Graduating Student Spotlight: Rana Hamdalla

Rana Hamdalla defines her morals through her eagerness to help others, no matter where they come from. Hamdalla, who will graduate with her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare in May, looks forward to using that helping trait in her professional career.

Hamdalla grew up in Jordan and began her professional career in pharmacy. But since living in the United States, Hamdalla wanted to pursue a more helping profession. The School of Social Welfare helped her find that.

Get to know more about Hamdalla as she shares her thoughts ahead of graduation.

How did you end up choosing social work?

Hamdalla: “With COVID, mental concerns were on the rise, and that’s when I felt I needed to help others.  I went to Johnson County Community College and took a couple of classes in sociology and psychology. I was mostly interested in psychology, and I remember my professor telling me to keep going and that I would make a difference. I came to the counselor here at KU Edwards Campus. We sat, we talked, and after that conversation, she said, ‘You are a social worker.’ I asked what made her say that. She said her mom is a psychologist and her mother-in-law is a social worker. I did not know much about social work, to be honest. So, she recommended a couple of books. I read them, and that's where I found my passion.”

Why do you think social work resonated so much?

Hamdalla: “Social justice is very important for me. The first semester was hard; I kept wondering if I was in the right place. I do remember one of my colleagues asking me if I knew if I was doing the right thing. This is very personal for me, but after a month, I knew I was where I was meant to be. I'm Palestinian, so I feel the least thing I can do is advocate for social justice. Maybe one day I'll have the chance to visit Palestine and help them.” 

Is there something in the day-to-day with social work that allows you to represent these values?

Hamdalla: “I can be there for anyone in any situation, no matter who they are. I can sit with you even if you don’t want to talk, that’s OK. I can do this, and I have done it with my patients, offering quiet presence while also making sure they feel supported.”

What opportunities did you get in your practicum?

Hamdalla: “My practicum is at Camber Children’s Mercy Hospital in Olathe, where I work mostly with children. It’s interesting, when I first entered the program, I was especially interested in working with women and children. As a mom, though, it can be really hard to work with children because it’s difficult not to imagine your own child in those situations or carry those emotions home with you. You see all kinds of difficult experiences, and it can feel heavy and challenging, but I’m being supported by a strong team at Children’s Mercy.”

What aspirations do you have with a Master of Social Work degree?

Hamdalla: “I have mixed emotions about coming to the end of this program, where I’ve learned a lot. I’ve built many meaningful relationships with those around me, and everyone has been extremely supportive. I feel lucky to have had such great people in my journey - professors, fellow students, and the teams I worked with during my two practicums. It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of something new. Whatever comes next, I’m excited for it.”