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Marcela Campo Hometown: New Milford, Connecticut Major: Social Work WCSU Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work INTERNSHIPS: Hispanic Center of Greater Waterbury, spring 2014; Family Resource Center at Vogel-Wetmore Elementary School, fall 2014 - spring 2015 Activities: Social Work Club; International Student Exchange Program, fall 2013 (Ghana, Africa) and summer 2014 (Thailand); volunteer work in Ghana for one semester (fall 2013); facilitated an anti-human trafficking event on campus in April 2015. Honors and Awards: Dean’s List spring 2014 and fall 2014. |
New Milford resident Marcela Campo enrolled at Western because she wanted to go to a school with smaller classes that was close to home. While a student here, she ended up traveling to places as far away as Africa and Thailand.
She chose to study social work because of her innate desire to help others. "In high school, I became a French Honors student my sophomore year and was asked by one of my teachers to tutor other students who were struggling in her classes," she says. "It was then that I realized I enjoyed being in leadership positions where I could serve as a role model and mentor."
On the subject of mentors, Campo says she found one at Western in her adviser, Assistant Professor of Social Work Dr. Kit Hinga. "She has worked with me for the past four years to help me get where I am," Campo says. "She is one of the most caring, understanding and inspirational people I have ever met in my life."
Asked what she will remember most about her Western experience, Campo says, "Leading a Social Work Senior Year Orientation for the incoming class of 2016. I was chosen by my professors along with two other seniors to speak about my personal experience as a student and intern in the field. I enjoyed sharing my experiences with the juniors and being able to answer their questions regarding graduate school, work, time management and school workload"
After graduation, Campo will be traveling once again. "I’ve just accepted a year-long teaching position with WorldTeach in Pohnpei, Micronesia. WorldTeach is a nonprofit organization that places approximately 400 volunteers in developing countries every year."
Campo’s advice to new students entering WCSU is: “I would highly encourage every freshman to be involved in clubs, organizations and/or on-campus activities to maximize their experience at WCSU. It will help them build relationships, network and give back to their community.”
