Linda Garza, MSSW 1991; Marcos Garza, MSSW 1998, JD 2001
Linda Garza never planned to become a social worker, but life had other plans. From supervising a telephone help line to earning her master’s degree in social work (MSSW) at UT, Linda’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities. But the story doesn’t stop there. Linda’s son, Marcos Garza, followed in her footsteps— earning his MSSW and later a law degree at UT. Today, he uses his social work skills to empower clients and advocate for justice. Together, this mother-son duo has left an
indelible mark on their community.
Linda Garza’s journey into social work began with a simple desire to help others, but it blossomed into a lifelong mission of empowerment, education, and community impact. As the director of a local telephone help line in Athens, TN, Garza supervised 80 to 100 telephone volunteers who provided unconditional and non-judgmental assistance to callers. During this time, Garza decided it would be beneficial for her to learn more psychology skills, so she took some psychology and human services courses at Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU). As she completed several courses, one of her professors recommended that she get her master’s degree in social work. This thought intrigued her, so she enrolled at the UT College of Social Work (UTCSW), where she earned her MSSW.
After graduating, Garza was asked to teach a few classes in the Human Services Program at Tennessee Wesleyan. Teaching had not been something Garza had on her radar, but she was open to the idea and decided to give it a shot. “The first day, as I stood in front of the class, I thought to myself, ‘What was I thinking?’ but then I immediately loved the interaction with the students,” she said. “A very strong component of those classes is growth in self-awareness, and if you’re going to be in the field of human services or social work, it’s really important to know who you are, where you came from, and what your issues are. Once you develop self awareness, and you realize what your issues are and what your strengths are, you can help other people recognize those things in themselves.”
While teaching, Garza worked with her students to instill the values of shared responsibility and respect, always mindful of her own journey into the field of social work. “The mornings I drove to campus, I was always happy to be there,” she said. “I felt so privileged to get to do what I did because I worked with wonderful young people with great hearts who wanted to make a difference in the world, which always inspired me. I am so grateful that I had that opportunity.”
Thirty years from the start of her teaching career, Garza retired from TWU. During her tenure, Garza obtained a professor title in human services before beginning the social work program in 2015. One of her primary focuses during her 30-year tenure was on fostering connections and relationships with her students, colleagues, and community. “I have been truly blessed to have known so many kind-hearted, compassionate future human services and social workers,” Garza noted. “I was always in awe when I saw and heard of their work and dedication in the community.”
Garza’s son, Marcos, briefly followed in his mother’s footsteps by also receiving his MSSW at the UTCSW. When asked if she urged Marcos down the MSSW path, Garza explained,” Once Marcos completed his undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt in Psychology and Human Growth and Development, he determined that earning an MSSW was the next logical step. Of course, I encouraged him, but it was his decision. He then went on to earn his law degree and utilizes his social work skills every day to meet people where they are and help them build a better life for themselves despite adversity. He is definitely a servant leader in his law practice and in the community and surrounding areas, and I am very proud of him and the work he does.”
As Garza reflects back on her career, she wants future MSSW students to know that their opportunities are endless. “There are so many career options with an MSSW,” she stated. “I always encourage people to take
every occasion to network with agencies, organizations, and professionals in related fields, knowing it can help guide them through all the choices of future careers and goals. I am the perfect example of ‘you just never know where the path may lead you.’”