杰米•威廉姆斯

Why did you decide to pursue a Master’s in Social Work? What do you like about the MSW program at 密歇根州立大学丹佛?

“I decided to pursue my Master’s in Social Work after I worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Adams County Human Services. Within the three years of working with different populations, it was clear that people needed help. I wanted to learn more about how to be proactive instead of reactive when it came to helping people.

The MSW program at 密歇根州立大学丹佛 has truly changed my view of the world. 在过去的三年里, I have learned how to listen and understand instead of merely listening to respond. 我学会了如何活在当下，如何拥有力量. The teachers in this program are extremely inspiring and have become a solid foundation for my learning and my future. I have grown so much within this program because I had individuals who not only believed in me but empowered me to work towards my goals.”

What do you hope to accomplish in the field of social work?

“At this time, I am in the midst of starting a nonprofit for prison reform. 我的老师, 克里斯汀阿特金森, approved my idea for my Capstone class and has been assisting me along the way. The name of the nonprofit it called REshape and is designed to reshape the minds of society regarding incarceration and incarcerated individuals. REshape is an acronym for Re-Sist, Re-Habilitate, Re-Act, Re-Prieve, and Re-Entry. “把栏杆变成梯子.”

Within Capstone 1, I was able to form a board and begin the planning and implementation process. As of now, the Articles of Incorporations have been completed. 董事会正在制定章程. We are submitting the 501c3 application to the state in May 2021.

My drive for this nonprofit has a lot to do with my classes at Metropolitan State University of 丹佛 and the knowledge that this population has been overlooked for a long time. I received my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from 密歇根州立大学丹佛 and moved onto my MSW. 对弱势群体的了解越多, the more I asked myself who I wanted to serve and what I wanted to accomplish.

I decided that I wanted to make a change in the world. I realized that I no longer want to talk about change; I am ready to act on it.”

What or who has been your biggest source of inspiration and motivation?

“My biggest source of inspiration would be my brother and my mom. My brother was sentenced to life in prison when I was 22 years old. It was after this that I went back to school for Criminal Justice and Psychology in order for me fully understand people’s actions, 过去的创伤, 和划分. I speak with him often, and he has been a huge support for me when it comes to following my dreams.

My mom was a single mother and has worked hard to help me get to my goals. She taught me to treat others as equals and to not pass judgment. She taught me how hard work truly pays off and how you have to continue through the rain in order to feel the sunshine.

My grandpa and grandma helped raise me since I was a baby and continuously motivated me to follow my dreams. My aunt has been a strong, empowering influence on my life as well. All in all, I’ve come from a strong family who created a solid foundation for me to grow. 就是这样, that I hope to create a solid foundation for those who were not as supported in the past.”

Advice for students considering applying to the MSW Program at 密歇根州立大学丹佛? How can undergrad students prepare for graduate school in general?

“My advice to other students is to be sure that this is what you want to do and to find your “why” before beginning the program. This program forces you to look at the depths of yourself when it comes to your own traumas and biases. It helps you establish solid boundaries and understand what self-care means to you.

Undergrad students can prepare by utilizing the writing center. 研究生 school is more in-depth when it comes to writing and how to frame certain opinions. There is a lot of writing in grad school compared to undergrad, 为此做好准备是很重要的.”

You said you’re writing a poetry book; can you tell us more about that?

“My poetry book is called “Broken Strings” and focuses on the process of grief and hardship. There are five chapters: Pain, Jaded, Wild, Transformation, and Revival. I have utilized the power of writing in order to heal and fully understand more about myself. This book is meant to assist others with their healing process and to accept their demons before learning how to face them. 这确实是一个关于转型和复兴的故事, but also that you cannot transform until you understand the traumas and pain.”