The social work department has consistently participated in UM-Flint faculty led study abroad courses. In July 2018, social work students were led by Dr. Otrude Moyo, department chair, on a 3 week course Rethinking Social Development in South Africa.

Highlights of the study abroad:

  • Community-based learning component – Students and faculty continued working with Ubuntu Arts & Dialogues in Diversity. This year UM-Flint students assisted with refurbishing the comprehensive school library and set the pace for the first Community Read Project beginning January 14th, 2019. As a way of amplifying Ubuntu, Intergenerational community members meet to read and discuss Sindiwe Magona’s novel Mother-to-Mother and how to improve their own well-being.
  • In 2018, the UM-Flint social work department was among three nationwide programs awarded the Counsel on Social Work Education (CSWE) Katherine A. Kendall Institute for International Social Work Education, to facilitate the internationlization of our curriculum in collaboration with the social work department at the University of Fort Hare. Last semester, the social work department engaged in three Brown Bag dialogues on how to connect the local-global issues in our curriculum. Additionally, in Fall 2018 the social work department has been engaging Virtual Town Hall meetings with the University of Fort Hare to connect the local-global perspectives.
  • Students who participated in the Summer 2018 study abroad course Rethinking Social Development in South Africa,  were matched with pen-pals from the University of Fort Hare. Over two days, UM-Flint study abroad students met their pen-pals for a symposium at the Steve Biko Center in King Williams Town, South Africa. Around 30 students and faculty presented at the two-day symposium, and papers presented are being co-developed for future publication. A second symposium is anticipated for April of 2019 at the University of Michigan-Flint.

Students from UM-Flint met with their pen-pals from the University of Fort Hare for a two day symposium.

To read an overview of the study abroad course, please click South Africa Study Abroad Overview 2018F.

 

Hot off the press! Take some time to read our Fall 2018 Social Work Department newsletter -featured stories include the South Africa study abroad trip, community engagement, faculty research, information on student organizations and some upcoming events. If you have an idea for a story for either the department blog or the Spring 2019 newsletter, please contact Samantha McCullough at [email protected].

Fall 2018 Newsletter

“I was seeking a field that my values were not only personal but aligned professionally and matched my personal traits and characteristics such as being empathetic, having compassion, respect for others, and the ability to adapt.”

Interview with Tara Stimson, BSW, CCP Social Worker/Social-Emotional Specialist for Children Birth-Five 

What drew you to social work?

While mentoring in a previous career path (Interpreting for the Deaf), I began to become more aware of individuals experiencing extreme hardships, inequalities, and injustices. The individuals affected by these challenges were not only young to late adults but children of all ages. This was very unsettling for me, it challenged my beliefs and made me look deep into my values. Being a person that values relationships, human dignity of others, and equality I knew that I wanted to seek options of how to produce change. I was searching for knowledge of what more I could contribute to benefit another person. In the attempt to approach/question these injustices and inequalities, seeking answers to many questions, I was lead down the path of furthering my education.

That educational path lead me to field of Social Work at the University of Michigan-Flint. Furthering my education in a field that did not shy away from social injustices but approached the difficult conversations. I was seeking a field that my values were not only personal but aligned professionally and matched my personal traits and characteristics such as being empathetic, having compassion, respect for others, and the ability to adapt. This journey did not come without some reservations or sacrifices as I was a nontraditional student. A married, mother of 4 very active children, is anything but traditional.

Please share about your experience at UM-Flint.

The Social Work Program at the University of Michigan-Flint allowed for a more in-depth study into the underlying history of systems and structures that breathed life into social injustices that continue to occur.  The program allowed for independent and group studies of personal interest while challenging you to step outside of your comfort zone. Along with challenging you to recognize and address your own biases, they educate you with tools and skills to approach these difficult topics while welcoming opportunities to build relationships within the community. A favorite saying of mine that Professor Womack states “become comfortable with the uncomfortable”.

What would you say to prospective students?

Building relationships within your cohort (classmates, social work club, mentor, etc.,) allows for a positive experience while in the midst of frantically meeting deadlines for assignments. Developing these relationships begins with you, personally, committing the time and effort of providing a positive environment for relationships to build. Be accountable to yourself and others. Take charge of your own learning and continuously seek opportunities for personal growth. Not only building relationships within the cohort but building professional relationships with your mentor and/or professors. These are friendships/relationships that are built are for longevity.

Please share about life after graduation.

Life after graduation from the University of Michigan-Flint, has been very rewarding with multiple employment opportunities. I’ve been celebrating many of our cohort that moved on to seek their MSW, while others have welcomed new careers. For myself, I have accepted the position as the CCP Social Worker/Social-Emotional Specialist for Children Birth-Five at GISD-Center for Countywide Programs. I am working with children exhibiting challenging behaviors while recognizing and acknowledging risk-factors, trauma exposure, social-emotional needs, and Infant Mental Health.

The ability to establish community through relationship building is one of the many perks of my profession. Building relationships with the students, family members, teachers, classroom support specialist, and other professionals are extremely vital when collaborating with a team to provide best practice for student success. Having built those relationships allow for one cohesive team.

Welcome to the UM-Flint Social Work department blog! Be sure to check out our revamped website at umflint.edu/socialwork. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

Our blog will be used for the storytelling of the department, including alumni and student spotlights, events and relevant news. If you have any ideas for the blog, please feel free to contact us in the department.

Remember to start off the 2018-19 year with good habits. Check your email regularly, check in with your mentor, and build in moments for self-care!