Student Spotlight Makayla Brooks

I chose to attend WVU because this is where my father-in-law attended school. I previously attended a community college in Pittsburgh for early childhood education and realized I was no longer interested in teaching, but that I still loved working with children and their families. One of my professors mentioned to me that she believed I would be a wonderful social worker and helped me figure out that my early childhood classes could be transferred to this program without having to restart a degree program.

My program has prepared me for my next chapter by providing tools to understand child development and the relationships children have with their parents and caregivers. I have learned how early life experiences and these relationships affect a child’s future. I am also aware of how different environments can have a huge influence on people’s lives and can cause stress and harm , helping me gain a deeper perspective on what could be causing individuals distress.

One way I overcame challenges as a student was by confiding in my husband about my worries and fears, and he encouraged me to continue with my studies. The second way was by meeting or emailing my professors when assignments were unclear. The third way was by taking care of my mental health by attending therapy and continuing to be physically active every day. I also received encouragement from my family, the Brennans, professors Melissa Sherfinski, Amy Root, Lacey Swayer, Floyd, and my advisor Elizabeth Rexroad, who helped me find the right classes and allowed me to take six classes in my last semester. Without their support, I could not have completed my degree.

This program is asynchronous and allowed me to work while attending WVU full-time. Since I did not have to attend in-person classes at specific times, I could complete my coursework at times that fit my schedule. It was also beneficial because, although I no longer wanted to be a teacher, I was still able to learn and pursue my interest in working with children and their families.

My advice is if you do not feel like you can accomplish obtaining a degree, you can. I dropped out of high school, walked out the doors, and promised myself that school was not something positive in my life. But with the support of my family, especially my sister Julie and my GED teacher ("Ms. K"), I was able to obtain my GED. My husband believed I could earn a degree, and at the age of 30, I am proud to say I am graduating this December. Believe in yourself and the love and support others are giving you. I hope to someday provide scholarships to others who have obtained a GED to help pay for their higher education.

My post-graduation plans are to enter the field of social work and become a caseworker. I would eventually like to work with families whose loved ones are incarcerated since my hometown has one of the largest maximum-security prisons. I went to school with children whose fathers were sentenced there, and I observed how my peers’ behaviors were heavily influenced by the stress of their fathers being incarcerated.

The best thing about being a Mountaineer is following in the footsteps of my father-in-law, who has been a positive influence and a great support throughout my college experience.