Alan Whitley knows what it is like to start something, stop something, and then start again, and because of this, he wants to help others who might be going through the same situation. Whitley is currently enrolled on the Nashville campus in the Advanced Standing Evidence Based Interpersonal Concentration, a clinical track that focuses more on a micro level. He will graduate in May with his MSSW.
“I actually declared my major as social work when I was 18 years old and a freshman at Middle Tennessee State University,” Whitely explained. “That was about 15 years ago and I only lasted for a semester. I attempted to go back the next year, but I dropped out for a second time. I had decided that college was not for me. It took me about 10 years to go back and pursue my undergraduate degree in social work. I was in my own wilderness journey trying to navigate mental health and addiction with the help of social workers in my personal life. So, I think what really drove me back to pursue my degree in social work was my own wilderness story of struggle and recovery. Social work is who I am as I have always wanted to help people. People are my passion.”
Once Whitley decided to pursue his MSSW, he never looked back and fully immersed himself in the program. “I have had so many amazing experiences in this program,” he said. “This past year has been filled with mixed emotions for so many, but I am truly thankful for each professor I have encountered, and the safe space that they have provided me as I have navigated graduate school. The professors are my absolute favorite. One of my favorite moments was my first class on the first day of graduate school. It was an awesome experience and a good feeling. I kept saying to myself, ‘you did it, you are here.’ The opportunity to be Treasurer in MSSWO (Master of Social Work Student Organization) has been wonderful and allowed me to meet some very kind people, and I loved having the opportunity to lead a meditation for the students before taking the comps exam.”
Another special and memorable moment for Whitley was when he was chosen to receive a scholarship for addiction training through Harvard Medical School. “There is an alumnus that continues to stay connected to UTK, and his way of giving back is paying for a student to attend a training in the area of addiction,” Whitley stated. “I was nominated to receive the scholarship for this training on addiction through Harvard Medical School since I have a strong passion for the area of addiction. I completed the two-day training, and it was an amazing experience. I am already planning to attend the conference next year. And even though it was virtual, I was with many different professionals from all over the world learning how to better treat human beings with the disease of addiction. My passion is working in substance use, working with the LGBTQ+ community, and working with individuals who have spiritual/religious issues. What some people may not know is my desire to go to seminary. I plan to attend seminary next spring. I have a lot of interest in how religion and spirituality play a part in people’s lives, and I also have interest in how social work and spirituality intersect with one another.”
Whitley will always be grateful for his experiences at the University of Tennessee and for the staff and professors who helped him on his academic journey. “I have grown so much, and I continue to build confidence in myself,” he said. “I look forward to creating a safe space for people just as so many have done for me. It is never too late for people to fulfill their dreams.”