MORE ABOUT LAURA
Graduation Date: June 2008
Hometown: Calumet City, Illinois
Undergraduate School: Washington University in St. Louis
Awards & Achievements:
- Diversifying Higher Education Fellow
Campus Involvement:
- MSW Student Association president
Current Employment:
- Second year practicum at DePaul’s Community Mental Health Center
Laura E. Knights
Area of Study:Social Work (MSW)
I chose my area of study because... the foundation of social work is social justice and advocating on behalf of others. Social justice has always been a commitment of mine. My parents instilled it in me as a child through our faith and family values and social work allows me to combine both my personal and professional interests and passions.
My favorite things to do on campus are... eat and hang out with my social work classmates between classes.
The learning environment here at DePaul is... very collaborative. In my program, our professors relate to us as colleagues. The professors facilitate the class activities and discussions instead of lecturing. It makes for an interactive learning experience.
My favorite professor at DePaul is… a tie between Noam Ostrander and Neil Vincent.
My favorite things to do off campus are... watching movies and spending time with my husband, Marshall.
One thing I didn’t know about DePaul before coming was... how much the university puts its mission into practice. I didn’t realize just how much DePaul was involved in the community before becoming a student here.
The greatest thing about going to school in Chicago is... that there is so much opportunity here. As a social work student, we have to do internship placements. Chicago is one of the best cities to study social work in, because you can get a world-class education, while also having the social environment that allows for in-depth social work practice.
DePaul's Master’s in Social Work program is unique compared to other schools I considered attending because… our program includes a concentration of community practice. The program is grooming its students to not only be social work practitioners, but leaders in the communities and organizations we will work with.
I chose a career in social work through an education at DePaul because... social work as a career allows me to merge my personal and professional interest in advocating for social justice. A social work degree from DePaul will give me the professional legitimacy as a social worker when I enter the workforce this summer.
My greatest success as a student here has been... seeking opportunities to share what I’m learning with others. I have had the opportunity to present at conferences, share with my colleagues at my internship, serve as the student association president and travel to Kenya to share what I’m learning in my social work education at DePaul. The faculty in our program has encouraged me to share the knowledge base I’m acquiring with others.
After graduation, I plan to... pursue a position in social work at the university level. I would like to work in a position that supports students’ holistic development, while also helping them succeed through college.
The one thing I’d like to say to students considering DePaul... If a student is really serious about being in an atmosphere that promotes both learning and service, then DePaul is the place to be. It’s a supportive and interactive learning environment. If you come to DePaul, it will definitely be an experience you won’t forget!
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