Student Spotlight – College of Professional Programs https://www.ewu.edu/cpp Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:03:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 CPP Student Spotlight:Tanielle Knox https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/cpp-student-spotlighttanielle-knox/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:19:55 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=87527 By Emma Prophet The College of Professional Programs is excited to highlight Tanielle Knox for CPP’s November Student Spotlight. Tanielle is a freshman majoring in Applied Developmental Psychology.  Tanielle Knox, Colfax, Washington native, is an Applied Developmental Psychology major at Eastern Washington University with plans to graduate in Winter 2029. She also holds a Pharmacy...]]>

By Emma Prophet

The College of Professional Programs is excited to highlight Tanielle Knox for CPP’s November Student Spotlight. Tanielle is a freshman majoring in Applied Developmental Psychology. 

Tanielle Knox, Colfax, Washington native, is an Applied Developmental Psychology major at Eastern Washington University with plans to graduate in Winter 2029. She also holds a Pharmacy Assistant certificate. Her passion for psychology stems from her desire to help those around her overcome their mental health challenges. She is pursuing a path toward becoming a mental health therapist. 

Tanielle chose EWU after taking “College in the Classroom” courses in high school and participating in a campus tour. The classes she took through Eastern in high school were in the Psychology, English, Political Science and Communication departments. These courses left a positive impact on Tanielle and further amplified her desire to continue her education at EWU. She immediately connected with the university’s unique, welcoming atmosphere and appreciated the beauty and small-town charm of the campus. Though she is early in her academic journey, she has already felt deeply supported by both EWU faculty and staff. That support has been especially meaningful as she navigates the challenges of leaving home, adjusting to college life, and overcoming the initial fear of not being accepted into college. Tanielle credits this supportive environment and the encouragement of her family, for helping her settle into college life. 

One of the biggest lessons she has learned so far through her studies is that more people struggle with mental health challenges than many realize. This awareness has further propelled her commitment to becoming a mental health therapist. She plans to continue her education after graduation by enrolling in a master’s program to work toward becoming a licensed mental health therapist. To students who may be considering psychology or a related field, Tanielle offers simple but reassuring advice:

“Have an open mind, check things out, and don’t worry if the basic psychology classes are overwhelming, it will be okay!”

She encourages students to give themselves time to adjust and to take it one day at a time. 

When it comes to campus involvement, Tanielle recommends that students check out Cru. She also emphasizes that EWU is an incredibly inclusive and welcoming place which is a message she wants students and the community to hear. For her, the university environment has played a major role in easing her transition to college and giving her a sense of belonging. 

 

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CPP Student Spotlight: Noemi https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/cpp-student-spotlight-noemi/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:53:13 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=87378 By Emma Prophet The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Noemi for October’s Student Spotlight. Noemi is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major and McNair Scholar. Noemi’s Journey Toward Justice Growing up in Pasco, Washington, Noemi was surrounded by immigration stories often marked by hardship, uncertainty, and a lack of access to the legal...]]>

By Emma Prophet

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Noemi for October’s Student Spotlight. Noemi is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major and McNair Scholar.

Noemi’s Journey Toward Justice

Growing up in Pasco, Washington, Noemi was surrounded by immigration stories often marked by hardship, uncertainty, and a lack of access to the legal resources many people desperately needed. Witnessing these realities firsthand planted the seeds for their passion: to pursue law and provide no-cost legal services to communities like their own. Now an Interdisciplinary Studies major and McNair Scholar set to graduate Spring 2026, Noemi plans to eventually attend law school and pursue the nonprofit side of law. Their drive is rooted in equality and service. “I noticed that people don’t have necessary legal information, especially in my hometown,” they shared.

“I want to make a difference by helping those who can’t otherwise afford legal services.”

The McNair Scholars Program has been instrumental in Noemi’s journey, offering both academic and personal support as they pursued opportunities to grow as a student and future professional. Noemi participated in a National Science Foundation collaborative research internship this past summer with the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and the University of New Mexico (UNM), studying issues at the US/Mexico border. Their research sharpened their interviewing and listening skills, and it also reaffirmed their commitment to advocacy. Just as importantly, they noticed how kindness and compassion amplified the impact of their work.

“Being a McNair scholar has been an amazing opportunity that has propelled me to pursue my beliefs and career goals,” they reflected.

Noemi attended the Imagining America conference in Lac Cruces, New Mexico earlier in October, participating in three presentations. One was with her summer project team from UTEP and UNM, titled “Re-imagining transborder passages: Lessons from Community-Based Participatory Research in the Paso del Norte region.” They received funding support to attend, participate, and present their research from the following areas: McNair Scholars, Interdisciplinary Studies, CPP Dean’s Office, and the Provost’s Office.

When asked what advice they would give others considering this path Noemi emphasizes persistence and curiosity. “Don’t be scared to be revolutionary. Like Assata Shakur said: “A wall is just a wall and it can be broken down.” Additionally, Noemi advises those around them to ask for help and seek out their resources. They recognized staff members across campus who had an impact on them during their time at EWU including Naite Boham (Pride Center), Romeal Watson (Career Center), and Vanessa Delgado (Multicultural Center).

Noemi’s perspective, they note, is shaped not only by hope but also by exposure to the difficult realities immigrants face in the legal system. During their studies and research project, they observed how dehumanizing courtroom procedures can be. Immigrants were shackled on multiple parts of their bodies, treated as though their humanity didn’t matter. “The setup of the room was belittling,” they explained. “They looked very tired and defeated.” These observations deepened Noemi’s commitment to become an immigration attorney who works with compassion and respect.

Looking ahead, Noemi envisions taking a couple of gap years after graduation to focus on preparing for the LSAT exam, learning different languages, focusing on art, and continuing with community impact work. Their ultimate goal is to attend law school and pursue a career as an immigration attorney, continuing to advocate for their community and provide accessible, free legal services. For Noemi, laws are not the ultimate measure of morality. As they put it, “We have a lot of the rights we have today because of people who broke the rules and protested.” With that spirit, and the foundation built as a McNair Scholar, Noemi is determined to continue pushing forward, breaking down walls, and working toward a future where justice is accessible to all.

 

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CPP Student Spotlight: Camden Triplett https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/cpp-student-spotlight-camden-triplett/ Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:55:49 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=86144 By Brynne Irish The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Camden Triplett for April’s Student Spotlight. Camden is a junior dual-majoring in Management and Marketing in the School of Business. Camden is in his junior year here at EWU, dual-majoring in Management and Marketing with a minor in Economics. He plans to receive...]]>

By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Camden Triplett for April’s Student Spotlight. Camden is a junior dual-majoring in Management and Marketing in the School of Business.

Camden is in his junior year here at EWU, dual-majoring in Management and Marketing with a minor in Economics. He plans to receive his Bachelor’s degree in June of 2026. He recently received certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist in Excel. He is currently a full-time student working part-time at a restaurant and is in the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity here at EWU.

Growing up in Cheney, WA, Camden always had a strong connection to the local community. When it came time to choose a college, he decided on Eastern Washington University not only because it was close to home but because it was the best option financially for him and his family. It was not just the cost that helped him make this decision, but also EWU’s business program stood out to him as a strong beginning for his future.

Deciding on a direction after high school wasn’t easy. Camden admitted that figuring out what school to go to and for what career path was a challenge. However, during his senior year of high school Camden took a business communication class where he was introduced to different areas of the business industry, such as management and marketing. Through this class, he realized that communication and people skills are not just important in the business world but valuable in everyday life. Camden explained, “I knew studying business would help me develop those skills and be in a field that has endless opportunities and growth.” That realization is what sparked his interest in pursuing a business degree.

Through his experience at EWU so far, Camden shared that there have been many faculty who have helped him and have made his experience more enjoyable in his program.

My professor John Dunlop had great teaching tactics and made the Operations Management course really fascinating. Additionally, Professor Jeffrey Culver had an engaging classroom and made the Business Statistics 2 course easier to understand & learn.

Next, Camden described how one of his best accomplishments is his work ethic. As a full-time student who also works part-time, and stays actively involved in his fraternity, his schedule can be very busy.

Throughout my time in college, I’ve learned that the most important part of having a busy schedule is figuring out how to manage it well…That process has really improved and strengthened my work ethic, which is something I am very proud of.

Through hard work and dedication, he has learned how to better manage his time and balance the demands of school, work, extracurriculars, and his personal life. This is a skill that will continue to form his professional and personal growth.

As part of the business program, Camden shared one thing that surprised him which was learning how the human brain processes information better in groups of three. This means seeing three subjects or points at once. He said that “when presenting and having more than three paragraphs or visual aids, it can get overwhelming. So, I thought that was really useful to know, especially when presenting, teaching or holding meetings.”

As Camden is a member of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity here at EWU, he encourages other students to check out Eastern’s Greek life. He shared that “joining a fraternity or sorority can help you develop your social skills, make friends, and help you stay academically focused.”

Lastly, 5 years from now, Camden sees himself working for a company that he is passionate about in a management position located in either the Seattle or San Diego areas.

The College of Professional Programs is pleased to acknowledge Camden Triplett for his academic focus, dedication, and involvement as CPP’s April Student Spotlight!

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Student Accepted to Global Business Conference https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/student-accepted-to-global-business-conference/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:48:37 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=86131 By Brynne Irish The College of Professional Programs is excited to congratulate Kimarie Fox on her acceptance to the X-Culture Global Business Week Conference! Kimarie is a senior at Eastern Washington University, majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Workforce Management and is now expected to graduate in June 2025. Originally from Tucson, Arizona,...]]>

By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to congratulate Kimarie Fox on her acceptance to the X-Culture Global Business Week Conference!

Kimarie is a senior at Eastern Washington University, majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Workforce Management and is now expected to graduate in June 2025. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Kimarie moved to Spokane when she was 14 years old.

In Winter Quarter 2025, Kimarie took the IBUS 470 International Business course with Professor Abrahim Soleimani, and had the opportunity to participate in an X-Culture Project. She explained how this project teaches students how to work with people from other countries to create a professional report helping a company with an issue or to improve in some way. Kimarie mentioned that she was in a group with the following international students: Lauren from North Carolina, Shashank from India, Vicky from Hong Kong (studies in Canada), and Emilien from France.

Kimarie expressed how she enjoyed meeting new people from different countries, but that they did experience struggles working on this project in coordinating Zoom meetings because of all of the different time zones. However, she shared that they made it work and still managed to write an outstanding report. Kimarie took on a leadership role in her group, and she ended the project with a high peer evaluation score. This led her to being invited to apply to the X-Culture Global Business Week Conference in Vaasa, Finland.

I decided to apply even though I might not be able to afford it, because the invitation itself would be a great accomplishment to share with future employers.

The X-Culture website describes the X-Culture Global Business Week (Global Symposium) as an event that brings participants together from across the globe, chosen from the best of the best. Students from around the world from international teams that meet initially online and finally in person, to finalize their work in solving a real business problem. The selection process is competitive, with a limit of 150 students. Preferences are dependent on student applicants who have demonstrated excellence in past X-Culture programs, with consideration given to maximizing geographic and cultural diversity.

Kimarie’s X-Culture team chose the company Vivavoce, which is a medical clinic in Italy that specializes in speech therapy, other vocal cord related treatments, and rehabilitation. Their goal was to expand their services to other markets in different countries and once they analyzed those markets, they ended up recommending Japan. Kimarie credits Professor Abrahim Soleimani as being very helpful in assisting her group through any questions, feedback, or concerns they had.

Professor Soleimani had a Zoom call meeting with me, assisting me with any edits I should make, which I then relayed to my team. I could not have done it without his help.

After completing and mastering this class project, Kimarie was encouraged to apply to the X-Culture Global Business Week Conference in Vaasa Finland, and she was accepted! She states that, “This achievement means so much to me because it feels like my hard work was worth it. I was so excited when I found out and wanted to tell everyone I know.” This accomplishment additionally led Kimarie to start thinking more about if International Business is something she would enjoy pursuing in the future.

I really challenged myself with this project because of the leadership role I took on. I am normally not much of a leader, but I wanted to show myself that I am capable so that I can advocate for myself in my future career that I am leadership material, and that paid off as well.

For anyone else who may be interested in the X-Culture Project, Kimarie advises those students to step out of their comfort zone. She states, “while you can’t force anyone in your group to work hard, you control how hard you work and that matters.” She also recommends holding yourself and others accountable because it is important to make sure you finish the project with an end result you are proud of. She added that “this project is unique and so helpful for people that want to pursue International Business, it is worth participating in.”

Lastly, Kimarie added that she loves the Interdisciplinary Studies program because she is continuing to gain knowledge in multiple subject areas, which has allowed her more flexibility when job searching. Her long-term goal is to start a career and eventually be able to buy her own home.

The College of Professional Programs is thrilled to recognize and honor Kimarie Fox for her accomplishments and acceptance to the 2025 X-Culture Global Business Week Conference in Vaasa, Finland.

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CPP Student Spotlight: Ryan Finner https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/cpp-student-spotlight-ryan-finner/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:28:46 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=21147 By Brynne Irish The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Ryan Finner for March’s Student Spotlight. Ryan is a junior in the Interdisciplinary Studies program.  Ryan is in his junior year here at EWU, he is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Sociocultural Anthropology and minoring in Africana Studies. He plans...]]>

By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Ryan Finner for March’s Student Spotlight. Ryan is a junior in the Interdisciplinary Studies program. 

Ryan is in his junior year here at EWU, he is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Sociocultural Anthropology and minoring in Africana Studies. He plans to receive his Bachelor’s degree in June of 2026. Ryan is also a student council member in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion where he shows his dedication to fostering inclusive environments for marginalized communities.

After growing up in Ontario, California, Ryan and his family moved to the Spokane area when he was 11-12 years old. He attended middle school and high school locally which is where he then got the chance to attend EWU as a Running Start student. Ryan decided to continue his studies here because he had found his community and felt engaged in the environment here at EWU. One of the reasons Ryan was interested in the Interdisciplinary Studies program is because of the flexibility it gives him. He expressed that since he is a person who has multiple different interests, this program allows him to combine all his interests into a degree that will help him in the future since he will have multiple skills from different disciplines.

Through his experience at EWU so far, Ryan shared that he has had multiple great mentors at Eastern.

Thanks to Dr. Okera Nsombi (Africana Studies Department) and Cori Jaeger (McNair Student Advisor) I have been able to get where I am. They have encouraged me every step of the way to authentically myself and to put my all into everything I do.

One challenge that Ryan faced during his journey was finding a community that he felt truly a part of. When he first became a college student here, he was trying out several different ways to find his community here at EWU. After so long, he thought about giving up, however, Ryan did overcome the feeling of not being a part of a community by being a part of multiple.

Getting the opportunity to be a part of multiple different communities and organizations has truly helped me develop a diverse lens and perspective on the things I do every day.

Now, Ryan’s greatest accomplishment is being able to become a McNair Scholar here at Eastern Washington University. This is the federally-funded TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program at EWU. For Ryan’s McNair research, he will be focusing on how bilingual and multilingual undergraduate students are navigating their academic spaces. His research interests also include multicultural identity, cultural interpretation, environmental justice, and linguistic variations across cultures.

Something Ryan shared that he has learned during his program is to take advantage of the opportunities of experiential learning.

Having the opportunity to participate in experiential learning is extremely important and allows you to test out different professional and/or academic fields.

Ryan believes this will apply to his professional future as he already has knowledge and skills in the field he is going into, which is Sociocultural Anthropology and higher education. Additionally, he has done internships, seminars, and been a teaching assistant, which have helped him become more passionate about using research and teaching to make a meaningful impact.

His advice for others interested in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program is to consider your future goals and interests and ask yourself “what do you hope to do with this degree?” Ryan said that once you figure that out then consider if having multiple skills from different disciplines could be helpful as a working professional.

Ryan also recommends becoming a part of Psi Chi to those who are a psychology major/minor or just interested in psychology. He emphasized that It will definitely help in your studies and allow you to make connections with others in the field. Another place Ryan encourages other students to check out is the JLR Multicultural Center in the PUB. “Everyone there is extremely welcoming, and it is a fun spot to hang out or relax.”

Lastly, 5 years from now Ryan sees himself two years away from completing his Ph.D. in Sociocultural Anthropology and being a part-time professor while doing his studies!

The College of Professional Programs is pleased to acknowledge Ryan Finner for his achievements, aspirations, and efforts as CPPs March Student Spotlight!

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CPP Student Spotlight: Hawa Bangoura https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/cpp-student-spotlight-hawa-bangoura/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:04:05 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=21091 By Brynne Irish The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Hawa Bangoura for February’s Student Spotlight. Hawa is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program. Hawa will soon graduate from EWU with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. She is...]]>

By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Hawa Bangoura for February’s Student Spotlight. Hawa is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program.

Hawa will soon graduate from EWU with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. She is currently interning with the nonprofit organization, Communities in Schools.

As Hawa grew up on the other side of the state in Federal Way, WA, she thought EWU was the perfect distance away from her family and hometown, not too far but still far enough for her to start her new journey. EWU was a top pick for Hawa, one because she was interested in seeing a different side of the state, but most importantly, she found that EWU had a good Social Work program which solidified her decision to attend EWU.

The Social Work program caught Hawa’s attention the most, and she decided to pursue this academic area of study because she felt that the social work field is very important but there are not enough social workers to do the work required. Hawa knew that she wanted to pursue a career where she would be helping others, and she believes that the real-world system is in need of more social workers. She expressed that “sometimes when people think of social workers, they may often think about the more negative side to it, such as taking children away from their home or how there is this narrative that social workers don’t get paid enough.” Hawa believes that this is what a lot of people can see or hear, and it steers them away from the social work field. She also mentioned that social workers can be present and helpful in many different settings, such as schools, hospitals, juvenile centers, and much more. However, “there just seems to be a lack of social workers when we need them and their support,” which is another valuable factor of why she is very passionate in contributing to improving the system.

Through her experience in EWU’s Social Work program, Hawa expressed how every faculty member and mentor in the program has been very helpful and has made it clear to the students that they have their best interest at heart, which Hawa found to be very reassuring.

Hawa is currently an intern with Communities in Schools, which is a nonprofit organization. For her internship, Hawa works at Sunset Elementary School in Airway Heights alongside the Student Support Coordinator there. She shared that in her role, she has learned how to do case management and how to help students who may be dealing with any behavioral issues. Additionally, Hawa and the Student Support Coordinator work with a caseload of kids with a big focus on social and emotional learning. One thing that had surprised Hawa during her time in the social work program was that when dealing with clients, “we aren’t necessarily telling them how to solve their problems, we actually help them solve their own problems instead of just doing it for them.”

One challenge Hawa expressed that she faced was adapting to the college lifestyle and learning to become more independent.

I managed to overcome this challenge because I have such an amazing good support system through my program, family, and friends.

While one of her greatest achievements is making it this far into college because “at the beginning, I was unsure of how far I would get, but I am so grateful and proud of what I have accomplished and how much I have grown through my college experience.”

If I had to give one piece of advice to others who may be interested in the social work program, I would say make sure you plan out how to manage your time as much as you can, while also making sure you take care of yourself by prioritizing your own self care.

Hawa also expressed that she would encourage other students to join any club that interests them because through EWU’s clubs you can build connections that can further help you when you’re done with college.

Lastly, Hawa shared that she plans to get her Master of Social Work (MSW) after finishing her bachelors degree. Five years from now she sees herself having her Master’s degree in Social Work and potentially leaving the state or remaining local.

The College of Professional Programs is honored to feature Hawa for all of her hard work, her passion for social work, and helping others!

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CPP Student Spotlight: Sidney Reser https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/cpp-student-spotlight-sidney-reser/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:00:01 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=19608 by Mya Brossoit The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Sidney Reser for February’s Student Spotlight. Sidney is a graduate student in the Child Life program. Reser will soon graduate from EWU with a Master of Arts Degree in Child Life. She is currently interning at Flushing Hospital in New York City. After...]]>

by Mya Brossoit

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Sidney Reser for February’s Student Spotlight. Sidney is a graduate student in the Child Life program.

Reser will soon graduate from EWU with a Master of Arts Degree in Child Life. She is currently interning at Flushing Hospital in New York City.

After growing up in Spokane with EWU Alumni parents, Sidney knew that Eastern Washington University would be a wise investment towards her future education.  After completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Children’s Studies, Sidney wanted a deeper understanding of the diverse roles a Certified Child Life Specialist plays within a clinical setting, working with children who are receiving medical treatment.

Sidney advises other students who are interested in this area of study to reflect on their personal motivations towards becoming a Child Life Specialist and using that purpose to inform your pathway through the program. Along with this suggestion, she recommends students:

Take all the opportunities that come with this program like the EWU library, EWU writing center, online class practicum, thesis, and faculty support!

One of the many skills Reser developed while in the Child Life program, was experience writing a $55,000 mock grant for a hospital playroom, which is now a critical skill as her department within Flushing Hospital is working on a grant proposal for Child Life to be incorporated into a dental clinic.

I am so thankful to have the experience with grants already from my grant writing class at Eastern.

Like many students in graduate programs, Reser struggled to believe in her ability to write a master’s thesis, especially the first few weeks she worked on it. In spite of her personal doubts, she finished, with the help of faculty member Katie Walker during regular Zoom meetings and EWU Writers’ Center responders.  She states that:

A thesis takes months of research and hard work, and I couldn’t have done it without the support from my faculty and EWU’s writing center.

Sidney credits Katie Walker, PhD, CCLS, and Belinda Hammond, EdD, CCLS, CIMI, as significant contributors to her educational success. Katie was her champion while writing her thesis, and provided the opportunity for Sidney to serve as a Teaching Assistant.  Belinda helped Sidney begin the transition from student to a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).  Sidney  is grateful for the Hammond did to place her into a practicum and internship, amidst her multiple moves across the United States.

Reser’s greatest achievement so far is successfully defending her thesis, titled “Certified Child Life Specialists Perceptions Of Animal Assisted Therapy: On Their Psychosocial and Psychological Well-Being in Clinical Settings.”  She now plans to present her results in 2024 during a webinar sponsored by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).

With an exciting future ahead of her, Sidney dreams of returning to Eastern Washington University one day to teach Child Life as a professor. She states,

I love child life and being a support to students at EWU.

The College of Professional Programs is honored to feature Sidney for her excellent work and magnificent aspirations for the future!

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CPP Student Spotlight: Rachel Grubb https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/cpp-student-spotlight-rachel-grubb/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 00:14:14 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=19541 by Mya Brossoit The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Rachel Grubb for January’s Student Spotlight. Rachel is enrolled in the part-time Master of Social Work (MSW) program. As an air force brat, Rachel was born in the Philippines and spent a significant portion of her childhood in the southern and northern Prefectures...]]>

by Mya Brossoit

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Rachel Grubb for January’s Student Spotlight. Rachel is enrolled in the part-time Master of Social Work (MSW) program.

As an air force brat, Rachel was born in the Philippines and spent a significant portion of her childhood in the southern and northern Prefectures of Japan before eventually moving back to the United States. For the last two decades she has called Spokane home. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology from EWU, Rachel decided to take her education further by working towards her Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW). She plans to graduate in June of 2026.

When asked why she chose Eastern, Grubb shares how she appreciates EWU’s affordable education and convenient location. She goes on to explain how she is able to pursue a higher education degree with flexibility around her day-to-day life:

The MSW program at EWU offers a part-time degree schedule which allows me to balance and manage my work responsibilities, academics, and personal life.

Her ambition has even inspired several family members and colleagues to attend Eastern for their education as well.

For many students, choosing an area to study can be a confusing and long process of exploration. However, in time, the answer slowly tends to reveal itself through life experiences and various opportunities. Rachel describes her background working with individuals with developmental disabilities and through serving patients and families as a care coordinator in the non-profit health care setting. From this work, she has developed a deep passion for advocacy of vulnerable populations which has led her to pursue a Master of Social Work degree.

My purpose is clear and I have great desire to help vulnerable populations, but I know I need to develop a foundation and understanding of what it means to be a compassionate advocate. My professional journey begins with receiving the education and training necessary to create a socially just and equitable society.

While embarking on her graduate student journey, she experienced loss and hardship, but Rachel credits her friends and family for providing her with the support she needed to press forward with strength and fortitude that led her to academic success.

Rachel expresses a great deal of gratitude towards the faculty that supported her along the way. She states,

Each instructor puts so much emphasis on self-care and protecting our mental wellness, making me feel cared for as more than just a student in a cohort.

Grubb has noticed a great deal of transformation in her personal worldview as a result of the MSW program. Enriched in constructive evaluation and reflection, she has learned to navigate her responsibilities to provide care for others in the workplace.

The MSW program is preparing me for real world professional work that is collaborative and ethical.

Rachel imagines her future to be shaped by this ever-growing passion to support individuals through the advocacy of social change. She excitedly presses forward towards a future of service and meaningful work once she receives her MSW degree.

The College of Professional Programs is honored to feature Rachel Grubb for her meaningful ambition to make a difference in the lives of others!

 

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Social Work Interns Tackle Community Needs https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/social-work-interns-tackle-community-needs/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:32:39 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=19520 Social Work Interns Tackle Community Needs]]>

Social Work Interns Tackle Community Needs

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CPP Student Spotlight: Nathan Bradford https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/news/cpp-student-spotlight-nathan-bradford/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 23:18:28 +0000 https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/?post_type=stories&p=19359 by Mya Brossoit The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Nathan Bradford for November’s Student Spotlight. Nathan is currently attending EWU as a Senior on the Cheney campus, majoring in Social Work. He plans to receive his Bachelor’s degree in June of 2024.  After growing up in Selah, Washington, Nathan sought out an...]]>

by Mya Brossoit

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Nathan Bradford for November’s Student Spotlight.

Nathan is currently attending EWU as a Senior on the Cheney campus, majoring in Social Work. He plans to receive his Bachelor’s degree in June of 2024.  After growing up in Selah, Washington, Nathan sought out an affordable and practical option for higher education. When considering what university to attend, he ultimately decided Eastern was the best option with its overall lower cost, and convenient location.  When asked why he chose Social Work as a major, Nathan shares his deep desire to use his abilities to support others in a positive way.  The vast opportunities EWU’s Social Work program offers is what then convinced Nathan to take the next step and apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program.

Though Nathan accomplished his goal of coming to college, the journey as a whole has not been entirely easy. As with many students during their college years, discovering how to manage mental health as a new adult can be a great challenge amidst the pressures of school. Not to mention, as a student managing the stressful changes during the Pandemic made it all the more difficult.  Nathan describes the debilitating anxiety that surrounded him during his first couple years of college. Battling panic attacks and unpredictable emotions was a challenge Nathan has learned to manage in a healthy way as he finishes out his college degree. He shares the importance of having support and tools in your life in order to set yourself up for success. Though these mental health struggles are still present at times, Nathan testifies to the great amounts of improvement he has seen over time.

Bradford recommends other students take full advantage of their education while attending school because all that the content taught by professors in class is directly applicable to a career in social work. He states that:

All of the professors I’ve had in the school of social work have been great. I’ve learned so much from each of them.

One of his greatest accomplishments since arriving at Eastern has been the multiple ultramarathons he has run over the years. Not only has he been able to finish these tough races but recently soared higher as he crossed the finish line of his very first 50 miler run. Through his discipline and hard work, Nathan exemplifies the grit and strength that comes with being an Eagle.  Nathan also credits his community through the on-campus organization, Cru, as it remains an influential support in his life. He also expresses his gratitude towards all of his professors that have helped him along the way:

Bradford is grateful for the many lessons he has learned throughout his Social Work program. One thing specifically he has discovered is the valuable connection between social work practice and social work policy. When considering his line of work during his required practicum classes, Nathan has grasped the considerable essentials of macro-level social work.  Looking towards the future brings great hope to Nathan as he reflects on the meaningful work he dreams of doing. He shares:

I know I want to be dedicated to helping people and making the world a better place in a tangible way.

The College of Professional Programs applauds Nathan for all of his hard work and deep compassion towards others as he soars into his future!

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