It is always a positive when we interview students. They are excited about their career choice and eager to graduate and begin work. Their enthusiasm and belief in the future is contagious and heart-warming. Our guests on Not Alone, Zaki Phillips, a graduate student at UNO School of Social Work, and Nathan Howland, an undergrad at UNO created just that atmosphere. Both men have practical experience working in their chosen field. Zaki wants to work with youth, and help them find physical outlets for their emotional turmoil. He has dreams of athletic centers where troubled youth can find a safe environment for working out their angst. Nathan understands the reasons so many of today’s youth turn to drugs and alcohol for solace, and wants to help them find a healthy life outside the walls of addiction. Better yet, Nathan would like to be there for youth before the addictive patterns are formed. Dr. Theresa Barron-McKeagney, with the Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska Omaha campus reminded us that social workers are people trained to help people help themselves to a more fulfilling life.
To hear more from these social work students, listen to the March 13 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below, or download the file to listen later. To listen to any of the past Not Alone broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.
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March 13, 2012 – UNO Grace Abbott School of Social Work
DownloadAiring every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.
Great to see more people wanting to get into this career. I graduated with a psychology degree 15 years ago and than went onto to get MBA in this field and couldn’t be happier. For the past five years I have been working with substance abuse cases, and it is the most fulfilling and rewarding feeling when you can guide someone towards a path to a better a future. Even though there can be hiccups, that is what keeps me motivated and loving my career.