For many students, pursuing a degree in social work at Boise State University is more than just earning a degree; it’s a path toward meaningful impact. Cristina Snyder and Sadia Abdulkadir graduated with their Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in May and are now enrolled in the on campus Master of Social Work Advanced Standing program, which allows students with bachelor’s degrees in social work to complete their master’s degree in one year. They shared their experiences in the bachelor’s program, highlighting how their journeys have shaped their passion for helping communities. Both a.
Driven by community impact
Snyder’s passion for social work stems from her desire to uplift communities and improve well-being. Her decision to major in social work was fueled by the degree’s strong emphasis on community-driven education.
“The selling point to me is working in a community that wants to thrive and provide a better life and finding ways to help others’ well-being,” she said.
Throughout her time in the program, Snyder has built strong relationships with professors who have guided her along the way.
“I’ve had a really good experience,” she said. “I am really happy to have met so many great professors that helped me so much along the way.”
Transcript of Cristina Snyder’s video
My name is Cristina Snyder, and my Boise State social work degree makes a meaningful impact. The selling points to me is just working in a community that’s wanting to thrive and to provide a better life and finding ways to help others well-being. I am just really excited to be a Bronco. I’ve had a really good experience. I am really happy to have met so many great professors that helped me so much along the way.
Inspired by values and community work
For Abdulkadir, the decision to study social work was deeply rooted in the program’s values and mission. She was drawn to its commitment to serving communities and driving social change.
“What drew me to the program was the values,” she said. “When I think about what they’re doing for the community, that’s what brought me into the social work program.”
“I want to work within the community, whether it’s in counseling or doing case management, just to help improve the day-to-day life of people’s well-being,” she added.
Abdulkadir’s journey has reinforced her commitment to advocacy and empowerment, equipping her with the knowledge and tools to create meaningful change in people’s lives.
Transcript of Sadia Abdulkadir’s video
Hi, my name is Sadia Abdulkadir and I’m a Boise State social work student. With my social work degree, I want to work within the community, whether it’s in counseling or doing case management, just to help improve the day to day life of people’s well-being. What drew me to the program was the values. I feel like the values really align with what I believe in and what I want for my life. When I think about what they’re doing for the community, that’s what brought me into the social work program.
A journey of growth and impact
Both Snyder and Abdulkadir exemplify the heart of social work: compassion, dedication and advocacy. Their stories reflect the powerful impact of Boise State’s School of Social Work, showing how education can be a catalyst for social change.
For those looking to make a difference in their communities, Snyder and Abdulkadir’s stories serve as inspiration and proof that with the right education and determination, lasting change is possible.