#nyssswea

"Thank you, Dr. Vinjamuri and the New York State Social Work Education Association for the MSW Student of the Year Award. I had no idea I was nominated, so I am feeling very encouraged. I am tremendously honored to be among the long history of spirited New York State spirited social work student nominees and celebrants. As an MSW student at the Adelphi University School of Social Work, I experience a profound sense of connection and community driven by passionate, dedicated, generous, authentic, and engaged faculty and professors who model what embodiment, social justice action, and mentorship mean in social work practice. I would like to especially thank Dr. Araujo and the OMSW Program, Dr. Oni-Eseleh, Ms, Pickens, and Dr. Zodikoff, and the Student Experience Committee, Dr, Newransky, Dr. Rozario and the Photovoice Participatory Action Research Team, Dr. Paul, Dr. Quiros, and the Practice Committee, Cohort 7, my mother, family, and friends. You teach, inspire, and uplift me. The beauty of being a lifelong learner is I’m always in the Beginner’s mind. I’m always learning something new. The weekend when I received the news of this MSW student recognition, I was investigating racial trauma as part of my work in assisting patients at my Concert Health internship. Through researching racial trauma I found Dr. Lillian Comas-Diaz’ lecture regarding, “A Race informed approach to Racial Wounds: From a Clinical Perspective and Social Justice Integrated Framework.” And by reading further, I read about Dr. Comas-Diaz’ perspectives on mentoring as a sacred act and lifeline as she experienced her mentors, teachers, relatives, and friends as allies in achieving goals while overcoming adversities with empowerment and resilience. What an incredible discovery. At Adelphi, I experience mentorship as a lifeline, a sacred act, and a social justice action. I see the connections. I’m having a transformational experience. I’m full of gratitude and I thank you. "  -- Shelita Birchett Benash, November 11, 2021