Clifford Bersamira

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Why did you choose SSA?  Why is SSA a good fit for you?

I chose SSA because of the integrated curriculum of the program.  Most of the social work programs place a lot of emphasis on becoming a clinician.  Historically, social policy and the broader social environment has held just as much importance as the individual in the social work field, and SSA does a good job in emphasizing this tradition.

How did you become interested in the field of social work?  How did you decide you wanted to dedicate your career to social work?

Before coming to SSA, I worked in substance abuse research, worked on race and ethnicity related education issues, and organized community development projects in the Peace Corps.  What I love about social work is that I can incorporate all of my interests in psychology, sociology, education, public health, and community development into my day-to-day learning.

What is your favorite class?  Why?

My favorite class has been my core course in Social Programming and Policy.  I particularly enjoyed learning how social policies affect social work clients and where we, as social workers, fit into the social policy domain.

What teacher or mentor at SSA stands out in your mind?  How did that person add to your experience at SSA?

I feel lucky to have had William Borden as the instructor of my core course in Direct Practice.  I was absolutely amazed by his comprehensive knowledge and genuine passion for social work.  He is a leader in the field and I felt like I was benefitting first-hand from his professional experience.

What have you enjoyed most about your experience at SSA?

What I have enjoyed most about my experience at SSA has been the academic rigor, and the strong connection between theory and social work practice.

Where is your field placement?

My field placement is with SGA Youth and Family Services, working in the Balanced and Restorative Justice program.  I work with middle school students in Logan Square, where we discuss disciplinary issues and identify how we can strengthen the sense of community in the neighborhood and classroom among students, parents, and teachers.

What specific projects are you working on in your field placement?  How have you enhanced the work of the organization?

I work with middle school students in Logan Square, where we discuss disciplinary issues and identify how we can strengthen the sense of community in the neighborhood and classroom among students, parents, and teachers.

What do you enjoy most about your field placement?

I really like how my experiences at SGA Youth and Family Services are mundane.  One day, I am facilitating a group activity with 8^th grade students and later that week, I am creating a program evaluation with my supervisor.  I have had exposure to several levels of work within the agency, which will really aid me in the future.

How have your perceptions of the field of social work changed since you came to SSA?

Since coming to SSA, I have had the opportunity to talk to students, professors, and other social workers whose professional interests run the gamut.  I never realized social work was as vast of a field as it truly is.

What impact do you think SSA students completing their fieldwork have on the Chicago area?

Chicago is a complex city with amazing diversity.  Unfortunately, it also suffers from incredible poverty and segregation.  Chicago provides a multitude of opportunities to learn and experience social work practice in its unique neighborhoods among a variety of populations.

What are your plans after you graduate? How has your degree from SSA influenced these plans?

After graduating, I anticipate working in policy analysis or social welfare research.  My experiences at SSA have provided me with numerous hands-on experiences that will provide me with greater insight for understanding underserved populations while still working at the broader research and policy levels.