Audra Di Bacco
Class of 2001
Bridgeport, CT
Why did you choose Siena College?
I chose Siena College for the size and great atmosphere as well as the great athletic opportunity it provided me. The women's basketball coaching staff and the connections I built with them during the recruiting process led me to Siena.
Why social work?
I chose the field of social work because even at a young age, I always felt that I had the ability to help people. Therefore, it made sense to go into a program that would allow me to help others on a daily basis. As a young athlete I was provided opportunities through athletic departments to work with young children and these experiences made me realize that I wanted to have a career in the field.
What was your most meaningful experience at Siena?
I believe that there were many meaningful experiences that I had while attending Siena, each equally impactful on my life. My experiences as a student athlete as well as my connections and experiences with the professors and classmates in the Social Work Program are what I remember most vividly.
As a young student athlete the relationship I built with my college coach, Gina Castelli, was one of the most meaningful experiences I had during my time at Siena. She was more than a basketball coach; she cared for all her players as if they were her own children. She was there for all the good and bad times, making sure that I never quit on myself of my hopes and dreams. She was a great role model and inspiration, to me. I continue to have a positive relationship with Coach Castelli and we continue to talk regularly about basketball and life.
The Social Work Program, had many great professor and the lessons I learned from them have carried over into my professional career. I continue to keep in contact with professors, and they utilize me as a field educator for students to obtain valuable social work field experiences. To be out of college and working in the field for almost 16 years, and still have a connection, shows the impact they had on my life.
What is your current position?
I am currently a school Social Worker in East Greenbush Central School District, where I have worked for the last 11 years. I also coach soccer and Unified Basketball at Columbia High School. I also have been the girls Varsity Basketball Coach at Catholic Central High School for the past 10 years.
In what ways did Siena prepare you for life and work after college?
Siena's Social Work Program provided me with very valuable class/book knowledge, and field experiences so that when I graduated I had the tools to find a job and be a successful social work professional.