Jana Wu , M.S.W. Class of 2009

The Smith School for Social Work program allows me to bring all of myself to the classroom and my practicum- my spirituality, my beliefs, and previous life experiences are incorporated to create a transformative educational experience.  I am consistently both challenged and supported by my classmates and the faculty here.

Coming from a mixed race family that has included foster children, I have had the opportunity to consider cross-cultural realities in my own life.  Studying at Smith has enabled the further exploration of my own identity development.  Prior to attending Smith I was fortunate to have a host of creative and varied careers in New York City.  I worked as a personal assistant, a yoga and meditation instructor, a photo assistant stylist and as part of a milieu staff at a residential treatment facility for adolescent females on probation and parole.  Each of these roles were enriched by my time spent studying Eastern spirituality and yoga in South East Asia and southern India.  When I turned 29 I decided I wanted to study the human connections I found so fascinating and sustaining in a more structured setting.  This desire naturally led me to field of social work.

I was initially drawn to Smith because of my love of the Pioneer Valley, the wide geographical variation of possible practicum placements, and Smith’s dedication to addressing diversity and the anti-racism commitment. I could never have anticipated what a perfect fit Smith would be for me.  The program attracts a diverse student body from all over the United States and beyond.  The professors are extremely talented, passionate in their beliefs and active in the field.  Collaborating intensively for the summer sessions has allowed me to connect with these professors as mentors.

My first practicum placement was in Seattle, Washington, at an out patient community day treatment program.  I worked with developmentally disabled and chronically mentally ill adults.  I facilitated dance, music and yoga groups, and provided individual treatment and case management.  I was pleasantly surprised at how well supported I was by Smith despite being placed across the country.  I felt connected and was able to meet with other Smith students monthly to discuss our field experiences and bridge our practical work experiences with theoretical concepts learned over the summer.  My faculty field advisor was able to assist me in my ability to think critically about my experiences and incorporate what I had learned during the summer sessions with my eight month field practicum.

Additionally, while in Seattle I did a community practice project working with an organization, Yoga Behind Bars, a non-profit that organizes yoga teachers to teach in prisons. The experience of sharing meditation with men in a maximum security prison was the most rewarding personal work I have ever experienced.  I became very drawn to pursuing a career providing support within the prison or military systems upon graduation.  I intend to study more about PTSD issues, trauma work, and learn the skills required to navigate providing much needed veteran services.

I feel fortunate to have picked a program with a long rich history and relationship in attempting to help heal the trauma of war.  This summer at Smith I had the opportunity to attend a Combat Stress workshop and will be doing my second practicum at the Frank Tejeda V.A. Outpatient Clinic in San Antonio Texas.