Where did the past three years go? Full throttle getting through classes, field placements, family caregiver, wife, loss, and more… all while overcoming (ignoring?) service-connected disabilities that were supposed to make this not possible. I chose FSU for my MSW program because of its reputation and knowing this was a time-tested online program and not something thrown together in the wake of COVID shutdowns.
Zoom weekends, projects with small groups, and therapy sessions with another student provided a taste of the direction in which some social work services are going. At my last placement with the local VA outpatient clinic, it seemed natural when sessions needed to be held online instead of in person precisely because of the experiences gained through our coursework.
The structure of the FSU part-time program also ensured that we had the opportunity to learn the needed skills before our field placements. I felt prepared for both my general placement with hospice and my clinical with the VA. I had several informal conversations with interns and intern supervisors across organizations. The consistent message was that the FSU students were the best-prepared interns. Our foundational knowledge of theories, approaches, clinical skills, and writing ability set us ahead of other MSW interns whose programs had the internship and classes occurring simultaneously, requiring more direct teaching by the task and field supervisors.
My story of success includes a long list of people who were essential at critical times along my journey. During my first field placement, my dad passed. If not for the support I received from students, my field supervisor, the course instructors, the department head, and the dean, I could not have weathered the responsibilities and still graduated with my cohort. Beyond those individuals, I could not have afforded to complete the program after my VA benefits ran out without the generous scholarships sponsored by Guy and Delores Spearman.
The knowledge I gained during the first half of my hospice internship guided my actions as a surrogate and caregiver. My experience as a surrogate and caregiver, in turn, informed my role as a hospice social worker for the remaining months. All of that, plus my experience as a disabled veteran who receives VA services, gave me a unique perspective as I took on case management and therapy cases at the VA outpatient clinic. Establishing and maintaining professional boundaries were critical to successfully addressing the needs of the client and self-care. It is a lesson that will remain with me as I seek a position to assist veterans in Brevard County, Florida, on a part-time or PRN (pro re nata, or as needed) basis.
How did this journey end with me on the platform at commencement? I received a call from FSU’s University and Presidential Events Manager. What on earth could he be calling me about? He explained that he received my contact information from the Student Veterans Center and that they extended an invitation to a veteran to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at each commencement and inquired if I would be interested. Interested? I was honored to be able to represent my fellow veterans, the College of Social Work, and pay homage to the country I have served and will continue to serve by helping fellow veterans as long as I am able.
It was well worth the time and expense to travel to Tallahassee for the CSW reception and to walk with my fellow graduates. It was an amazing experience spending time with students and faculty I had only interacted with online, seeing the campus, and being part of a celebration that will remain a highlight of a long and eventful life. One last observation: You are never too old to begin a new chapter. I am proud to say that I was able to complete this graduate program at the age of 62.
