Impact in Action: Fund for Field Student Stories
The Fund for Field was created to provide financial assistance for students completing the necessary internship requirement at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. As any alumni will tell you, this experience is equal parts taxing and rewarding – students gain invaluable experience working directly with service providers and community members in the field.
This fund is not endowed, so the Field Office relies upon the annual generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to make these awards possible.
Read the messages below from student recipients on how impactful these gifts are to our future community leaders.
Maria Bottino, MSW Student
Maria Bottino (MSW ’21)
I have wanted to be a social worker since I was 17 years old. I am now 23—one semester and one month away from earning my MSW. I have never changed my major; I have never even changed my mind. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I this is the work I will pursue as long as I live.
Like any other social work student, I have worked tirelessly to sustain myself while navigating this career path. I have vacuumed classrooms, taught gymnastics, waited tables, and cleaned nursing homes— all while cramming for exams and maintaining a social life. But, it definitely takes a toll—especially when it comes time to complete a field placement. As an undergraduate intern, I only had to worry about the cost of living for one summer. As a graduate student, however, my internship spans an entire academic year. I work seven days a week to support myself—Monday through Thursday at my field site, and Friday through Sunday at a local restaurant.
The opportunity to receive the Fund for Field award allows me to take time off and simply breathe. I am incredibly grateful for each individual who contributed to this generous gift. Every dollar allows me to take one more step forward with ease rather than anxiety. Thank you for supporting me in my final leg of this strenuous journey. I will be thinking of each of you on graduation day.
Briana Sullivan (MSW ’21)
I would like to thank the amazing donors who helped contribute to this award. This award will help me in more ways than you will ever know. I am grateful to know that there are people who are willing to help social work students on this journey, especially in times like this. Knowing that there are people who believe in me and want to help me succeed will help give me that push I need to cross the finish line. Once again thank you for your contribution and God bless!
Iliana Barragan (MSW ’21)
Receiving this award helps serve as a reminder that things don’t come easy, but grit pushes me forward. I am extremely humbled for this award, as it helps cover my academic costs/expenses and allows me to enjoy my internship experience more fully. This award permits me to dedicate more of my time towards my professional development and family and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you.
Robyn Bannon (MSW ’20)
I am beyond grateful to the donors and the School of Social Work for granting me the Fund for Field Award. This award means so much to me personally as it will go a long way in helping me cover all the high expenses associated with completing my internship in rural Oregon. This award also helps make it possible to continue working with this community post-graduation so that I can continue to make a difference for those experiencing substance abuse and mental health issues. I truly do not know where I would be today without the generosity of the School of Social Work and all the amazing people who make it what it is. Thank you!
Simon Mwima (MSW ‘23)
As a passionate PhD student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I see social work as a catalyst for justice. While I value my time in Illinois, my heart, family, and community called me back to Uganda, where I chose to complete my MSW field placement at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
In the crowded halls of Mbale Hospital, I quickly realized that social work goes beyond clinical counseling. One of the most urgent challenges my clients faced was simply getting to the hospital. In Uganda, it’s not uncommon for people to walk for a day or more just to reach medical care. Without transportation, many of my clients were left with no choice but to make treacherous journeys on foot, even when they were sick, elderly, or in crisis.
Thanks to the Fund for Field scholarship, I was able to provide bus tickets to those in desperate need. These weren’t just pieces of paper; they were lifelines. A bus ticket meant the difference between suffering in isolation and receiving essential medical and social services. I saw firsthand how something so small could change a life.
This experience reinforced why I chose social work. Social work may look different across borders, but at its core, it is about helping people access the care they deserve.
My experience would not have been complete without the Fund for Field. It has not only shaped my internship but also changed the lives of my clients. Your support makes stories like mine possible. With your donation, you are not just supporting a student – you are creating a ripple effect of change that reaches individuals, families, and communities around the world.
Please consider joining me in making a difference by supporting future social work students, as they bring hope to those who need it most.
Emilia Barajas (BSW ‘23)
During my BSW internship, I discovered that my greatest superpower is advocacy. I learned how to help people navigate complex systems, connect with resources, and find the support they need to thrive. This skill will stay with me throughout my social work career, shaping the way I serve individuals and communities.
If I could offer one piece of advice to fellow social work students, it would be to lean on your support networks: your peers, your mentors, and the Student Affairs Office. You don’t have to do this alone. And when it comes to finances, I strongly encourage applying for scholarships like Fund for Field. As I’ve experienced firsthand, having that extra financial support relieves stress and anxiety, giving you one less thing to worry about while you focus on learning and making an impact.
Now, I’m continuing my journey by pursuing my MSW at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities ahead. Social work offers so many ways to make a difference, and with the support, we can change lives – including our own.
You can help social work students like me grow our superpowers. Donate today to the Fund for Field and be part of the journey to create a better future for individuals, families, and our communities.
Jasmine Solice (MSW ‘23)
When I started my MSW internship, I knew I wanted to serve a rural community. That dream became a reality thanks to Fund for Field, which helped cover the cost of my 33-mile commute to Rise Behavioral Health and Wellness in Tuscola, Illinois. Without support like this, many rural areas struggle to access the services they need and deserve. That’s why I truly believe that “no small amount of money is ever too small” to make a difference!
At RISE, I created safe spaces with my clients, helping them navigate their challenges and find hope. I’ll never forget the moment when my self-doubt faded, and I instinctively knew which intervention to use. It was a turning point in my growth as a social worker. My experiences there also helped me realize my passion for counseling children.
Today, I’m proud to be a therapist at Hope Springs Counseling Services, working with youth ages five to 26, all because of the opportunities my internship at RISE gave me.
You can help future social workers like me make an impact. Donate to Fund for Field today and help students gain the experiences they need to serve communities everywhere!
David Martinez (MSW ‘23)
I started at the University of Illinois in 2018 as an Undeclared Major. I was encouraged by my traditional Latine family to become a Doctor, Lawyer, or Engineer, but I discovered Social Work. It served as a way for me to discover more about myself and learn about others’ unique stories, as they help explain our present.
In 2022, I enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Illinois and imagined returning to Chicago to serve my hometown communities. However, love changed my plans. During my master’s program, I met my partner, who was in her first year of her PhD program at the time. I took a leap of faith and started looking for field placement sites in the Champaign-Urbana area.
I discovered Inclusion and Talent Development (ITD), a unit within University Housing that focuses on training and development for staff in Residential Life, Facilities, Dining Services, etc. Given my background as a Resident Advisor and Multicultural Advocate, it just felt right. After meeting with Director Kimberly Otchere, a fellow MSW, and further learning about her vision, I chose to complete my field placement with them. It felt like everything was falling into place.
Still, funds were tight. Financial hardship is a real challenge often faced my many graduate students. That’s where the Fund for Field Scholarship made a real difference. The scholarship relieved my constant worry about rent and groceries, allowing me to focus on learning and growing into the social worker I aspired to be.
Through my experience with ITD, I successfully developed and implemented programs and events for staff as well as built upon my cultural awareness, critical thinking, and administrative skills. I’m proud to say that my field placement led to a full-time role with University Housing. Every day, I work to provide opportunities for staff to explore and develop new ways of thinking.
That’s why I’m asking for your support. The Fund for Field Scholarship isn’t just about financial aid – it’s about giving students the chance to focus on their passion without the constant stress of making ends meet. Your support helps future professionals like me take a leap of faith.
Nataly Meza (BSW, ’23)
When I started college, I didn’t see myself as someone who could make a significant impact. In my first few weeks, I remember feeling mediocre—but my time at the School of Social Work changed that.
I discovered my passion for violence prevention work through experiences like serving as a peer educator for the First Year Consent and Relationship Education (FYCARE) program. I then pursued the opportunity to become the first social work intern at the Women’s Resources Center (WRC)—the very center that runs the FYCARE program! Through these
experiences, I learned that a social work degree isn’t just one path—it’s an umbrella of opportunities to create meaningful change.
One of my proudest moments during my internship? Hearing my WRC field supervisor call me the staple of the FYCARE program! That recognition reinforced that I belonged—both at this university and in this field.
But fieldwork wasn’t always easy. Adjusting to a 9-to-5 schedule and navigating professional workplace expectations was a challenge. I had to rethink not only my routine but also my wardrobe! Thanks to the Fund for Field Scholarship, I was able to afford professional attire that helped me feel confident and prepared.
Now, as a professional staff member at the WRC, I want students to know they are more than just average—they are capable of achieving their dreams!
If you believe in the power of social work, consider donating to support students like me. Your generosity helps future changemakers step into their careers with confidence!
Aylin Ortega (Current MSW)
I’m on the fast track to becoming a healthcare social worker, but social work is a field with many paths. I completed my BSW in three years and transitioned straight into the MSW program through the School of Social Work’s Fast App. While I had a clear direction, I hope future and current students realize that this program is also for those still exploring where they want to make an impact.
One thing I always encourage students to do is look into scholarships. Not only do they provide much-needed financial support, but they’ve also warmed my heart by reminding me that people genuinely care about investing in future social workers.
I’ve been fortunate to receive support from Fund for Field and the Illinois BHWELL clinical certificate and scholarship program. Through BHWELL and the incredible guidance of Christine Escobar-Sawicki in the Field Education Office, I secured my field placement at Rush University’s School-Based Health Centers.
In August 2023, I became part of an interdisciplinary team at a Chicago high school, supporting students in ways I never imagined. “The program is so rich with resources for the students!”
I love being back in my hometown, and more importantly, I found my niche. As a one-on-one therapy provider, I help students navigate interpersonal conflicts, process trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and so much more.
My field placement at Rush exceeded my expectations. It helped me narrow the population I want to serve while broadening my understanding of how I can serve. I had the opportunity to:
- “Push in” to classrooms and provide mental health education.
- Advocate for policy changes by bringing concerns and recommendations directly to decision-makers.
- Learn how healthcare and social services intersect, including how Rush collaborates with CPS (Child Protective Services).
Just like social work itself, my field placement has been a journey of learning and growth – a chance to see firsthand how resources can help people live better lives.
You can help more students like me find their path in social work. Donate to Fund for Field today and invest in the next generation of social workers!
Anthony Jones (BSW)
Embarking on my field placement in social work felt like diving into the ocean – vast, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. Like many students, my journey was filled with surprises, challenges, and growth.
At first, I was certain I wanted to work with individuals, but my field director, Sherrie Faulkner, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. With her guidance, I took a leap into group work, something I never thought I’d do.
My path to field placement wasn’t easy. I was older than most undergrads and had faced loss and financial struggles before starting my career in social work. I relied on resilience, faith, and a “pick up and move” mentality. But I quickly learned that these strategies weren’t enough; I also needed help.
During my internship at Family Advocacy, I found that help in my mentor, Grace Mitchell, an MSW graduate from our school. Under her guidance, I discovered that social work is fast-paced, demanding, and deeply rewarding. From parenting classes to court cases, I experienced situations that transformed me personally and professionally.
The biggest lesson I learned? As social workers, we are helpers, but we also deserve help. The Fund for Field Scholarship was more than just financial assistance. It was a reminder
that someone cared about me, that I wasn’t alone. That support gave me the courage to dive into new experiences with confidence.
Fieldwork isn’t a sink-or-swim experience; it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and find your path. And thanks to the support of field directors, mentors, and scholarship donors, social work students like me can take that leap with the security of knowing we’re not alone.
That’s why I’m asking for your support. Scholarships like the Fund for Field make a real difference, ensuring students have the resources and encouragement to succeed. Your donation isn’t just financial; it’s a vote of confidence and a reminder that we are all in this together.