Name: Cassparina Breen
Hometown: Templeton, MA
Year of Degree Completion: BSW 2021, MSW 2022
Why did you select Anna Maria College as your graduate school?
Location and program. I did a ton of research as to what I wanted out of a future career and social work kept coming out at the top of my list. However, I also had to consider my family. I needed a college I could commute to while still getting the best possible education.
What are your favorite things about the MSW program?
The social work program has an incredibly dedicated team of social workers who have an impressive amount of experience and knowledge in their fields. They were always accessible, and it was clear they were teaching from a place of passion for the field and wanted nothing but the best for every future social worker. It was more like a family of like-minded professors and students.
What do you hope to achieve in the future with your graduate degree?
Since graduation, I received my LCSW and hope to work towards my LICSW next. I want to continue working with adolescents in the school setting and possibly go into private practice as well.
Where do you currently work and what do you enjoy about your career?
I currently work at Keystone Educational Collaborative as a school social worker/adjustment counselor. I work with the middle and high school students with a variety of disabilities and mental illnesses. I currently have about 18 students on my caseload. I could not love my job anymore. Working with this population has been so rewarding. Helping these kids and their families has been very satisfying. Getting to work long term with clients makes the job even better.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a social worker?
What I love about being a social worker is that we think differently about people and their situations. We view challenges as possible, not impossible. Sometimes we have to get creative, we have to get loud, and we have to stand up for what we know is right. It is satisfying when I get to see how appreciative families are to have someone who will be their advocate and not give up on them.
What should prospective students know about Anna Maria’s MSW program?
If you want the best, most versatile degree, go into social work. Make sure you make time daily to check something off your to-do list. Take it seriously, people are trusting us with their livelihood. Ask all the questions, most likely someone else is wondering the same thing. Time management is key! And don’t be afraid to try different internships. It’s the only way to figure out what you love and hate about social work. You may be surprised with the discoveries that you make!
For more information about Anna Maria’s Master in Social Work program visit https://annamaria.edu/academics/graduate-studies/graduate-degrees/social-work-msw/
