Denise Boudreau

The BSW program instilled a generalist perspective, providing a foundational understanding essential for advocating for clients. I transferred into the social work program from the WVU School of Nursing. I found that the school of nursing emphasized the negative aspects, while the school of social work focused on the positive. I integrate both approaches in my job, valuing the freedom of choice and encouragement of the good, taught by the school of social work, while recognizing the medical model emphasized by the school of nursing. I prefer the strengths approach while also valuing honesty. During my time, HIV and AIDS were emerging issues. While the school of nursing exposed me to the medical aspects, my later work with individuals affected by HIV and AIDS taught me the compassion I apply daily.

Why did you choose to study social work?

I chose medical social work to assist dialysis patients.

Are there any special moments or memories from the program that you'd like to share?

A professor taught about historical research, acquiring information directly from the source and interpreting it in the correct context. This feels like the opposite of social media today. Another discussed the choice between being available for clients versus adhering to the organization's schedule, as well as the decision between broadening one's knowledge and scope of practice versus focusing on a management career.

I remember another faculty member emphasized the strategy of portraying political figures as "heroes" to ensure they take community action concerns seriously. Another provided insights into the financial value of volunteers to an organization and strategies for valuing their contributions. Learning from a retiring tenured professor, I realized that pursuing a tenured position could offer job stability without the requirement of regular class attendance.

I recall another professor clarifying the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, emphasizing their roles in providing care for the elderly and assisting those with lower incomes, respectively. I also recognized that flawed social policies often stem from inadequately written policies.

Another faculty member's teachings on euthanasia prompted me to reflect on my own beliefs. Saving papers on hard disks and utilizing Mac computers in the library for assignments made me realize the financial constraints of pursuing academia on a social work salary, motivating me to obtain an MSW to repay my student loans.

Lastly, I learned that research papers often fail to credit student contributions adequately, relegating them to "Et al..." in journal articles. Spending extensive time in the library exposed me to diverse topics, including Appalachian culture and the significance of its people in shaping West Virginia's identity. Despite the exodus of many, I chose to remain in West Virginia, appreciating its unique heritage.

I am also grateful for the friendship, and my classmate who introduced me to the concept of a "poke."