1. Why did you choose to attend UTA’s School of Social Work?
2001-2002 UTA MSW Program, Advance standing due to BSW from Stephen F. Austin
Title IV program while working as a CPS Investigator.
2. Describe your experience at UTA.
During my time at UTA I enjoyed quality instruction from some truly sensational professionals. I enjoyed cultural awareness, some super cool events, and tons of student engagement. Being a student in the UTA School of social work was just an amazing academic experience.
3. How did UTA help prepare you for a career?
As an older person, I learned so much as a professional and as a student. This program offered readily available and accessible guidance and support. It was truly an awesome part of my professional journey.
4. Why are you passionate about using your social work degree in the many fields that you work in?
I am passionate because I know that the skills and training, I received from UTA School of Social work have prepared me to do amazing work. And for the past 22 years I’ve been excited to use those skills to make a difference in the lives of so many of our young people in crisis. This degree has enabled me to be the kind of stakeholder that I wish I had when I was homeless and in need of social support. This is why I have not lost one ounce of my drive to serve over the past 27 years. It has been an honor to be associated with this amazing school.
Michael Guinn speaks during the Social Work Symposium at the University of Texas at Arlington. (Photo by Thomas Johns)
5. Social work is a field that requires resilience and compassion. How do you manage the emotional and mental demands of your work?
I am able to manage and maintain the emotional and mental demands of this work by being able to use creative approaches to express myself and in doing so I’m able to achieve a balance that allows me to breathe and renew with each new case.
6. What message would you share with the next generation of social workers?
I want to say that if you seek to work in the field of social service then you should choose a program that prepares you both professionally and personally. UTA School Of Social Work does just that. With them its personal. With them it's about the WHOLE person.
I would say to anyone that I didn’t choose social work. Social work chose me.