Commencement is coming up on Saturday, May 11, and we’re highlighting some of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.

Read on to learn more about Joey Berardelli of Mokena, Illinois, who is completing her Bachelor of Social Work.

Favorite Quote:

“If you were born with the weakness to fall, you were born with the strength to rise.”

–Rupi Kaur

What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?

Graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences means that I am taking my first steps in beginning a career of working toward helping others. The School of Social Work has been a wonderful place to learn all the skills and it helped foster my growth as a social worker. By accomplishing this, I am able to successfully be the third generation in my family to go into social service.

What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?

Strategies of Direct Practice and Interaction Skills were two of my favorite classes on the social work track. Both focused on the specifics of interactions and interventions while working with clients, which learning about only made me even more excited to begin working. Both Danielle Easter and Christine Woods were great instructors for those classes and really encouraged us to begin working on what we learned as much as possible.

What activities have you been involved in along the way?

I was a mentor in College Mentors for Kids. I have also had the opportunity to take on a role as a behavioral health consultant in the College of Health Sciences clinics.

Who helped you during your college journey?

My parents and my sister Ryan have been so supportive in my years at Mizzou. Having the best friends and roommates Marie, Anna and Alyssa has been a great help as well. The faculty at the SSW has been so supportive of my classmates and me as well. They really do everything they can to prepare us as much as possible for our careers.

What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?

My field placement was a great learning experience. It was great to be a part of a project that was unique to Mizzou. It was so rewarding and all of the people there were great to work with.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will begin the MSW program here at Mizzou in the fall! I will be on the clinical track and will work to become an LCSW working in children’s mental health services.