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I love people: being around them, helping them, and seeing them living life to its fullest potential.

That’s why I studied psychology and continued on to a career in social work. That passion drives me to work hard and make a difference in the lives of others, and that started at 91¿ì²¥.  

91¿ì²¥ admissions representatives visited my high school during my junior year when I was beginning my college search. I looked over a brochure and decided to apply since the University seemed like a place where I could thrive and wasn’t too far from home. Although I was undecided as to what to major in, I found myself pulled toward psychology and heard other students raving about the professors and the program. I took one class and fell in love.

Introduction to psychology was very challenging, but my professor, Dr. Wallace, took the initiative to encourage me to improve my grade. He pulled me aside and said, “Precious, I know you could be doing better. Show me what and how you’re studying.” By adopting the techniques he taught me, I earned a B+ in that course, and in his next class, I got an A. I utilized his study tips in graduate school, too—a step in my journey I took so I could deepen my knowledge of and impact in social work.

While working on my MSW (Master of Social Work) at the University of Connecticut, I found out about the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Foster Youth Internship Program, an opportunity for young adults who spent time in the foster system to go to Washington, DC to learn about and inform policy for foster care. Having grown up in foster care myself, the program resonated with me. Each year, only 12 people get accepted out of a pool of applicants nationwide. I didn’t think I was going to get in because it’s so competitive, but I applied anyway. After a series of interviews, I was excited to hear that I was selected. Half of the program is spent interning in a congressional office, and the other half is dedicated to writing a policy report with recommendations, culminating in a presentation for Congress and the White House.  

It was incredibly inspiring to meet so many passionate people in politics, particularly United States Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, who I was fortunate to intern with. The experience taught me that a lot of people who are in the field do it for the right reason—to affect change in a positive way. In addition, I heard President Obama, the First Lady, Oprah, Kerry Washington, and many other remarkable people speak at The United State of Women Summit. I made amazing connections and even received a couple of job offers in DC. 

Fast forward to the present—I just started in a new position as the community director for the North End Action Team (NEAT) in Middletown, CT. Since completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I’ve gained experience working with individuals, systems, and policies, and along the way, discovered that community organizing is a perfect fit for me. I can make an impact at the community level as well as the individual level, and am proud to be a changemaker in social work.