Three exceptional students undertook independent studies focused on cultivating culturally and linguistically responsive care within the field of speech-language pathology and exemplified a passion for promoting inclusivity and providing the best possible care to individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
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Carolina Lebron Santiago is a Puerto Rican American student who uses her biculturalism to advocate, empower, and challenge injustices that suppress Limited English Speakers (LES) within the health care system.
Learn about School of Social Work graduates Stephanie Gulik, Matthew Mann, and Shannon Rali and the path they took to where they are today.
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.
Hailey Rutledge and Teddi Hacaga both earned their bachelor of social work degree (BSW) from Illinois State University in May 2022, carried on to the accelerated track for their master of social work (MSW), and graduated this May with a career placement as school social workers.
Jenna McCoy’s journey to graduation has been a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself despite life’s setbacks.
Isabelle Rogers, a BSW student graduating May 2024, shared with us her unique journey of overcoming unexpected challenges and the support systems that allowed that to happen.
As Megan Martell graduates from the School of Social Work at Illinois State this May, her story serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of self-discovery. Born and raised in Illinois, Martell’s upbringing was shaped by the challenges of single parenthood. Her parents divorced when she was 2 years old, leaving her mother to navigate the complexities of raising a child while pursuing her career aspirations, which was nothing short of difficult for the family.
Amid graduate narratives of triumph and perseverance, one individual’s journey shines brightly amid the challenges faced along the way. Meet Kelsey Barrett, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduate whose path to success embodies resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
