“I learned to become comfortable in the uncomfortable; and to network and navigate relationships with faculty and community members.”
— Laura McDaniel—T’02; MSW ‘06
“Participating in service-learning, both as a student and a student leader, provided me with the opportunity to grow both morally and interpersonally. I met a woman at my first field placement who became a close friend for years. Dr. Gold became a trusted mentor. I was proud that I was one of the few Duke students I knew who had explored Durham and felt comfortable in the community outside of Ninth Street. I learned to become comfortable in the uncomfortable; and to network and navigate relationships with faculty and community members. As a leader in LEAPS, I belonged to a phenomenal group of other student leaders at Duke (an especially fond memory was attending a retreat in Beaufort).
Working with LEAPS had a fundamental impact on my pursuit of a career in clinical social work. The roots of the profession in social justice and being of service were values cemented in me through my participation in service-learning. Since graduating, I have worked in DC in the health policy sphere and locally with the UNC department of psychiatry. I currently serve as the clinical supervisor on an inpatient unit at UNC WakeBrook hospital. ”
— Laura McDaniel—T’02; MSW ‘06