Social workers are committed to making a difference in the lives of others. They are dedicated to promoting social change and improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Rozlynne knew she had a passion for helping people when she was a teenager. In high school, she fell in love with her sociology class. While she knew she didn’t want to do loads of research and analysis, she knew she wanted to help people. That’s when her teacher suggested she talk to the social worker who worked in her school.
Shippensburg University’s social work program has a rich history of providing high-quality education and training to social work students in the state of Pennsylvania. The program was first established in 1974 and has since grown to become one of the most respected social work programs in the state. One of the program’s greatest contributions to the field of social work has been its emphasis on social justice and advocacy. Maybe that’s why the future social worker in Rozlynne knew that Ship was the place for her.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role that social workers play in society. They have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, providing essential services to those who have been most impacted by the crisis. They have helped families navigate the challenges of remote learning, provided mental health support to those struggling with anxiety and depression, and worked to prevent homelessness and food insecurity. COVID-19 impacted Rozlynne’s freshman year at Ship because she wasn’t able to take advantage of off-campus volunteer options to accentuate her learning experience. But that didn’t stop her from making up for it this year at her internship.
It was obvious when meeting Rozlynne that she possesses a unique combination of personal qualities that make her well-suited to this challenging and rewarding profession. From the beginning, the program has focused on preparing social workers who are committed to promoting social change and addressing the root causes of social inequality and injustice. Over the years, the program has produced a number of prominent social work leaders and community advocates like alumnae Marva Brown and Imani Cameron. The program has a long and proud history of training social workers who are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others, in Pennsylvania and beyond. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2023 to 2030.
Rozlynne considered going into graduate school directly after receiving her Bachelors, but decided to take a little breather and focus her energy on gaining experience in the workforce before heading back to school. How fitting that she leaves departing words of strength and wisdom.
