Student Spotlight: Q&A with Marian Arceo
Name: Marian Arceo
Program Type: Extended
Hometown: Originally from New York City, now lives in Atlanta
Why did you decide to pursue your MSW degree?
Social work was always something of a passion for me, but motherhood took over for a time. With the economic woes of late, I knew I needed to better my skills, and pursuing what I love while bettering myself and my family was a blessing.
Explain the professional or volunteer experiences that strengthened your desire to become a professional clinical social worker.
As a former Army wife and mother, volunteerism was in my blood. Frequent moves force you to make a home everywhere you go and the quickest way to do that and make yourself at home is to learn your community.
What drew you to apply to the SocialWork@Simmons program?
Simmons is well respected. The program matches up and exceeds comparison to many others. The online format was frightening to an older student, but what better and safer way to integrate technology than to begin the practice of social work online.
Why did you ultimately choose the SocialWork@Simmons program?
Simmons offered a phenomenal program with the specializations to allow you to career plan, but the flexibility to change and adapt those plans. Ultimately, the warmth exuded by everyone, not just at recruitment, but all the way through the first semester midterms cemented my choice.
Do you have a desired area of focus or specialization you plan to pursue?
My interest lies in the health and aging curriculum. This is a fast-growing field that will offer great career opportunities and a chance to advocate for needed change in a population that is expanding at rates our society is not equipped to fully deal with.
What is your favorite part about the program?
There are so many things to enjoy at Simmons. I enjoy being and having colleagues from all walks of life. I enjoy a hot mug of coffee at class while having the tough commute from my living room to the kitchen.
Describe the SocialWork@Simmons classroom experience.
The classroom experience is unique yet now feels like catching up with friends. We have our large room format for instruction and review. However, the breakout rooms are where small groups convene and get to exchange in-depth analysis.
What has surprised you most about the program?
I came to Simmons to learn. I expected nothing more than class, asynchronous work, reading, and repeat. I didn’t expect to make not only good friends, but also best friends in the program. I also did not expect to make best friends who are my children’s age. We are diverse and the format opens up all possibilities for knowing, connecting, and networking.
What are you most excited for in the program?
Every term I have been challenged. I have also received immeasurable support. I am greatly looking forward to placement. I am not asking for easy. I am asking for growth.
What’s the best part about earning your MSW online from Simmons College?
Earning an MSW is a lifelong dream. Earning it at Simmons means I share in a legacy of hard work, integrity, and innovation. I am filled with great pride at connecting with alumni and those that will follow me.
Do you have any advice for future MSW candidates?
You will hear it often from every instructor. Take care of you. Love you. Enjoy life and family. The work is rigorous, as it should be, so feel comfort that you are well educated when you leave the program. Trust in what they say, self-care is key. The Simmons experience is what you make of it, so make it one of warmth, connections, positivity, and involvement.
Anything else we should know about you?
Jelly beans really do help when you burn the midnight oil. Running a few miles the next morning does alleviate stress. Social work school does prepare you to talk intelligently to the teenage advocate that I’ve raised. And New York City gals will always be just that. Best of luck to everyone.