Senior Success: Ashley Koffink heads to Boston College for master’s degree in social work
Ashley Koffink ’22, a psychology major from Holbrook, Massachusetts, will be pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Boston College. She will be specializing in clinical social work with children, youth and families. She then will be ready to become a License Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
After Koffink begins pursuing her professional career, her longterm goal is to open her own private practice working with children and adolescents with mental illness and PTSD.
“Many faculty members at Salve had a tremendous impact on me personally and academically,” said Koffink.
Koffink specifically pointed out Laura Kcira-Barry, disabilities services coordinator, and Dr. Paula Martasian, associate professor in the Department of Psychology. Koffink explains that these faculty members pushed her to believe in herself when she was having doubts about personal or academic endeavors.
“I credit them for getting me where I am today heading for Boston College,” she said. “Their words and encouragement will help me continue to be a success in both my academics and my future career as a social worker.”
One of the most important things that Koffink learned during her studies at Salve Regina is the diversity that exists in the world and how necessary it is to analyze the bigger picture of a person and situation. She believes this knowledge of diversity will directly impact her future career as a social worker.
“We are not all the same, and we come from different cultures, religions and backgrounds,” she explained. “Taking the time to get to know a person, where they live, what their family is like, etcetera, can help you be a support system.”
After her experience as an undergrad at Salve, Koffink urged incoming students not to worry so much about declaring their major. She explains that she started off as a biology major, but she quickly became intrigued by her psychology classes. Even though some of the classes she took were intimidating, the professors she worked with made her experience enjoyable.
“My experience at Salve Regina has been life-changing,” she concluded. “I have grown as a person academically and spiritually. I walked into this beautiful campus with hopes of finding new friends, experiences and knowledge, and I am leaving with so much more.”
Article written by student writer Taylor Majkowicz ’22
Senior Success is part of Salve Success — a series of student success stories periodically featured on SALVEtoday. Check out the tag Salve Success for more stories.
