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Feature Story | Tell us your story! |
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 BackHelping herself to help others Susan was lost. She dropped out of high school and into an aimless existence. At eighteen, with the encouragement of a friend, she did manage to get her G.E.D.* But early dreams of joining the Peace Corps to work with underprivileged children were put on hold. Susan admits, "It was always my goal to go to college but I always defeated myself before I got started, telling myself I couldn't do it. Then I was drawn into the wild life of the seventies and my dreams disappeared." But her strength of character didn't disappear with them. "Although my life, up until thirteen years ago, had been less than 'normal' I somehow held onto the beliefs and values impressed upon me as a child. Humiliating and humbling circumstances have become my greatest tools in helping others." It wasn't until her early 40s that she discovered in herself the resources to go back to school – despite the fact that she was just diagnosed with a serious illness. A friend had just finished her Master's degree in social work. Susan then decided that would be her goal, never believing it would become a reality. She took the plunge with her local community college. "I was really fearful at first. But I used the strength of my personality – I'm disgustingly positive – to get through. I soon discovered that I knew more than I thought through my life experiences. My professors were helpful also; they knew I was in school because I wanted to succeed, so they gave extra help. And believe me, I wasn't afraid to ask!" She proved she could do it. In the first year, she was awarded "outstanding student showing promise in a social work career" and "most college spirited." She then began treatments for her illness, Hepatitis C. "The treatment was very debilitating and, at times, I wanted to give up on school but somehow, I made it through." Extremely ill, Susan returned to Buffalo to be near her family after earning her Associate's degree. But she didn't give up on her dreams. With the support and encouragement of her family, she was accepted into the social work program at Buffalo State College. "It was not an easy time. My grades have not been exemplary due to my illness but with perseverance and faith, I have made progress." The transition from community college to Buffalo State was tough. "This was completely different from community college – no more babying. But I found the professors in the field of social work to be exceptionally compassionate." It wasn't an easy time financially, either. As a divorced, single parent, Susan relied on student loans and public assistance to see her through a full-time college schedule. "I applied for every scholarship there was. It was a lot of work, but it helped." She threw herself into it – and not just school, but volunteer work, too. The valuable experience she gained working at the Boy's Club, the Cornerstone Manor mission for women, the Child Advocacy Center for sexually abused children, and Attica Prison, as well as in the Children's Hospital, fueled both her coursework and her passion for social work. For the past several months, Susan has also interned at Child Protection Services in the Erie County Department of Social Services. Susan has made it through – and there's no stopping her now! This May, she graduated with a Bachelor's in Social Work and – with only a week off – began work on her M.S.W. at the University at Buffalo in the one year, Advanced Standing Master's program. Again, she's applying for every available scholarship. Susan's best advice to other students: Don't give up! She should know. The triumph of her persistence and faith will be the gain of the disadvantaged adolescents she hopes to work with upon graduation. She lives by this quote "Sometimes you have to give up to Win!!" *High School Equivalency Diploma Story by Nancy Davies, based on telephone interview. |
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Susan Moloney University at Buffalo Master's, Social Work |
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