Writing My Mac Story
May 20, 2019 | 12:47 PM
Faythe Newberry '19, Social Work Major
To be completely honest, I didn’t know what I was in for when I started at MacMurray, but, after just three years, I graduated with my Bachelor of Social Work. Many people struggle with the idea of sticking with something so demanding for four straight years, but I wanted to put getting my degree in four years to the test. So, after I graduated high school in 2016, I went straight into the college experience, and during my three years at Mac I was able to write my own story.
Here’s how I did it:
- MOTIVATION AND DETERMINATION: During my senior year of high school I was able to take dual credit courses that put me a semester ahead at the time I started at MacMurray. This allowed me to jump straight into my core Social Work courses in my first semester. If you have the chance to take advantage of dual credit courses, DO IT! Another opportunity that I took advantage of was taking overload every semester. Overload looks different for every student as some courses are not always offered when you need them to be. Students generally take 12-15 credits each semester (4-5 classes). Overload, for me, was 18-21 hours a semester (6-7 classes). On top of my coursework, I was working anywhere from 10-25 hours per week at my part time job(s) and attempting to make it home on the weekends to spend time with my family. But, I did it!
- THE SUPPORT OF MY PROFESSORS: My professors supported my strengths and encouraged my growth in those areas of weakness. They stood by my side through every good and bad grade. They allowed me to use my passions to fuel my projects. They believed in me. At MacMurray, you can expect the professors to become more than just a professor. They become mentors, references and eventually colleagues. Because of my professors, I am pursuing my Master of Social Work, I am considering all levels of Social Work Practice and achieving things I never would’ve imagined. Although it was important for them to believe in me, I also had to believe in them. And, I did it!
- THE SUPPORT OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY: Moving an hour away from home doesn't seem so bad at first, but for me it was definitely a change. FaceTime became my favorite thing to do with them when I was gone for weeks at a time. Meeting them halfway, just to have dinner, also became something that I looked forward to. My friends, on the other hand, kept me occupied with study groups, coffee dates, random dinners and spontaneous trips to each other’s hometowns. They have become some of the most important people in my life and I cherish the memories we’ve all made together. Yeah, there have been bumps, but we did it!
- FAITH: During my time at MacMurray, I’ve grown as a person and a professional, but the most important growth I’ve made is in my faith. I surrounded myself with people who encouraged and challenged my beliefs, and I couldn’t be more thankful for those who did that. And, are still doing it!
In the end, it's all about writing YOUR college experience the way that YOU want to, not how other people want to hear it. I have won many awards, been inducted into multiple honor societies, received multiple scholarships, but the most important part of my story is how I did it. I wish those reading this the best in YOUR college experience here at MacMurray College!
