Class Year: May 2025
Degree Program: MSW On-Campus
Concentration: Mental Health with Children and Adolescents
Field Education Organization: Center on Poverty and Community Development
Hometown: Kumasi, Ghana
Give a brief overview of your field education experience.
I went into the Poverty Center hoping to gain more expertise in research and my stay there was awesome. Both my field instructor and task supervisor created a conducive learning environment for me to thrive. I had the opportunity to be part of the Residential Placement Assessment project by summarizing and analyzing data from respondents; I assisted in putting together a National Science Foundation proposal for a grant to expand the Math Corps (a Positive Youth Development) program; I was involved in the Math Corps Super Saturdays for Spring 2024 as the program's coordinator, and I also learned about using 'Atlas.ti' for coding qualitative data. I contributed in diverse ways to the working environment at the center.
What are you doing in field that you’re planning to bring with you into your career?
I have learned about writing proposals for grants and writing reports after research is done on a social issue, like the assessment of residential placement services in Cuyahoga County, and these will both help me as a social worker to write grant applications when needed, as well as being able to research into the role of social service providers in dealing with social problems that affect the lives of people.
What is something you've learned during your practicum that you have found to be most helpful in your social work journey?
I have learned that different people can have different perspectives on a particular issue/problem and so it is important to deal with problems holistically in order to find appropriate solutions to them.
Who is someone you've met during your field practicum that will change the way you practice?
My interaction with Meagan Ray-Novak, my field instructor, changed my view about social work research and and practice in general.
Before beginning at Case Western Reserve University, what were you doing?
I was a school counselor and a teacher at Presbyterian Senior High School in Ghana, providing counseling services to high school students.
Why did you choose to study social work and/or nonprofit management?
My interest in social work emanates from seeing children and adolescents go through tough times that they are not able to share with caregivers and others. I have been passionate about providing assistance to such children and adolescents so as to improve their social functioning.
Why did you choose CWRU/the Mandel School for your graduate study?
I chose the Mandel School due to the reputation it has built for itself. I have always wanted to be a great social work leader and I wanted to learn from the best in order to be the best.
What is your favorite thing about CWRU/the Mandel School?
The sense of community and respect for humanity is my favorite thing at the Mandel School.
What has been your favorite class at the Mandel School so far? Why has it stood out to you?
My favorite class so far has been my "Individual and Family Theory and Practice" class. It ushered me into direct practice and exposed me to how to engage, assess, plan, evaluate and terminate with clients during therapeutic sessions. These skills have since stuck with me.
Describe any job, internship, volunteer, research or study abroad experiences you've had during your time at CWRU.
I have been involved in a Positive Youth Development program called the Math Corps Super Saturdays, which is administered by Francisca Richter and is also part of the Residential Placement Assessment research by the Poverty Center.
Describe any extracurricular activities you're involved with on- or off-campus, or any interests, activities or passions.
I enjoy taking walks in the neighborhood and biking. I am also one of the Mandel Council's international student representatives.
What is your favorite thing about Cleveland/University Circle?
Cleveland has been welcoming and I enjoy the intentional concern with which people treat me as an international student, doing their best to ensure that I am comfortable with my stay in Cleveland.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I hope to be able to assist all children and adolescents going through mental health issues to reach a point of healing so that they can achieve their personal goals and aspirations.
What are you most looking forward to post-graduation?
Getting my social work license and practicing as a clinical social worker.
What's something you'd share with an incoming student who is starting a graduate or professional program at CWRU?
The beginning is always the hardest but it definitely will get easier if you persevere and keep your focus.