Adelphi Social Work Major Named BSW Student of the Year for New York State
Garden City, NY (05/18/2021) — Jessica Karim, a social work major at Adelphi University, has been named the 2021 BSW Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers - New York State Chapter . The award honors an undergraduate social work student who has demonstrated academic excellence and active pursuit of the values, knowledge, and skills of the social work profession.
"It is an absolute honor to be presented with the BSW Student of the Year Award," Karim said.
To be considered for the honor, individuals must engage in work or volunteer commitments that emphasize a strong desire and capacity to make a difference in the lives of others, through the use of social work knowledge, skills and abilities, practice and advocacy. For Karim, all of those aspects are why she chose social work as a career path.
A Call to Help, Advocate for Herself and Others
"When looking at what led me into social work, I think a lot about my upbringing," Karim said. "I self-identify as a physically disabled person of color. I'm the daughter of immigrants and the first person in my family to go to college. Growing up with parents who spoke broken English, I had to do a lot of advocacy. These early experiences of advocacy truly shaped me into the person I am today because they allowed me to learn how to fight for myself, my family, and advocate for what I needed."
Earlier this month, Karim was featured in a Newsday story about the impact of the pandemic on students with disabilities. In the story, Karim shares her experience navigating online learning and quarantine while advocating for others with disabilities.
"Jessica is an inspiration to all of us in the School of Social Work," said Manoj Pardasani, dean of Adelphi's School of Social Work. "She is resilient, persistent and committed to her education. She is a vocal and strident advocate for her needs and this has helped faculty, administrators and fellow students gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by visually challenged individuals like herself."
Karim, who is on course to graduate in 2022, plans to pursue a master's in social work. She aspires to be a social worker in the health care or medical field. "Being a micro-preemie, I know that my parents spoke to many social workers about me and the care I'd need. I want to help others the way my family and I was."
"Jessica is the true embodiment of a social worker -- a passionate advocate, a change maker and a persistent fighter for equity," Manoj expressed. "As a social worker, I have no doubt that she will be impactful and effective. We are proud of her and her accomplishments."
For Karim, the adversity and struggles she's overcome in her own life is what she thinks will make her an ideal social worker. "I'm able to connect with clients because I understand what it's like to struggle. I know what it's like to not be taken seriously, to struggle to be heard, and to fight to be seen as valuable. My goal is always to connect with clients and help them through things and give them the support they deserve."
About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning
Adelphi University, New York, is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training, with particular strength in our Core Four-Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness.
Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university. It serves almost 8,000 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.
More than 116,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.
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Jessica Karim, a social work major at Adelphi University, has been named the 2021 BSW Student of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers – New York State Chapter.
Adelphi University / New York
Taylor Damian, 516-993-5677, tdamian@adelphi.eduShare this Story
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