Getting a masters can be challenging, but knowing one’s inspiration behind the pursuit of higher education may be the perfect driving force to earning the degree. For Cassie Torrisi and Alexandra Dillman, there were unique moments in their lives that brought them to where they are today.
Cassie Torrisi, a first-generation college student, graduated with her master’s in social work this May. Her journey as a college student began at her hometown’s community college, which led her to earn a bachelor’s in psychology. In her desire to further “understand the person as a whole” Cassie went on to get her master of social work at Illinois State University, which she now utilizes to serve people who are neurodivergent.
Cassie explains that the population she serves is “just so beautiful to me. And as challenging as it can be at times, I just have a deep love for the students that I serve and work with. That population just has a special place in my heart. Their beautiful minds and the way they see the world is just so different than how I may see it, but it’s still so beautiful.”
Although her journey in working with neurodivergent individuals has not always been easy, Cassie attributes a lot of her growth in the matter to her internship placement which has taught her how to address behaviors like physical aggression and eloping. In turn, Cassie now utilizes that knowledge to advocate and educate others about some of the best practices for working with this population.
In reflection of her journey at Illinois State, Cassie attributes her success to the support of her family, fiancé, cohort, professors, and the School of Social Work. As Cassie’s states in her own words, “Illinois State University is the best school, and it has the best social work program. I just love it.”
“Illinois State University is the best school, and it has the best social work program.”
Cassie Torrisi, MSW Graduate
Alexandra Dillman began her journey at Illinois State six years ago as she earned her BSW, which led straight into her MSW with the goal of becoming a school social worker. Luckily for Alexandra, her current practicum placement has extended an offer of employment which allows for a smooth transition between her education and a career.
Although some of the logistical aspects of her education were smooth, Alexandra faced some difficult battles with her own mental health which created some friction in her path. Whether it was struggling with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or just general worry, Alexandra had to come to terms with the fact that even helping professionals need help sometimes.
As Alexandra states, “I had to embrace the idea that it’s okay to not be okay because I used to have this mindset of ‘oh, if I’m in the helping profession, I do the helping. I shouldn’t be feeling this way.’ But I think acknowledging that it’s okay to feel that way made a huge difference for me.”
This has, in turn, created a space for Alexandra to strengthen her supports and practice what will likely be used to help the children she’ll work with in the future. After all, having a strong support system is a protective factor for everyone, including those in the helping professions.
“I had to embrace the idea that it’s okay to not be okay because I used to have this mindset of ‘oh, if I’m in the helping profession, I do the helping. I shouldn’t be feeling this way.’ But I think acknowledging that it’s okay to feel that way made a huge difference for me”
Alexandra Dillman, MSW Graduate
