Salute To Our Veterans – Amanda White plans to make a difference in the military and veteran community
Amanda White
Today’s Veteran Salute is to Amanda White, U.S. Army veteran and student in the UI&U Social Work Bachelor’s degree program. She chose this major to be a positive influence in others’ lives, especially the military and veteran community. Read more about her goals in the Q&A below.
Q: What do you plan to do with your degree?
A: I plan to work with the military and veteran community, to help address the unique issues facing service members and their families. As an NCO (Non-commissioned officer) in the Army, it was my job to take care of soldiers. That desire has not changed, even though I no longer wear the uniform.
Q: What led you to this program?
A: I was drawn to the social work field after my son’s diagnosis with ASD (autism spectrum disorder). It was a chaotic and confusing period in our lives, and our social worker was a steady and comforting guide in this new landscape. I want to be able to provide that same service for others and I believe that pursing a degree in social work is the best way to do so.
Q: Why did you choose Union for your studies?
A: The fully online bachelor’s program with a major in social work at Union offers the quality of education I desire, while allowing me the flexibility I need as a military spouse and a parent.
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to your 20 something, what would it be?
A: Hold steady, drive on, and do the thing. Life will throw challenges at you, may make you feel a bit weak in the knees some days, but do not stop pushing and do not wait for things to be “just right”. That’ll never happen, so you’re just going to have to do it imperfectly. And don’t worry so much— it’s all a wonderful adventure.
Q: Who has influenced you the most in your life, and how have they influenced you?
A: I have been influenced by a myriad of people in different phases of my life, so I don’t know that I could chose just one. Right now, in this moment, my greatest influences are my children. I have this desire to do right by them, to be better for them, to change the world for them; that drives my actions every day.