Qualifications:

I am currently a master’s candidate in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington, specializing in direct practice with children and families. I hold a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas – Denton.

My journey into social work began long before academia — growing up in a church family led by my mother and stepfather, I witnessed firsthand the power of community support. Through their pastoral work, I saw children and families in crisis, learned the values of advocacy, empathy, and systemic awareness, and developed a deep-rooted commitment to helping those in need.

Over the years, I volunteered with organizations such as the Buckner Foundation and local community outreach programs supporting children — experiences that only strengthened my resolve. Although I once pursued other career paths for financial stability, I ultimately realized that social work was not a choice I made — it was a calling. My childhood and adolescence, shaped by hardship and generosity in equal measure, taught me the importance of giving back. I strive to be the person our family once relied on: someone who offers compassion, stability, and advocacy for children and their families when life becomes overwhelming.

While my undergraduate degree is not in social work, I believe I have been preparing for this profession my entire life. Whether I was supporting children in church settings, mentoring young women through my sister’s organization, or offering peer counseling during my time at Job Corps, I learned to respond to diverse needs with flexibility and respect. These experiences taught me to think on my feet, adapt quickly, and build trust with children from a variety of backgrounds. My coursework at UTA now strengthens this practical foundation with structure, theory, and ethical grounding — and I remain committed to learning and growth.

Pursuing an MSW is more than a degree — it is a personal calling and honor. As I move forward in this program, I am dedicated to becoming a compassionate, effective, and ethically grounded social worker who upholds the profession’s core values and works for lasting, positive change in the lives of those I serve.

I am a graduate student at the University of Texas at Arlington, currently pursuing a Master of Social Work degree with a strong commitment to  individuals, families, and communities through culturally competent, client-centered practice. I previously earned my Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, which laid a solid foundation for my understanding of social work values, ethics, and the importance of advocacy in addressing systemic barriers.

My professional experiences have strengthened this passion. I have worked as a youth care worker at a shelter for unaccompanied minors, providing mentorship, crisis intervention, and emotional support to children coping with trauma and uncertainty. As a case manager for unaccompanied minors, I provided case management services while integrating trauma-informed counseling approaches to help youth process their experiences and build resilience. Currently, I serve as a family intervention specialist in the school system, where I work directly with children and families to address emotional and behavioral challenges, promote academic success, and foster stronger family relationships. This role has allowed me to engage in crisis intervention, and family support planning, helping clients navigate barriers and build on their strengths.

These diverse experiences have deepened my understanding of the nature of counseling within the field of social work—particularly the importance of establishing trust, providing empathetic listening, empowering clients to find their voice, and promoting resilience through evidence-based interventions.

Pursuing an MSW is both a professional aspiration and a personal calling, and I am honored to continue this journey in the social work program. I am committed to becoming a compassionate, effective, and ethical social worker who upholds the core values of the profession and strives for lasting change in the lives of those I serve.

Qualifications:

I am currently a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Texas at Arlington. I previously earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the same institution. Through my undergraduate and graduate studies, I have developed a strong foundation in counseling techniques and psychological principles, preparing me to effectively support adults, children, parents, and groups in therapeutic settings.

Experience:

As an interpreter for refugees, immigrants, and newcomers to the United States, I have gained valuable experience in actively listening to individuals’ personal stories and accurately conveying them from Arabic to English. This role has helped me develop strong listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build rapport across language and cultural barriers. These experiences have deepened my empathy and strengthened my interpersonal skills—qualities that I believe will directly support my ability to provide compassionate and effective therapeutic services.