McNair Scholarship Winners
McNair Scholarship Winners
McNair Scholars develop higher-level academic and research skills necessary to gain admission to and complete graduate study through a comprehensive summer experience and academic year programming. The federally funded TRIO McNair Scholars program seeks to increase doctoral program application, matriculation, and degree attainment by underrepresented and first-generation college students. We are proud to congratulate two our very own SSW students - Nyalaam Jok and Leslie Luces Saavedra - on this achievement!
Nyalaam Jok
What drove you to SSW?
What drove me to the school of social work were the faculty. I was originally going to take the child psychology route but quickly changed to youth studies because it made the most sense to me in pursuing social work. I felt more connected to youth studies and I felt like it would equip me more for working in the field.
What you want to do post-degree?
After I graduate in the spring I plan on getting my master's of social work out of state.
I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and being outside.
What are your favorite pastimes?
My favorite pastimes are listening to music, streaming shows/movies, and scrolling through Tik Tok.
If you could make the world a better place with just one change, what would it be?
If I could make the world a better place with just one change it would be to give everyone more empathy.
Leslie Luces Saavedra
What drove you to SSW?
When I began reflecting on career possibilities, I found myself drawn to options that focused on working with people and communities. Youth, justice, and social work allow me to give back to my own communities, work alongside communities, and contribute to meaningful change that I've always found myself drawn to. Social work is broad and it's often overlooked as just looking like case management or working in government; but it's that and so much more. Within the SSW community, I've met folks who come from these different areas of social work. I'm so grateful to be a part of this diverse and supportive community.
What you want to do post-degree?
After completing my B.S in Youth Studies, I plan on continuing my education by obtaining a Master of Social Work! I also hope to continue to work with youth and our communities here in Minnesota to create meaningful change together.
What are your passions?
My passions center around education, community, justice, and reciprocity. I've found that the Youth Studies program combines all my passions into our curriculum, allowing me to engage them in the work I do every day.
What are your favorite pastimes?
My favorite pastimes are hanging out with my cat, Yoshi; being in community; spending time with friends and/or family; reading a good book or article; discovering new music; going to a concert; and learning something new.
If you could make the world a better place with just one change, what would it be?
If I could make the world a better place with one change, it would be through increasing access to education. My mother would always tell me that my education is something no one could take away from me. Knowing is power, and unfortunately education has become a privilege. Foucault said that "Knowledge is not for knowing, knowledge is for cutting," through obtaining education; we increase the power we have to resist and push back. We all deserve to have these opportunities, not just a few of us.