When Social Work Shifts from Personal to Professional

Bachelor of Science (Social Work) Alum ‘2020 and Master of Social Work (MSW) Alum ‘2022 Luis Quinones Shares How Social Workers Launched Him into a Career Where He Could Serve Others

What was your first experience with social work? 

I had a tough upbringing. Unfortunately, I spent 18 years in prison. But I used that time to reassess my life. Every key authority figure in my life has been a social worker. The support I received during those challenging moments was from social workers. They encouraged me and helped me pave my career path. Paramount is that I wasn't just a client; they saw and treated me as a person. Social workers were instrumental in helping me get a job on Rikers Island. And now, I can humbly share that I work in the institution that imprisoned me. 

What made you come to York?

I knew I wanted to get a degree focused on an area that made a difference. I wanted to help others as I have been helped. After getting my first job in human services, I knew I wanted to pursue an advanced education, so I applied to York College, graduated with my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Social Work in the Fall of 2020, and then graduated with my Master of Social Work (MSW) in June 2022. 

How did you learn about the Social Work Master's program at York College, and what attracted you to it? 

CUNY’s York College is the only college in Queens County that offers a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree program in Social Work. The school was conveniently located between my home and work, which was one of the reasons I decided to apply. I went into the bachelor's program not knowing York had a master's program, as it had just started. I always imagined I would have to transfer to another college to complete my master's, but it was a blessing when I learned that I could continue and complete my master's at York. 

Is there anything you wish you had known before starting the program?

I would have wanted to be more open-minded and ready to absorb new concepts instead of being stuck in my way of thinking. It took a while to change how I viewed and did things, but once I changed my perspective, everything became more manageable. 

What was the most challenging part of completing your MSW? 

Getting an internship was challenging because most internships at that time required you to work the entire semester. But York's staff was very good at helping us find the right fit for internships that fit your schedule as long as we were willing to do the hard work and commit the time. 

What are you doing now? 

I graduated with my master’s degree in social work in June 2022, and by July 2022, I was promoted to Director of Elder services at Rikers Island. The program assists those 55+ with discharge planning and in-jail support.

What do you like most about your work? 

I have an opportunity to help others, as Social Workers once helped me in this field. I also appreciate that there is diversity in the available roles and the many paths that one can take with a Social Work degree. 

If I had not had the education and preparation, I would not have been given the professional opportunities I have been able to accomplish. I am eternally grateful for my educational experience at York College. 

Do you have any tips for students? 

If you are interested in pursuing an MSW, research the program. Commit to the program and learn the lessons and relish the experiences. Do not be afraid to approach the professors and allow them to help you. Keep your expectations realistic and remember that your salary may be low at the beginning, but with time and experience, your salary will grow to where you want it to be.