Alexandra BEtts (VINCENT), LMSW
Class of 2018
Colonie, NY
WHY DID YOU CH0OSE SIENA COLLEGE?
Siena was actually the first school that I went and saw with my parents. I can remember not wanting to go take a tour but my mom made me, and I am forever grateful that she did. Siena was everything I was looking for in a school, it wasn't too far from where my parents lived, it was smaller side, the campus was beautiful and felt safe, and everyone that I walked by that day or met seemed to be so happy to be there. I could tell there was a strong sense of community and a very welcoming atmosphere around the campus. I felt so safe, and got the impression that everyone, staff and students alike, truly looked out for each other. I went and saw other schools, but nothing compared to Siena for me after that first visit.
WHY SOCIAL WORK?
I like to say " social work found me" because truthfully, it did. I went into Siena as a biochemistry major on the pre- med track with the goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist. I always knew I wanted to be in some kind of helping profession and quite honestly, I'm not even sure I knew what social work was prior to coming to Siena. I was not doing as well as I hoped in the pre-med program and was not as passionate about it as I had anticipated being. I was visibly upset one dat on campus and a professor came up to me and asked if I was okay. That professor was Dr. Carla Sofka! After a long talk with her and some soul searching on my end, I enrolled that following semester as a sophomore in Social Work 100. I felt like my eyes had finally been opened to what my soul has been searching for all along, a helping profession where I felt I could really do something; really make a difference.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE AT SIENA?
Siena provided me with so many meaning full experiences. I was able to serve for three years as a new student orientation leader, I was the captain of the equestrian team, and I worked in admissions through McGuire Society. Through the McGuire Society experience, I was getting to meet potential incoming students and their families as well. I also feel fortunate to have had internships both through the Social Work program and the education department, as I have educational studies minor, that were invaluable in preparing me for graduate school and my career now as a social worker.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION?
Currently, I am the supervisor of the Social Work and the Case Management Department at Sunny view Rehabilitation Hospital. I completed my field placement there as a graduate student while at The College of Saint Rose and I never left! I actually didn't know what "medical social work" was until I was placed there. When I started working there I served as the social worker on the spinal cord injury unit and for the last year and a half I have served in my supervisor role.
IN WHAT WAYS DID SIENA PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AND WORK AFTER COLLEGE?
Siena, and even more specifically, the Social Work program fully prepared me for a life and work after college. I remember going into an advanced standing graduate program right after graduating from Siena, all while juggling 2 part time jobs, an internship and a graduate assistantship. Siena's Social Work program is rigorous, and taught me how to manage my time well and prioritize things appropriately, something I have had to do in both my personal and professional life. Siena also puts such an emphasis on serving the larger community, and ensuring that you are never "sitting on the sidelines," and that is something I continue to strive for everyday.
Rev. 2022