Meaghan McBride

My favorite part about GMercyU is the awesome memories I have made with lifelong friends. I have been through two different majors and have met a variety of people that are amazing. I also like walking around campus and knowing individuals by name.

When Meaghan was first looking at colleges, she wanted a smaller school where she would benefit from individualized attention from professors. She found that in GMercyU, and an appreciation for its Core Values. "GMercyU believes in Integrity, Respect, Service, and Justice which almost coincide with the core values of Social Work," Meaghan said.

Experience in the Social Work Program

Meaghan first came to GMercyU as a nursing student, but discovered the field was not for her. She reached out to Career Development's Nick Shaefer for assistance. He had her complete a personality test which helped direct her to some career paths that might better suit her. "He was phenomenal. The one thing I learned from him was to not give up," she said. 

After taking an interest in Social Work and performing some research on the field, Nick connected Meaghan with Dr. Luquet and Dr. Nuss.

"They both were extremely caring and welcomed me with open arms. They want each student to be successful and will go to extreme measures to advocate for their students," Meaghan said.

Internship Experience

Meaghan interned with Family Promise in Montgomery County, Pa. There, she was offered a part time job as Lead Pantry Supervisor where she oversaw the operations of the food pantry and assigned volunteers various tasks.

"It's been the best internship so far that I have experienced," Meaghan said.

Meaghan had the opportunity to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Family Promise, where she met Josh Shapiro, Attorney General of Pennsylvania, and Valeria Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. She had the privilege of sitting in the front row with other event staff and was captured in a photo that was later featured on Shapiro's Instagram.

Meaghan also completed volunteer hours for one of her classes at Manna on Main Street in Lansdale, Pa. In her role there, she shadowed a social worker for 15 hours and interacted with clients who came in seeking food.

"It was a neat experience, and every client I encountered had a fascinating story," Meaghan said.

Post-Graduation

After graduation, Meaghan plans to continue her education journey by attending Bryn Mawr College to pursue her Master of Social Work (MSW). Thanks to GMercyU's Social Work program accreditation, she was eligible for the advance-standing program, which allows her to graduate in one year instead of two.  

Why Attend GMercyU?

"My experience has been awesome. I would suggest to prospective students interested in Social Work to come to GMercyU because of the close cohort they will work with," Meaghan said.

Meaghan described social work as "the helping profession" and in order to be successful, the program allows classmates to work with one another in simulations or internships to meet the basic and complex needs of all people. "It is not an easy job because you are working with individuals who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty," she said.

Even thought here are good and bad days, Meaghan said that having a close cohort to lean on during those times is extremely important. "From the professors to the students, everyone is caring and wants the best for everyone."