Student Spotlight – Maria Cristina Palaroan Soresca, MSW Candidate 2021, San Jose State University

Hello, social work community! My name is Cristina Soresca and I am proud to be a part of this profession. 

1. How did you become interested in pursuing social work?

I was interested in pursuing social work after attending a rally for women’s reproductive rights and some of the individuals there asked me if I was in social work. I had no idea that social workers had such a wide variety of “hats” and that advocacy and social justice was a part of what social workers do. After this conversation, I felt a strong sense of community and decided to focus on my path to becoming a social worker.

2. What area of social work are you most interested in? Why?

I am interested in multiple areas of social work especially the macro level. I believe that being proactive in policy is a way for me to be a part of the changes I want to see. I am going to be a school social worker. My experience with school social work started with my first internship as an undergrad. I interned at a middle school where I experienced crisis-intervention, trauma-informed care, the differences between group and individual therapy, and the benefits of pet therapy (just to name a few). I learned so much at this internship and was inspired by the community work of my peers and mentors. I knew that I wanted to give back to this community that inspired me and so here I am a master’s student working towards my PPSC (Pupil Personnel School Credential). 

3. What are your interests outside of social work? Any hobbies? How do you take care of yourself?

My interests outside of social work! I have so many! I grew up in a mountain town (South Lake Tahoe) and I was privileged to have nature in my front and back yard. I love being outdoors and being active. My favorite things depend on the weather and if my dogs can be a part of the adventure. In the winter I love to snowboard! Once there is warm weather, I love backpacking and water activities such as wake surfing. In the fall I love hiking and camping. During school, I practice yoga, journaling, and reading to help stay grounded. I would say I’m very much on the go and that works for my type of self-care.

4. What advice would you give to future and incoming social work students?  

Advice for future and incoming social work students: be patient with yourself, trust in the process, and set clear boundaries!

5. Any thoughts on where you see the future of social work headed? The role of social work in our current climate? Your role specifically?   

My hopes for social work are for us to receive title protection and for society to recognize and support the impact of our profession. I believe that my role in social work in our current climate is advocacy, activism, and creating space to help amplify the voices of those who are historically disenfranchised/marginalized. 

Submitted by Alex Michel, NASW-CA Membership Intern