Emily Anderson, MSW Student

I am a macro social work student at the University of Michigan focusing in social policy and evaluation with a minor in community organization. My current field placement is at Detroit City Council with Councilmember Castañeda-López. I chose social policy and evaluation because I am passionate about social welfare policy and working to dismantle systemic and structural barriers.

My godmom is who introduced me to social work, specifically macro social work. Without her introduction I would have probably not applied to get my MSW. My entire life Sam has been the person in my corner who has encouraged me to advocate for myself and others, to be empathetic, and to think critically.

My generation has changed the field of social work in a few ways, but I also think it’s important to note that we are building on the work that has come before us. One way I think the newer generation of social workers is different is that we are okay with challenging the systems in place and not accepting the status quo. We have grown up with access to social media which has cultivated a community of connectedness, I think this connectedness makes us carry empathy in every interaction.