Finding satisfaction helping communities
Student of the Week: Maria Trevino
“By studying social work, I see the satisfaction of helping people and communities. I feel strongly that since our youth is our future we should work as hard as we can to get them the help they need so they are able to succeed."
A lifetime dedicated to helping others has pushed South Texas College student Maria Treviño to return to college and address current stigmas in mental health among young people.
Born and raised in Mission, Treviño said she decided to attend South Texas College to pursue an associate degree in Social Work. Formerly a graduate of Texas A&M International University in Laredo with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and a Criminal Justice Concentration, Treviño said she was inspired to return to college to pursue a career as a caseworker.
Already using her degree in Criminal Justice, Treviño is now working with at-risk teens who need the most help getting their lives on track.
Instead of seeing youth behind bars, Treviño said she wants to work to see they never end up in that situation in the first place.
“It’s all related, I studied criminal justice because I wanted to be a probation officer for juveniles, and even now I'm working with teenagers on the job,” Treviño said. “By studying social work, I see the satisfaction of helping people and communities. I feel strongly that since our youth is our future we should work as hard as we can to get them the help they need so they are able to succeed. At a time when mental health is already underfunded, kids need the proper attention, regardless.”
STC’s Associate of Arts in Social Work mirrors closely the first two years of most four-year social work programs, which makes it ideal for students looking to transfer.
The Social Work program is wide-ranging and enables students to work in everything from public and private social service settings like schools and hospitals and crisis centers.
In Treviño’s case, she plans to work within juvenile detention centers as a resource for counseling services for children. Upon graduation, Treviño said she hopes to transfer to a bachelor’s program in Social Work and later pursue a master’s degree in order to enter a new career as a licensed clinical social worker.
“I’m glad I was encouraged to go back, to talk to people, advisors and administrators to see what opportunities and possibilities are available to me,” Treviño said. “If you are a student and once you start your education, you can’t stop. You have to seek education if you want to continue to grow. Don’t let obstacles get the best of you and continue to talk to people so you get the help you need.”