Kerrigan Link, a current Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Illinois State University (ISU), is on the path toward becoming a school social worker. Although this is only Link’s first year in the program, she shares with us, “I have gained amazing friends and cohort members who have shown me what it feels like to be a part of a tight-knit community. I always know that if I need support or help, my professors, advisors, and classmates have my back.”
In light of her Bachelor’s in Psychology, and minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from ISU, Link has chosen to serve as a Graduate Assistant (GA) for the Health Promotion and Wellness Office. As a GA, some of her primary responsibilities include advising for the Students Ending Rape Culture (SERC) RSO (Registered Student Organization) which is an undergraduate student-run organization here at ISU.
As Link explained, “SERC’s mission is to educate members on rape culture and create member advocates who help dismantle rape culture.” Her work, in turn, is to support, guide, and help with planning from an advisory position.
SERC has a Sexual Assault Awareness Month coming up in April where they hold various campus-wide events. This will include the Clotheslines Project, Day of Silence, Consent Day, and Denim Day.
“I have gained amazing friends and cohort members who have showed me what it feels like to be a part of a tight-knit community. I always know that if I need support or help, my professors, advisors and classmates have my back.“
Kerrigan Link, MSW student
In addition to Link’s work as an advisor for SERC, she also collaborates with MSW professor, Dr. Cynthia Edmonds-Cady to promote “healing nature walks” which embodies aspects of ecotherapy for the participants. Pictured below is the nature group’s walk on Saturday, February 17, 2024. Edmonds-Cady mentioned, “It was 14 degrees, with a wind chill of five degrees, but the students that came out bundled up and were such troopers! We saw hawks, deer, and tons of wildlife tracks.”
This is Chinquapin Bluffs, which the Mackinaw River runs through.
Other note-worthy ways Link applies classroom content to her everyday life is by occasionally presenting the Managing Stress by Being Mindful workshop, which emphasizes mindfulness as an evidence-based practice for managing stress. Link also facilitates the Alcohol Education class for students referred by student conduct. Link notes, “The class includes aspects of motivational interviewing and creates a non-judgmental space to educate.”
As Link continues her journey of becoming a school social worker, it is clear that she will continue to serve the campus and transfer the content learned within the classroom to her day-to-day life.
