Elisabeth Adams, a clinical MSW student and cohort communicator graduating in 2026, hopes to earn a PhD and advance research on animal-assisted and nontraditional therapies for marginalized groups. She values the significant transformation the program has brought to her and appreciates Houston’s rich cultural diversity.

Elisabeth's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: Be open to opportunities, challenges, and new experiences—because both positive and difficult moments can teach you valuable lessons.

Judith Anagunu, a clinical MSW student and GCSW ambassador from Ghana, plans to become both a clinical social worker and tenure-track professor. She cherishes the strong support within her cohort and Houston’s diversity.

Judith's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: Time goes by quickly—if social work is your passion, start now; before you know it, you’ll be close to graduation and achieving your goals.

Hamzah Hashmi, a clinical MSW student and cohort communicator graduating in 2027, hopes to serve his community as a therapist. He values the strong support and diverse perspectives within the cohort model

Hamzah's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: Keep an open mind and use the coursework as an opportunity for self-discovery.

Shevante Jenkins, a clinical MSW student and cohort communicator graduating in 2026, plans to pursue a PhD and become a forensic social worker. She values the dedicated community within the GCSW, the professional opportunities she has gained, and Houston’s artistic energy.

Shevante's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: Give yourself grace and strive to be the kind of person you hope to support in your work.

Dustin Larsen, a clinical MSW student graduating in 2026, hopes to pursue a PhD and develop therapeutic practices involving snakes. He values the strong support from faculty, the diversity of his peers, and Houston’s rich cultural landscape.

Dustin's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: It’s OK when things are difficult—because that’s when you grow.

Monica Resendez, a clinical MSW student and ambassador graduating in 2027, hopes to enter the healthcare field and support individuals in crisis. She values the authentic connections she’s formed with faculty and her cohort.

Monica's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: Allow yourself to fail; the classroom is a safe place to make mistakes, learn from them, and extend yourself grace while growing.

Jimmy Ryan, a clinical MSW student and cohort communicator graduating in 2026, hopes to become a clinical therapist and has found both of his very different practicum experiences surprisingly enriching. He values deep conversations with peers and Houston’s parks.

Jimmie's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: Prioritize yourself, because you can’t help others if you’re depleted—and remember that it is possible to make a living wage as a social worker while still giving back in meaningful ways.

Savannah Skeel, a clinical MSW student and GCSW Ambassador graduating in 2027, hopes to specialize in therapy for young adults with anxiety and ADHD. She values the deep personal reflection required in social work, the strong community within her cohort, and Houston’s creative and activist culture.

Savannah's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: Take time to understand yourself as you move through the program; knowing who you are and what you bring to the field will guide your path and sustain you.

Eniola Solanke, a clinical MSW student and GCSW Ambassador graduating in 2027, aims to become a licensed practitioner advocating for Black women’s healthcare. She values the strong sense of community at the GCSW and Houston’s cultural diversity,

Eniola's Advice for Prospective Social Work Students: The program is emotionally heavy; be prepared for its weight and the emotional labor it requires.