Cydnee Lacy, UTA School of Social Work Student, began her college career with no clear roadmap, blueprint or idea just how far her journey would take her. Now, as a senior in the on the cusp of receiving her Bachelor of Social Work, she’s preparing for her next chapter: earning her Master of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania with a well-earned scholarship.
A first-generation college student, Lacy began her higher education journey unsure of what to expect.
“I didn’t really know what social work was growing up,” she said. “I just knew I liked helping people, and it’s something I can do without feeling exhausted by it. It’s fun, and it’s rewarding.”
That sense of purpose eventually led her to social work, a field she values for its flexibility and impact.
“With social work, I like how diverse it is and how you can do a lot of different things with it,” Lacy said. “Since I’ve been at UTA, I’ve taught and I’ve done research, two completely different things, and I really liked both.”
Cydnee Lacy, UTA School of Social Work BSW student (left), and Dr. Hui Huang, an associate professor in the UTA School of Social Work, pose for a photo at the 2025 JUTA McNair Symposium. (Photo by Cydnee Lacy)
Lacy began college at UT Tyler but quickly realized she needed a different environment. Navigating college as a first-generation student brought challenges and moments of uncertainty.
“I went into college not knowing what to expect,” she said. “I couldn’t really ask anyone in my family because no one knew. It was almost culture shock.”
She transferred to UTA before her sophomore year, drawn by the strength of the social work program and the sense of belonging she found within the School of Social Work. That decision marked a turning point, opening doors to leadership, research and academic discovery.
Along the way, Lacy learned one of her most important lessons: staying true to herself.
“Don’t try to fit in. It doesn’t always work,” she said. “I almost changed my major to nursing because people were telling me to, and I would’ve been so unhappy. It got to a point where it didn’t matter what other people liked, it’s what I like.”
At UTA, Lacy immersed herself in campus life, serving as a senator for the School of Social Work in student government and working for The Shorthorn, UTA’s student newspaper. She also joined the McNair Scholars Program, a federally funded initiative that prepares first-generation and underrepresented students for graduate study through intensive research and mentorship.
Initially unsure about research, Lacy quickly discovered a passion for it.
“I thought I was going to hate it,” she said. “But McNair helped me figure out what I want to do. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me gain confidence and showed me that no question is a stupid question.”
Through McNair, Lacy explored topics including substance use and eating disorders, areas that helped shape her future career goals. She plans to pursue a clinical MSW with a specialization in health, with the goal of becoming a medical social worker focusing on eating disorder treatment.
“I want to work with eating disorders,” she said. “There’s not a lot of research, and it’s something that really needs attention. There are so many people struggling, and there aren’t enough conversations about it.”
Lacy credits the School of Social Work faculty and her mentors for encouraging both academic excellence and personal growth.
“One of the biggest things I learned is not to put so much pressure on myself,” she said. “If you start something, the least you can do is try. It’s OK to fail sometimes. You’re still learning.”
Dr. Hui Huang, UTA School of Social Work associate professor, provided insight into Lacy’s impressive scholarship.
“As her McNair Program research advisor, I’ve been impressed by Cydnee Lacy’s steady reliability and commitment to growth,” said Huang. “Her ability to follow through, apply guidance, and continually improve has been a defining strength. Watching her take initiative and build confidence in her academic work has been rewarding, and her scholarship to a top MSW program at the University of Pennsylvania is a testament to her perseverance and dedication.”
As she prepares to leave UTA and begin her graduate studies, Lacy reflects on how far she has come. From a nervous first-year student navigating college for the first time to an Ivy League-bound scholar with a clear sense of purpose.
“If I could talk to my freshman self, I’m sure she would just ask, ‘How did you get here?’” she said. “I would’ve never believed it.”
For Lacy, the journey has been about more than academic success. It has been about resilience, self-discovery and building a future dedicated to helping others, values that will continue to guide her long after she leaves campus.