at the UA has helped me to develop the skills necessary to reach my professional and personal goals. The staff has been knowledgeable, competent, flexible, and understanding at every stage of my experiences here on campus. I have been able to apply the knowledge and skills learned here at my field placement, where I provide outpatient counseling services to individuals in our communities. Following graduation, I plan to continue service as an outpatient counselor in non-profit community behavioral health, where I intend to lay the foundations for a long career in a variety of different roles within social work.

Brooke Skiba (MSW Student)

I was inspired to pursue social work after working in middle and high school education for ten years, where I saw the importance of mental health during crucial developmental years. I discovered a passion for helping children, teens, and people with disabilities on an individual level. While clinical social work appeals to me most, I value how the field allows for impact on both individual and community levels and aligns with my commitment to social justice. UA's MSW program has done a wonderful job at building my competency in the field no matter what direction I go in my future. While I am open to several possibilities in my long-term future as a social worker, my short-term plan after graduation is to continue working with children and teens as a counselor part-time while also better serving my students as I continue to teach.

Interested in joining social work student organizations? Click here.