We caught up with our second 2024 Child Welfare BSW Scholars Tuition Assistance Program winners. Alyson Santes is a junior Social Work major with an education minor. She spoke to us about her USC experience.
- What led you to your interest in helping children and families?
I have always had a desire to work with children and help them in some way, but was never sure exactly how. During my junior year of high school I had a personal experience with a social worker and she was incredibly inspiring.
- How did she inspire you?
She showed me that I can work with kids and help them in ways I had never thought of before.
- What do you hope to achieve as a social worker?
I hope that as a social worker I can inspire children to always try their best, and despite what they may be going through they can always turn things around and become something great.
- Your SC DSS tuition assistance award - what does this mean to you?
I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the DSS Child Welfare Tuition Assistance Program. It is very fulfilling to see that my hard work in classes is paying off and I will be able to have the exact career I have dreamed of for so long!
- Future plans?
For the future I would love to get my master’s as well to further my education in social work, along with working with South Carolina DSS in the Child Welfare Departments for two years upon graduation.