88 SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK Theresa Daykin THERESA DAYKIN is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in child, youth and family studies. Daykin’s work as a special education assistant paired with her own struggles in navigating the mental health system led her to pursue a BSW so she could better assist and advocate for children, youth and families. It was the therapists who helped her recover from a mental health crisis that encouraged her to work toward the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker. During her time at PSU, Daykin decided to return to the field of education, this time as a school social worker. In June, Daykin will begin PSU’s Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program with a focus on child, youth, and families, including completing requirements for the School Social Work licensure. Very little went according to plan in the past two years, and Daykin is very thankful to have completed her internship with the staff at LifeWorks NW Rockwood who gave her every opportunity to experience the various aspects of social work which helped shape the direction she is taking in the MSW program. When asked, a member of her cohort describes her as “an awesome mother, dedicated educator, lover of animals and a social worker that believes in social justice and equity. A survivor and fierce woman who never gives up.” Daykin would like to thank her family, especially her daughters, Jolene and Madeline, who remind her every day that there is hope. She is grateful for her cohort who walked this path of unexpected turns with her, and the instructors and advisers for their grace and compassion. Last, but not least, she thanks her friends and everyone who encouraged her and reminded her that quitting, even when everything seemed to be going wrong, was not an option, and her service dog, Bayek, who has been there through it all. STUDENT SPEAKERS Hang Pham HANG PHAM is a first-generation college student graduating with a master’s degree in social work, specializing in child, youth and families. As a person of color, Pham finds value in being culturally informed, understanding how social location comes into play with interactions, and will strive to use strengths-based approaches to practice. Pham’s strengths lie in working with immigrants, refugees, and people with mental health and intersecting social identities. Hang wants to see her students, families and community, including marginalized populations, get the services they need to succeed. Hang’s mission is to bring her social-racial equity lens into her daily work, empower students and families to speak up and advocate for themselves. Pham wants to take this opportunity to thank the entire MSW department, Leah Brookner and Mathew Uretsky, who walked her through the MSW program. Pham also wants to express her gratitude to Stephanie Bryson, Eddie May, Margaret Moore and other faculty members. Especially, Pham wants to thank Junghee Lee for her continued support. She inspires Pham so much; she is Pham’s absolute role model. She proves that an immigrant woman who speaks English as a second language could be a professor and in an important position, such as the director of the Ph.D. program. Last but not least, she wants to thank her partner, her family and her friends for their unconditional support. Thanks to Portland Public School, the Social Work department at PPS, Woodmere, and Marysville staff, who all helped her transition to her dream job smoothly and meaningfully.
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