In honor of Social Work Month, JCSU will spotlight a student from the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work programs each week in March. Today's spotlight features Kenya McFadden, a South Carolina native raised in New York and a member of the Bachelor of Social Work's Class of 2025.
Why did you choose to study social work?
I decided on the social work profession due to being passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. So, I have the desire to help people overcome challenges by providing the opportunity to advocate for social change for the voiceless throughout the nation.
What do you like about being a social work major at JCSU?
As a student at JCSU, I appreciated the opportunity to learn about human behavior, social systems, and ways society can impact individual lives. Therefore, being taught by AMAZING leaders and mentors allowed me to learn how to emphasize empathy, problem-solving, and advocacy, which prepared me for my future practice in social work to be passionate about social justice and helping others in real-world situations.
What would you like to do when you leave JCSU?
When I leave JCSU, I plan on attending the master's program for Social Work at UNCC or even JCSU. On the other hand, I hope to gain full employment at an agency working with women who are suffering from Domestic Violence.
What is something unique that happened to you while you were a social work student at JCSU?
Something unique that has happened to me while I've been a social work student at JCSU, is the fulfilling opportunities such as this SPOTLIGHT, being HIGHLIGHTED to represent as a BSW student for Social Work Month of March 2025 and being honored as a recipient of 2025 Dean list. Lastly, be listed as JCSU's first congregational social worker. PRICELESS
How do you feel that JCSU's social work program has prepared (or is preparing you for) life after college?
JCSU prepared me with a solid understanding of social justice, human behavior, ethics, and social policy. My internship with Revelation Truth Center allowed me to stand out as particularly valuable, as a congregational social worker. These real-world experiences showed me how to apply what I've learned in the classroom, gain hands-on skills, and develop the confidence to handle challenging situations. I learned to be courageous because as a social worker, you are the voice for the voiceless.
