GSS Alumni Ambassadors

I chose social work because I believe everyone deserves support and hope, and I am inspired by helping people find their strength to rebuild their lives. For me, it's a way to transform compassion into tangible, lasting change. Fordham feels like the perfect place for my professional and personal growth, with a strong academic program that challenges me. Its location in New York City provides a rich learning environment, and the supportive faculty and staff make it clear I will be guided throughout my journey.

My path to social work was driven by a desire to empower vulnerable people and create meaningful connections, as I often felt disconnected from the real impact of my previous work. After much reflection and conversations with social workers, all signs pointed to this field. I was initially drawn to Fordham for its flexible programs and tuition cost, but I made my final decision after hearing how much people loved the GSS program. Speaking with an ambassador who confirmed the program’s focus on "care of the whole person" and the supportive community convinced me that Fordham was the right place for me to succeed.

I chose social work because I want to support and advocate for vulnerable populations. I selected Fordham University because it is a top-rated program in NYC that provides the flexibility and support I need. This allows me to attend classes in person while also working full-time and being at home with my family.

Tell us one thing that stands out as a Fordham Memory that helped shape or inform your career.

I met two of my really good friends the first night after class. It was a sign where I first realized what I hoped for - that by coming to social work school, I would find my kind of people there. That set the precedent for a time in school where I came across many caring and passionate people, each in their own way and for their own personal reasons.

I chose social work because after years of working with spreadsheets, I wanted a career that was more fulfilling and aligned with my curiosity about people and their stories. The field's many facets provide endless opportunities for learning, and I'm grateful for this transition. I chose Fordham because everyone I spoke with described it as a special place, and I found this to be true from the moment I arrived. The community's emphasis on cura personalis makes it easy to connect with professors and peers, allowing me to take full advantage of their knowledge and support.

I chose social work because it is fundamental to the betterment of every community, and it allows me to become an impactful support system for others and myself. The field offers countless opportunities to make a difference, making it the most fulfilling career I could have chosen. Fordham's commitment to its students is exceptional, and from the moment I arrived, I felt the sense of community and family it is known for. Fordham has given me a new home in a brand new city, and I would choose it again every time.

I have attended Molloy University as an undergraduate, and have fallen in love with the campus and social work professors! The Fordham/Molloy program allows me to learn MSW classes while being able to balance my time to work, study, and socialize. I have gained new insights and experiences, and I feel prepared and confident in my skills from these classes!

I chose social work as a direct path to clinical practice and to make a difference in people's lives, realizing it was a more accessible route than obtaining a psychology PhD. My interest was solidified by an influential social work professor and my hands-on experience as a social coach for students with Autism. I was drawn to Fordham because it felt like home from the start, with a beautiful and welcoming campus. The university's strong reputation, commitment to social justice, and knowledgeable faculty gave me full confidence that I would receive an excellent education.

I chose social work because it combines my passion for helping others with my commitment to promoting equity and justice. The field's focus on empowering individuals and addressing systemic issues aligns with my values and desire to create a lasting impact. Fordham was my top choice due to its academic flexibility, reasonable tuition, and diverse course offerings. The program’s strong reputation, hands-on opportunities, and supportive community also solidified my decision.

Tell us one thing that stands out as a Fordham Memory that helped shape or inform your career.

Ever since learning about "Cura Personalis" or the Jesuit ideology of "care of the whole person," Ive come to feel that it embodies the foundation of what Social Work practice means to me. Social workers are encouraged to look at clients through a holistic lens and to remember that we cannot simply care in a silo. I've always felt the main difference between Social Work and other professions in a similar space has been our emphasis on looking at the whole person, rather than at a single "problem" or "challenge" that brings clients to us. 

Tell us one thing that stands out as a Fordham Memory that helped shape or inform your career.

In my first-ever class, the first topic I learned was understanding the difference between sympathy and empathy. This has been incredibly valuable to me as a provider and educator.