Orientation 2009

The GSSW academic year 2009-2010 is off to a great start with Orientation sessions held for incoming students in the full-time and three year programs. Students participated in lively roundtable discussions with faculty, staff and current students.

Below are quotes from some of the speakers' presentations at this year's GSSW Orientation.

"I played two sports for four years during my undergrad years...I can tell you this is much tougher...understand the opportunity you’ve been given. Appreciate it, and embrace it. Don’t be afraid to change yourself along this path. Don’t hesitate to let the journey, the program, change you. Again, you’ll be better people, and better social workers, for it."
- Teddy Fleming, Clinical Social Work Student, Children, Youth, and Family

"As you work with clients in your field placements...you may sit by feeling helpless and powerless to alleviate someone else’s suffering. Once in awhile a student will ask me if there is a handbook of social work that will tell you what to do in these difficult and uncomfortable situations. The faculty is not going to hand you solution to very complex problems. But we will help you to think independently and creatively and direct you to resources to find solutions."
- Karen Kayser, Professor and Chair, Health and Mental Health

"At your internship, pursue opportunities in your agency beyond what has been assigned to you. Make connections with your fellow students who will likely serve as colleagues in the years to come. Remember to take care of yourself, have fun, and enjoy this unique time in your life."
- Molly Hurt, Macro Social Work Student, Older Adults and Families Concentration


"If there is anything that you remember from this speech today it’s this: Get Some Sleep. Having those extra hours of sleep will not only do your body and mind good, but also make you a nicer person to be around (and we all like nice people)."
- Felicia Kinlock, Clinical Social Work Student, Health/Mental Health Concentration