Kerri Downey

Class of 2026

Clifton Park, NY 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SIENA University?

It just felt right. I’m at CT transplant so I didn’t know much about the schools in
the area. I was about to graduate with my associates and knew I wanted to pursue a
bachelor’s in Social Work. I had heard a few University names tossed around, heard the
name Albany and since it was one of the two places in the area I knew I was sold. Until I wasn’t. It was a beautiful spring day, driving by this beautiful green campus somewhere in a place called “upstate” and my eyes lit up like a kid with cake. I turned to my wife wide eyed and just asked “What is that?!” “Oh, that’s Siena College” “Can we go in
there?!” “I don’t see why not”. A short while later I turned to my wife and said, “this is it, I
want to go here”. The beauty of the campus is what drew me in initially; I stayed for the
community and family Siena and the Social Work department created. I knew I made
the right choice.

WHY SOCIAL WORK?

A social worker saved my life. After serving in the Navy I moved back home at
the end of my enlistment unexpectedly. A few months later COVID hit. Lockdown. My
mental health deteriorated and my anxiety and depression took over. Utilizing all the
worst coping mechanisms known to man did not fix any of my issues, if you can believe
it. After continuing to do things the hard way with no luck and a series of unfortunate
events later, I was connected to a social worker through the VA, and she is the reason I
am still here today.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE AT SIENA?

Every experience I have had at Siena has been truly meaningful, especially
within the social work program. Each event organized or participated in by the students
and staff of Siena is done so with great intention. When Siena comes together you
really feel that sense of community and family that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy
inside. If I had to pick my most meaningful experience at Siena, I would have to say the social work celebration put on by the department for the graduating class. A small pre-graduation, graduation for the social work majors. It was a huge moment for me.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION?

I am currently awaiting the fall for the Masters of Social Work program at Siena
University to start. Siena did not have an MSW program when I decided to attend for my
BSW and the thought of a MSW never even crossed my mind. Siena had other plans
and said since you love it here so much, why don’t you stay longer? So, I said yes! (You
totally saw that coming). In the interim, I have been hired on as a per diem by The
Beacon at St. Anne’s Institute I had the pleasure of interning with this past semester
and will have the pleasure to intern with again this coming year. Can I change my
answer for most memorable moment? I am fortunate enough to also work for a daycare
that is very understanding of my school schedule and has allowed me to work while also
attending school. I really enjoy working with kids and am excited to see what’s still to
come!

IN WHAT WAYS DID SIENA PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE AND WORK AFTER COLLEGE?

Siena has given me the confidence to know that I can do this work. I always
knew I wanted to help people in some way but never found the right fit, until I learned
more about social work. Siena has helped me grow both personally and professionally
as a social worker and I feel ready to take everything I have learned throughout my time
here and apply it to real-world situations. I am excited for what the future holds, I am
excited to make a difference.