SocialWork@Simmons Student Spotlight: Lillian Aguirre

Lillian Aguirre
Program Type: Extended
Hometown: Rosemead, California

Lillian Aguirre is a SocialWork@Simmons student from Las Vegas, Nevada, where she has lived for eight years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Las Vegas Nevada, and is currently the program company manager for a private company that provides in-home services to families who have children with autism. Prior to her current role, she completed supervision hours in hospice and juvenile justice settings. Lillian has also worked with youths and adults who are registered sex offenders. She is pursuing her Master of Social Work to expand her expertise and continue to grow and learn in the field. Learn more about Lillian and her experience in the SocialWork@Simmons program in the following Q&A.

Why did you decide to pursue your M.S.W.?

I decided to pursue my master’s degree because I want to grow and gain more knowledge in this field. In addition, I want to establish credibility at the community and state levels. Pursuing my master’s also enhances my field and education experiences.

What drew you to apply to the SocialWork@Simmons program?

The wonderful faculty and the prominent leaders who have attended Simmons are what drew me to apply. The program is intense, yet educational. People who work hard and create change motivate me.

Why did you choose the SocialWork@Simmons program?

I chose this program because of the tremendous support students receive throughout their time in the program. The virtual classroom is a different experience, and I enjoy how involved the professors are.

What are the social advocacy movements or causes that interest and inspire you?

In my current position, I get to work with families who have children with autism. I am interested in the challenges these families have, and I am proactive in advocating for them. Currently, I am involved in the movement for Medicaid recipients to qualify to receive services for their children.

What is your favorite part about the program?

My favorite part of the program is networking with other M.S.W. students from around the world.

Describe the SocialWork@Simmons classroom experience.

The virtual classroom lets you be comfortable in your home while learning. The classroom agenda allows for conversation topics that are interactive, and I also enjoy the breakout rooms, which help you to get to know other students through intimate conversations. Finally, I enjoy that we can share our screens with the classroom to view presentations.

What has surprised you most about the program?

What has s surprised me most is the faculty knowing who you are and where you are it in the program. Receiving care packages, self-care reminders, and confidence boosters create a wonderful experience.

What are you most excited for in the program?

I am most excited to see where my field placement is going to be and for the opportunity to be a good representative of Simmons College.

What has SocialWork@Simmons taught you so far?

Social Work at Simmons has taught me how to be professional and ethical while creating change. I have been taught to plan and strategize to be an effective social worker. I have learned that research is very important. Being able to provide a research-based intervention allows for credibility and effectiveness. It also allows one to review any current policy and procedures. Finally, Simmons has taught me that social work is a growing field, and that social workers can create change because they understand of all the factors that play a part with an individual.

What’s the best part about earning your M.S.W. online from Simmons College?

The best part about earning my M.S.W. online from Simmons College is being able to have lifelong colleagues from around the world. I am able to graduate as a Shark and know that I received my education from a prestigious university that takes pride in the education given to their students.

Do you have any advice for future M.S.W. candidates?

The advice that I would give is to utilize your time management skills to your fullest potential. Also, know that the work is demanding, however, there is so much knowledge to be learned and experience to be gained.

Anything else we should know about you?

I motivate myself with scoops of Nutella around midterms and finals, which then requires me to workout to decompress. Simmons is great to be a part of, and it’s a privilege to be accepted. Good luck everyone!