Erica DesJardins
Western Michigan University graduate Erica DesJardins is continuing her journey in social work after earning her Bachelor of Social Work degree in Spring 2026.
DesJardins completed the program magna cum laude through the Lee Honors College and said her decision to transfer to Western Michigan University was driven by the university’s opportunities and support systems for first-generation students.
“As the first from my family to graduate college, I knew I wanted a community that could understand some of my experiences,” she said. “The TRIO Student Success Program provided that community for me.”
Her passion for social work stems from personal experiences interacting with social services during childhood. She said those experiences inspired her to pursue a career focused on helping children, students and families.
“I chose social work so that one day, alongside my personal experiences, I will have a well-rounded educational foundation to make a difference,” she said.
One of her most impactful experiences in the College of Health and Human Services was completing an internship with Sindecuse Health Center’s Psychiatric Services. Through the internship, she worked alongside therapists and other health care professionals in a collaborative care environment addressing social determinants of health.
DesJardins said her experience in SWRK 4600: Social Work with Communities also gave her an opportunity to gain real-world experience. In the course, students assessed communities through qualitative and quantitative research. DesJardins focused on the Vine Neighborhood in Kalamazoo and connected directly with community members throughout the semester.
“Talking with these individuals helped me realize the importance of meeting people where they are and involving community members in potential change,” she said.
As a first-generation student, she said navigating higher education came with challenges, but support from faculty members with similar backgrounds helped her feel welcomed and prepared for the field.
“Having professors share that they were also the first in their families makes my journey feel a little less lonely,” she said. “I would like to thank Dr. Alexis Byers, Christopher Hodshire, Dr. Shane Brady and Paul Mailloux for showing a clear dedication to not only me but all their students in pursuit of education and aspirations. It's faculty like them that make WMU a home away from home.”
DesJardins said the people within the Bachelor of Social Work program were her favorite part of the experience, noting that students are united by a shared desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
Following graduation, she will continue her education in WMU’s Master of Social Work program with a clinical social work concentration and school social work specialization. She will also serve as a graduate assistant in the Merze Tate College dean’s office.
She said she would recommend WMU and the College of Health and Human Services to prospective students because of the university’s commitment to helping students connect their personal experiences to meaningful careers.
“I would recommend WMU/CHHS because it is an institution that will prepare you to use your personal ‘why’ in the most meaningful way,” said DesJardins. “We all have experiences that motivate us and majors at CHHS will provide the opportunity for career paths that could aid someone else in finding their ‘why.’”