From Personal Experiences to a Career Path

Stephanie Massey and Jessika Poisel are students in the new UNCW Human Services Technology - Bachelor of Social Work (HST-BSW) extension program. Both recently graduated from Carteret Community College with their associate’s degree and were influenced by life-changing events that led them to pursue an undergraduate degree and career in social work.

In 2021, UNC Wilmington partnered with Carteret Community College to create the first transfer program within the University of North Carolina System for students wishing to pursue a BSW degree.

Students who have successfully completed an associate degree in the Human Services Technology program at Carteret Community College and meet admission requirements of UNC Wilmington’s Bachelor of Social Work program are admitted to the program. This means that students have a straightforward pathway to completing a bachelor’s degree. Social work courses are offered online and once admitted, students receive individual advising on the program and required courses. UNCW has similar agreements with 25 other North Carolina community colleges.

Massey is a senior and chose social work because of its broad range of opportunities to make a difference in communities. Massey’s advisor at Carteret Community College knew Poisel has a big heart and wanted to make a difference. Her advisor suggested she pursue human services. Within a year, she decided a career in social work was where she belonged. Massey experienced homelessness on two separate occasions over a decade ago and as a result, has dedicated her life helping others.

“I know what rock bottom feels like. It was freezing in Michigan. and I was bundled up inside my car. It was so bad that snow was actually coming into the vehicle. I remember one day I was walking on the sidewalk and came across gloves and mittens attached to trees in a park,” she said. A charitable organization attached them to the tree with a message indicating the hand warmers were free to take.

“I want to do that for people and I want people to see that you can hit rock bottom, but you can always change your life around. From where I started from being homeless to where I am today, I want to use my lived experience to show others you can do it too. Life is not hopeless. I want them to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. And yes, it's not going to be an easy, paved road. Yes, you're going to have obstacles. Yes, there's going to be setbacks, roadblocks, but you just have to keep moving forward until you find a door that opens,” she said.

Poisel is a senior who chose social work as a career path because of her own traumatic childhood experiences. When reflecting on her past, Poisel says, “I found that instead of just being bitter and pitying myself about everything that I've gone through, I can recognize my ability to connect with people as a gift. I'm able to engage with people of all different ages, ethnic backgrounds and different professions. So, I decided to become an alcohol and drug counselor and help those who need it understand that your traumas do not define you. They really don't, you can seriously do anything you want to do. You can overcome anything.”

Poisel enjoys witnessing her patients achieve milestones within their personal journey. “It’s just the most fulfilling feeling, especially when they experience something like receiving their first clean drug screen in 10 years,” she says. “I created a certificate, and it may sound silly, but I present it to them because it is important for them to work towards something and to let them know that their personal success is being recognized,” she said.

Poisel plans to pursue the Master of Social Work program at UNCW and continue focusing on mental health counseling at the treatment center she currently works at. Eventually, she hopes to open a private practice in the city of Havelock, N.C.