- FULFILLING A DREAM: ANGELA ROBERTSON FINDS MEANING THROUGH SOCIAL WORK
Angela Robertson first knew she had a passion for social work more than 30 years ago.
“I have always loved people, and working with them to help solve their problems and find the right course in life,” said Robertson.
But a marriage, cross-country move, two children and another career delayed her from pursuing studies in the field until 2006, when she returned to school to pursue her passion at Valpo.
As she completes her final, intensive year of work toward a bachelor’s degree in social work, Robertson has been counseling troubled teenagers face-to-face at Schults-Lewis children’s home in Valparaiso. The internship experience, something required of all senior social work students to prepare them for their careers, gives Robertson an opportunity to help children deal with challenges in their lives – from problems they encounter at home, to major decisions that will affect their safety and well-being.
“These children come from broken homes and they have no confidence in themselves, and without our support many could end up in prison,”said Robertson, “It’s a wonderful thing to see that change that I can help bring about in these kids, to help them find ways to go out into the world and lead productive lives.”
As a non-traditional student – working full-time and with a family at home – Robertson said she has found overwhelming support from her professors.
“There were times when the challenge of balancing it all was so stressful,” Robertson said. “They gave me the strength and support I needed to get to where I am today, which is just a few steps away from being able to fulfill my dream of working with people to improve their lives.”
Robertson will graduate in May 2011, and is savoring her accomplishment as she decides the next step in her career. And, she offers some advice for those who might be thinking about going back to school later in life.
“Taking the first step was the hardest, but I had a passion for social work and I made myself overcome those fears,” said Robertson, “I feel so proud that I’ve actually accomplished this. Don’t ever let a little fear of the unknown stop you from doing what you really want to do.”
