Briana Williams, MSW '24, shares how the FCHC Scholars Program boosted her confidence, expanded her skills, and prepared her to excel in integrated, team-based care.
Program of Study
Master of Social Work Class of ’24
Q&A
What inspired you to apply to be an FCHC Scholar?
I would definitely say Dr. Julie inspired me to apply. She said this could be a great opportunity, and my first thought was, “When I apply for scholarships, I never get it.” But it was Dr. Julie’s persistence and encouragement that had pushed me to take the time and talk to my therapist, my dad, and my partner – asking, “I don't know, should I apply?” Funny enough they all replied, “Yeah, just do it. Why not?” Exactly, why not? So, I applied and to my surprise, I got in. I didn't realize until afterwards how much of an opportunity it was for me; it was right up my alley! That was really great for me. I also didn't realize the financial benefit of it until then. Especially with working two jobs and being a full-time grad student, this program not only works educationally, but financially as well!
What are some benefits that you've experienced being a scholar?
I think mainly meeting people – that I probably wouldn't have ever met – from different programs and talking to them. I would say prior to FCHC, I was isolated within my program and cohort; we all were absorbing the same material and policy of social work, what we’re going to do after school, and how’d we’d implement our newfound knowledge in our internships. So, just being able to collaborate with individuals outside of the MSW program was amazing. Our monthly meetings, special guests, and smaller groups were really helpful for me, especially because of how well the information given from each meeting lined up with my internship. Because I am more of a person who benefits from hands-on learning, our meeting topics like ‘integrated care’ paralleled with me applying those skills into the advanced part of my clinical work. With all that being said, I now have a broader perspective of other behavioral health programs at Fairfield.
What are some like important skills or lessons that you've learned? Or some takeaways as a result of being in the program?
I would say the number one thing for me – especially with my internship – is integrated, team-based care. Like knowing the levels of integrated care, where I and others fall into and how to collaborate with them as a team. In our small group discussions, I learned how I could apply these skills in real time. For example, I have a client at my internship that I needed to implement integrated care by collaborating with the APRN on future plans of treatment. Because of this experience, it was very helpful for me in gaining knowledge on how to understand clinical language and communicate with other behavioral health providers effectively. Even understanding what other providers do, even though we're working with the same client.
How has your experience as a scholar prepared you for your clinical work, or influenced the work that you do now?
If I didn’t go through with FCHC Scholars, I probably would have just been stagnant within my program. If I am being honest, I don’t think I would have found the confidence in my clinical voice in time to speak up in my internship and say, “Hey, I want to talk to the APRN regarding our mutual client. And I want to understand more of what I can do for the client.” Being a scholar prepared me to grow as an individual and gain knowledge on topics talked about, especially from other perspectives of my peers. I think collaborating with my colleagues allowed me to accept feedback and understand that I don't know everything; which is okay! I was able to get out of my comfort zone and learn more.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying to be a scholar?
Apply! If I could do it, you could do it. Continue to invest in yourself. ‘Future you’ is going to appreciate it!
