Wanda Mcdonald

I am currently an undergraduate student at Iona College, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Philosophy. I am also a wife and mother of four children. My goal is to complete my graduate degree with a Masters in Social Work with a clinical focus. I hope to work with the elderly population and help to advance social change that enhances the quality of life among the aged. I believe learning health and wellness strategies early on in life are vital to the enhancement in the development of positive coping skills that can greatly impact individual’s wellbeing. It is for this reason that I sought out a part-time position at Iona College's Counseling Department as a wellness outreach advocate. This opportunity allows me to engage members of the school community in a way that promotes wellness.
As a Social Work major, I have also learned to value the importance of human relationships and one's ability to experience a genuine sense of belonging. I have also learned that it takes more than empathy and a charismatic personality to contribute to supports that lead to the empowerment of vulnerable people, it requires service to the community that facilities the necessary changes voiced by its members.
Through my volunteer experiences, I have learned that communities thrive when the overall wellbeing of its members are sought after and promoted. It is my passion to serve as a promoter of wellness in my community. Having a regular variety of responsibilities has taught me, with the right resources I can accomplish any task at hand. This is a message that I would like to share when promoting wellness.
As Dennis Saleeby’s strength’s perspective says, everyone has strengths. No matter what challenges life brings, I believe human beings can be brilliantly resilient, and resourceful. Individuals are capable of amazing things if they have the right support. have the right support. Having cultural humility allows me to connect with diverse groups of people from around the world. I believe my passion to engage diversity in all its dimensions as well as my desire to be a lifelong learner makes me an excellent candidate for the social work profession.