Introduction
My name is Laura Virden, and I am a rising senior in the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, where I am pursuing a major in social work with a minor in social justice. I am also a single mother to five sons and a full-time student. Balancing my education with parenting has been challenging, but it has also been the driving force behind my commitment to helping others.
Educational Background and Career Shift
In 2015, I earned an associate’s degree in paralegal studies. At the time, I knew I wanted to help people and believed that working within the legal system was the best way to do so. Through my experiences in that field, however, I realized that my true passion was working directly with people rather than navigating legal procedures. This realization led me back to school and ultimately to the field of social work.
Financial Challenges and Need for Support
Returning to college came with financial challenges. While earning my associate’s degree, I attended school part time for four years while working full time. As a result, I will reach the maximum limit of my Pell Grant funding during the upcoming fall semester of my bachelor’s program. Now enrolled as a full-time student, I have been unable to work, which has created a financial gap. I am seeking scholarship assistance to help bridge this gap and allow me to complete my degree without interruption.
Academic and Professional Goals
I plan to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in Spring 2026 and will immediately continue into the College of Social Work’s master’s program. Following that, I intend to earn my Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential and begin a professional career dedicated to supporting children and families.
Personal Motivation for Social Work
My decision to pursue social work is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Throughout my life, I have interacted with social workers in many different roles, as well as psychiatrists and psychologists through both my education and personal life. As a parent navigating divorce, I have witnessed the significant mental health impact these experiences have had on both myself and my children. These experiences shaped my understanding of how essential compassionate mental health care is for families.
Field Experience in Foster Care
Currently, I am serving as a student intern in a therapeutic foster care program. Through this role, I see firsthand the significant effects that foster care placement can have on the mental health of children involved with the Department of Children’s Services and other care continuums. I also observe the emotional toll this process takes on biological parents and foster parents. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the importance of having professionals who genuinely care about each child’s long-term outcome.
Commitment to Adoption and Long-Term Stability
I am particularly passionate about adoption services. Each year, many children age out of foster care without permanent families, adequate resources, or a clear sense of direction. The continuum I work within offers independent living services and extended foster care, which I believe are critical for supporting young people transitioning into adulthood. Through my future work in adoption services, I hope to help create healthy, stable, lifelong families—not temporary placements, but permanent homes that provide belonging and security.
Mental Health Advocacy and Lived Experience
Mental health advocacy is central to my goals. My children and I have navigated a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. Without the support of mental health professionals, neither my family nor I would be where we are today. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to become one of those professionals for others.
Looking Ahead
As I continue moving forward in my education, parenting, and future career, I remain committed to service, empathy, and advocacy. Social work is not simply my chosen profession—it is a reflection of my lived experience and my dedication to helping children and families build healthier, more hopeful futures.
