"Before attending Cleveland State University's Master of Social Work program, I had completed a Master of Arts in psychology but was discouraged from continuing in this academic field due to a personal history of dissociative identity disorder. I took a job first as a peer support specialist and later as a Therapeutic Behavioral Support specialist and began researching my options and speaking with colleagues, which led me to consider the field of social work.
I chose Cleveland State's Online MSW program due to its asynchronous format, which fits well with my full-time work schedule. As a resident of Ohio, CSU's convenient location in my home state was an attractive feature, allowing me to pay in-state tuition. After checking with advisors about the ability to use my existing employment to fill internship/practicum requirements, there was no question left in my mind: CSU was the school for me!
The last hurdle for me was gaining admission while acknowledging my personal history, and I chose to be up-front and honest from the start about my diagnostic history and remission/recovery state. I am grateful to CSU for accepting me into the Social Work program, and it is a relief not to have to hide or deny this aspect of myself. I have continued to reflect upon and disclose my experiences, as appropriate, in course discussions and assignments with faculty and fellow students. These interactions have been well-received by both my peers and professors and are a testament to Cleveland State's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to the social work mission of empowering those who are "vulnerable, oppressed, and/or living in poverty" (National Association of Social Workers, 2025, Preamble).
During my courses and practicum experience at CSU, I have discovered my passion and talent for geriatric social work. When I complete my MSW at the end of spring semester 2026, I hope to continue working with older adult long-term care residents at my current place of employment, albeit in a therapist rather than a TBS role. I also plan to pursue a doctoral degree in social work, focusing on both clinical and education concentrations, in order to support future generations of social workers and improve patient care, with a goal of adding adjunct faculty work to my therapist job.
Perhaps my loftiest goal yet is finding ways to integrate and use my stories as both a consumer of mental health services and a clinician to break down barriers both within and outside the fields of social work, academia, and psychology."
