Graduating BSW spotlight: Molly Madden
School of Social Welfare senior Molly Madden knew she wanted to go to the University of Kansas her entire life. Her mom and older sister went to Kansas. Madden didn’t even apply to other universities because “I’ve always been a Jayhawk.”
Madden also has a passion for helping people, making social work an easy choice. This spring, Madden will graduate with her Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Learn more about Madden below.
Where is your mind as you near graduation?
Madden: “I'm really excited. I feel prepared. I feel like I've learned a lot in these past couple of years, focusing just on social welfare. My classmates, instructors and practicum have really helped with that real-world experience. I'm very excited, very happy.”
Why did you choose social work?
Madden: “I always knew I wanted to work with kids in some capacity, but I didn't really think I wanted to be a teacher. I've always been very passionate about helping others and advocating for others, no matter what that means. That all tied in together with child welfare.”
Is there a Social Welfare memory that sticks out to you?
Madden: “Honestly, Heather Bradley-Geary’s SW 512 Skills-Based Advocacy class. That environment was just so motivational and supportive and that was probably the best class environment I've ever been in. She was just awesome. She was open with everyone and always shared her own stories and what was going on in her world at the moment, and how that relates to our class. She gave the space for us to share our opinions and feelings. That made the environment very welcoming.”
What stood out to you about the program?
Madden: “This class. I feel like we’ve all made a lot of good, solid friendships throughout our time and I just love that we’ve been able to become so close and know everyone’s stories and become that support system.”
You mentioned wanting to work with children. What sort of career aspirations do you have?
Madden: “Just being able to advocate for kids. It's hard for them to speak up and share their opinions and what they need, even though people think, ‘Oh, they're kids, like, how could they know what's best?’ But they know what they want and they know what's best for them, and it's just going to be nice to be a voice for them, and help them out in any way I can.”
What opportunities were possible through the School of Social Welfare?
Madden: “I was able to pretty much choose my practicum placement. I enjoyed that, because I was able to choose to be in an elementary school, and they also gave me the opportunity to shadow in a few different schools, so I could see the different age levels. It's nice that they're flexible and so supportive with just different things you want to check out.”