Posted on December 5, 2024 by
David Leija is a Master of Social Work graduate who has been offered a full-time position from his practicum at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Read about his unique journey below.
What made you decide to attend UTSA?
I applied to UTSA because my cousin graduated from the Social Work master's program here. She loved her experience and she felt that it prepared her for her career in clinical practice.
What made you choose your major?
My personal struggles recovering from a methamphetamine use disorder inspired me to pursue a career in social work. It was a long and hard journey and if it wasn't for talented clinicians, I probably wouldn't be here right now. I wanted to help future generations in their recovery journey, whether that be as a clinician, educator, or a researcher.
What has been your favorite moment/experience at UTSA?
There are so many! I think one of my favorite experiences was having the opportunity to be part of the Bachelors of Social Work Committee. I was able to be a graduate student representative as the Social Work Department underwent the process of developing the Bachelors of Social Work program.
How did your degree shape your future goals?
Currently, I am finishing my practicum at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center as an intern therapist. It was such a great fit that they hired me as a part time recovery coach. They have offered me a job as a full time therapist when I graduate.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in college?
Co-Leading Advocacy Day. Every year a group of us social work students go to advocacy day in Austin. This last year was the first year that we had undergraduate students join us.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your college years, and how did you overcome it?Maintaining my mental health. As someone in recovery from substance use and other mental health disorders, it was imperative that I practice self-care. It's very easy to lose balance in grad school. Constantly checking in with myself to ensure that I was okay was essential for me to maintain my health.
If you could give advice to incoming students, what would it be?
Be kind to yourself. Learning can be both a fun and laborious process. It's okay to make mistakes, lots of them. Making mistakes is an essential part of learning. Just get back up, dust yourself off, talk to some friends, and get back out there. (Also if you have trouble applying yourself in your studies, do zoom study sessions with friends)
What are your post-graduation plans?
I have been offered a therapist position at the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that I am currently interning at. After a few years of practice experience, I am hoping to pursue my PhD in either social work or public health.
If your years at UTSA had a theme song, what would it be?
When You Were Young -The Killers
What’s your go-to comfort food for stressful study sessions?
Panda Express.
What surprised you the most about college life?
How personable the professors are. In my previous academic experience my professors were a bit standoffish. At UTSA the professors have been engaged, invested, and created opportunities for us students to collaborate in the learning process.
How do you want to use your degree to make a difference in your community or field?
Though I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for a few talented clinicians I encountered throughout my recovery journey, I still experienced a lot of hardships, stigma, and injustices while recovering from I.V. drug use. I want to research substance misuse within the LGBTQ+ community and create culturally responsive and effective interventions to meet their needs.
If you had to sum up your college experience in three words, what would they be?
Reflect, Transform, Repeat
What’s one piece of advice that you received during college that you’ll carry with you?
"Try waiting for the other person to close their mouths before you start speaking."
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