The newly selected BSSW Social Work Honors students started their new roles this fall. Congratulations to these dedicated and hard-working students.
Anniston Allen
Milan, Tennessee
How did you become interested in social work?: I originally became interested in social work after hearing my mother (a fourth-grade teacher) talk about the countless number of students experiencing neglect and abuse within their family households. I witnessed how this affects their academic success and overall well-being. Therefore, I had a plan to specialize in child welfare. However, after recently being diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, I became interested in clinical practice with children and have recently decided to make that my main focus.
What are you looking forward to this fall?: I am very excited to learn more about the clinical practice of social work and the interconnected pathways between macro and micro social work.
Hope Baggett
Franklin, Tennessee
How did you become interested in social work?: I became interested in social work through an engagement majors fair.
What are you looking forward to this fall?: I am looking forward to learning and diving deeper into social work and learning deeper meanings rather than just an overview.
Kailynn Burkhardt-Hundley
Clinton, Tennessee
How did you become interested in social work?: Growing up, I was exposed a lot to DCS and the Child Welfare System through family members and personal experience, and knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact on our society. I’m also Christian, and my faith is really important to me, so with that, giving back and service are a very big part of my life and are incredibly important to me. When taking my first social work course, I learned so much and grew as a person, and that’s when I knew I wanted to pursue something in the field.
What are you looking forward to this fall?: This year I’m very excited to be going into the Honors Program and getting closer to my cohort and growing those relationships. I’m most looking forward to the field placement because I think learning from the classroom can really be applied when you’re out in the field doing hands-on work and interacting with people. Overall, I can’t wait to see what this year and the rest of my future holds in the College of Social Work.
Laura Cunningham
Knoxville, Tennessee
How did you become interested in social work?: My mom is a school social worker, so I grew up around the profession and always loved how they advocated for people whose voices were not as heard. I decided I wanted to be a lawyer primarily focusing on advocacy, and the answer to help me do just that was in front of me the whole time. I plan to attend law school after receiving my BSSW.
What are you looking forward to this fall?: I am doing work with the Appalachian Justice Research Center in the research lab helping immigrants in detention centers, as well as those affected by the policies in the legal system in this area. Not school-related, I am excited to travel. I have a few trips planned.
Emily Ferris
Spencer, Tennessee
How did you become interested in social work?: I originally came into college as a psychology major, and I became interested in social work because my freshman year roommate told me about her experience switching her major to social work, and it sounded like something that would be right up my alley. It has thus far proved to be just the thing I was looking for.
What are you looking forward to this fall?: This school year, I am looking forward to diving deeper into all things social work as I am now in the upper-level social work classes. I am also looking forward to getting to know everyone in my honors cohort as well as BSWO on Tuesdays.
Violet Henderson
Cincinnati, Ohio
How did you become interested in social work?: My interest in social work grew from seeing the effects of mental health challenges firsthand within my family. Therefore, I knew very early on that I wanted a career where I could support individuals through difficult circumstances. I feel that social work allows me to combine that interest with my passion for helping others and understanding the larger factors that shape people’s everyday lives.
What are you looking forward to this fall?: I am looking forward to growing academically and professionally through the honors program as well as building new relationships with my cohort and faculty.
Taylor Kline
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
How did you become interested in social work?: I became interested in social work because I realized I really like psychology. I talked with my advisor in high school (who was my AP Government teacher), and he suggested that I look into being a civil rights lawyer. I took both subjects and found that social work was the major that let me experience all the different things I like in the same field.
What are you looking forward to this fall?: I’m most looking forward to field placement in the spring. I definitely learn through hands-on, so I think I’ll really enjoy it. I’m also excited to get to know my cohort better.
Avery Stringfield
Knoxville, Tennessee
How did you become interested in social work?: I became interested in social work after learning about the holistic approach to helping and understanding people that the profession provides.
What are you looking forward to this fall?: I am looking forward to field placement in the Spring.