Difficult life circumstances are never really desired, but there is something about them that can ignite a fire of helping others who have lived through similar situations. Stephanie Gulik, MSW ‘24, Matthew Mann, BSW ‘24, and Shannon Rali, BSW ‘24, all have a different history of how they got to where they are today, but interwoven through them all is an inherent desire to shift the narrative from victim to survivor, torn down to empowered, from silence to advocacy. Although all three individuals have chosen the helping-profession of social work, each of them brings forth a unique perspective towards the individuals they serve.
Stephanie Gulik, who is originally from Lake Zurich, Illinois, shares with us her experience of walking through some difficult life circumstances and how that has fueled her interest in becoming a social worker in the mental health medical field.
As a second-generation Polish immigrant, Stephanie carries with her a strong sense of pride in her roots, upbringing, and culture. From traditions to recipes, Stephanie embraces the diversity in her upbringing, but not all her childhood memories are light. A member of Stephanie’s family battled with alcoholism for years, which created a hostile home environment that has luckily healed over the years. Although that family member has remained sober for 15 years now, Stephanie still acknowledges that the pain and trauma experienced during that time has shaped not only her upbringing, but her present and future as well. Amid these circumstances, Stephanie also experienced injustices that led her to become an active voice against silencing individuals who have survived abuse (physical, sexual, or otherwise).
Through it all, Stephanie recognizes that these challenges, although undesired, have nurtured empathy towards individuals who may be experiencing similar circumstances. When servicing immigrants from various countries, Stephanie uses the same patience she desires for her grandparent’s “broken English” to assure the clients she serves “feel like they’re valued and that what they have to say matters.” Stephanie goes on to say that she wants to provide for her clients “with the best support and treatment.” This is carried out not only with her clients who were born in another country, but also for those who struggle with mental health and other difficult life circumstances.
Now, as a mental health clinician, Stephanie supports children ages six to 17 who have often experienced similar circumstances and assist them in their journey towards healing. Even though none of those difficulties in childhood are desirable, Stephanie has surely exemplified an admirable shift towards healing both for herself and for others.
“I want to provide my clients with the best support and treatment as others.”
Stephanie Gulik, MSW Graduate
Matthew Mann, a BSW graduate, grew up in Peoria, Illinois. Like Stephanie, Matthew was faced with some difficult life circumstances in his upbringing. At the age of 15, Matthew’s mother passed away. A couple of years later during his senior year of high school, Matthew’s grandmother passed away after years of medical difficulties for which Matthew cared for. During these difficult years, Matthew had a mentor who, in Matthew’s own words, “led me to where I am today.” Even with a few other instances of trials at hand, Matthew managed to overcome his circumstances and pursue higher education.
As Matthew considers his role as a social worker, he acknowledges that the hardships he has endured have fostered empathy towards the vulnerable and oppressed. When discussing his approach toward serving this population, Matthew notes, “I don’t want to make them feel as though they are victims or that they were done wrong by the system. I’m here to uplift them and support them and make them realize that there’s more potential within than what they see within themselves.”
Considering this, Matthew would like to focus his post-graduation efforts working with urban planning. Matthew states, “I really care about sidewalks, mixed-use housing, businesses, development, transportation… you know, like those are the type of things that interest me.” Still, his focus remains the same: help others know they are not alone in what they are going through.
“I don’t want to make them feel as though they are victims or that they were done wrong by the system. I’m here to uplift them and support them and make them realize that there’s more potential within than what they see within themselves.”
Matthew Mann, BSW Graduate
Shannon Rali, a second-generation immigrant from India, shares with us her experience of growing up bicultural and the unique ways of how her own journey towards mental health has led her to an empathetic understanding of the people she serves. Shannon, in her senior year of undergrad, was placed at Home Sweet Home Ministries (HSHM) for her internship. Although Shannon mentions she has always had the privilege of having a roof over her head and never experiencing food scarcity, she’s still been able to be a source of empathy and safety to her clients.
Shannon shares, “I live by the belief that every human deserves to feel loved, heard and seen. And I want to do everything in my power to help anyone I encounter, to feel those things.” In her younger years, Shannon experienced discrimination based on her skin color and counter-cultural upbringing, which led her to hide her identity as Asian American.
Shannon shares with us her internal struggle by noting, “I was almost ashamed because my lunches may have looked a little different than other students or maybe my mom didn’t give me the same kind of clothes… So, I used to be embarrassed and wish to be white, talk white, act white, because I just thought life would be so much easier.” Although this can be a common side effect of the acculturation and assimilation process for second-generation immigrants, Shannon utilized this as the fuel to help other marginalized communities not experience the difficulties she had to endure.
Amid her experience of discrimination and other mental health struggles with anxiety, Shannon was able to receive the unconditional support of a social worker. This has, in turn, enabled her to do the same for others who may not have the exact same circumstances, but desire similar affirmation, validation, and care. As closing remarks Shannon shares, “I feel I was placed on this earth is to help people. So, I want to dedicate my life to that no matter what it takes.”
“I feel I was placed on this earth is to help people. So, I want to dedicate my life to that no matter what it takes.”
– Shannon Rali, BSW Graduate
The School of Social Work is proud to have contributed to the education of such wonderful individuals. Whether through mentorship, classroom content, or general support these individuals have undeniably thrived to push the mission of Social Work forward. We look to the past in admiration for what they have already accomplished and look ahead with anticipation for what’s to come.
We are Redbird proud of you Shannon Rali, Matthew Mann, and Stephanie Gulik!
