Jenna McCoy’s journey to graduation has been a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself despite life’s setbacks. Growing up in Oswego, Illinois, Jenna navigated the challenges of being raised between two homes. Despite the challenges this brought, Jenna’s upbringing nurtured in her a strong sense of empathy, kindness, and advocacy.
The path towards social work was not immediately clear for Jenna, but witnessing her mother’s strength as a single parent and experiencing firsthand the need for support during difficult times drew Jenna to a career centered on the premise of lifting others up. Her decision to pursue social work came soon after as a result overcoming life’s adversities through resilience and community support. Helping others then came as a natural extension of her desire to make a positive impact and support those who may be facing similar difficulties.
Throughout her academic journey at Illinois State University, Jenna encountered both personal and academic challenges. From battling a rare illness during her freshman year to facing housing instability and uncertainties, Jenna’s ability to overcome was tested time and again. Yet, she persevered, leaning on supportive professors, friends, and her own inner strength to overcome each obstacle that came her way.
One significant turning point for Jenna was her internship placement at Brightpoint’s Butterfly Project, where she worked on attachment issues between caregivers and children affected by domestic violence. Initially apprehensive about tackling such a sensitive topic, Jenna eventually embraced the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of survivors. This experience solidified her passion for working with survivors of domestic violence and underscored the importance of grace and patience in one’s healing process.
As a recent graduate, Jenna reflects on the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way through the School of Social Work program. Jenna highlights Dr. Stevens as a professor who helped her better understand social (in)justice and the essentiality of advocating for the oppressed and underserved. In the same vein, Jenna mentions Ingrid Brown, director of field placement, as an unwavering support that guided Jenna through the challenges of finding the best internship placement.
Looking ahead, Jenna plans to enter the field of social work right away and hopes to continue working with victims of domestic violence. This will ideally transition the practice of empathy and understanding from the classroom to the field as she continues to provide compassionate support to those in need.
As Jenna embarks on the next chapter of her journey, her story serves as a reminder that resilience, belief in oneself, and the willingness to embrace challenges is the key to overcoming adversity and achieving one’s goals. With unwavering determination and a compassionate heart, Jenna McCoy is ready to make a difference in the lives of others.
