Reflection From the Front Lines of Social Work in Higher Education
by Hope S. Pacheco, MSW
As a case manager in higher education, I have the privilege and honor to reach out to our students in very difficult times, not only in their academic careers, but in their personal lives. I see students who struggle with mental health issues, sometimes for the very first time, or students who may have struggled for years. My students have mental health issues that have escalated and may require acute intervention, sometimes causing them to miss class for days or weeks. Imagine how disruptive this can be in the life of a college student. They may struggle with deciding when to return to campus, reducing their course load, accepting their diagnosis or their medication regimen, what to share with professors, and how to reach out for help with it ALL. It is a humbling experience to ask students to allow me to accompany them on this journey.
I wish every student who is struggling knew that their university cares enough to dedicate a staff person to reach out and intervene. I wish the students who did not respond to my outreach efforts knew that their university cares about them not just as students, but as people. I work to convey that message through my outreach materials, knowing that we have students who will not pick up the phone to call or come in to make an appointment, but who just may read my words.
As a social worker, I also know the power of presence. I know that in every interaction, I need to be present in the moment with that student. I know every moment is an opportunity to not just express care and compassion, but also to embody the care and compassion our students deserve. To voice this message to students, on behalf of the University of Houston, is an honor. Getting through college is hard enough, and struggling with mental health can make it more difficult if the student is not connected to resources and support. There are many faculty, staff, and programs that stand ready to assist our students through their journeys. I’m a connector, a bridge, to the many services and people who care about our students. I hear the heart-felt conversations. I attend the collaborative meetings. I see the many policies being developed on behalf of supporting our students to achieve the success we all want for them.
As I reflect on my time as a case manager in higher education, I spend the most time thinking about those students who I don’t ever get to speak to, those students who did not respond to my outreach, those students who I hope feel the care and concern through the written words I wish I could share with them.
IT IS MY HONOR...
to create a space for you
to hear your story
to affirm your struggle
to listen to you
to assist you
to connect you
to encourage you
to check in on you
to advocate for you
to serve YOU.
Hope Pacheco, MSW, has been a practicing social worker in Houston, TX, for more than 20 years. She is committed to serving her family, community, and profession. She received her BSW from UT Austin and her MSW from the University of Houston.