Class of 2024 is graduating soon! Our seniors reflected on their college journeys and left advice for Silver underclassmen. 

"Reach out to those professors and mentors & stay in touch, at Silver they have shown up plenty and continue to impact your life until the very end of your journey as a BSW student."- Andy Checo 

"It's okay to say "no" to things."- Daniella Acosta 

"Never regret a day in your life, never regret a decision made by yourself, never regret the love I gave anyone." - Stephanie Wang 

"The secret to your future is hidden in your daily routine." - Yannika 

"Back then even though NYC is super overwhelming with so many flashing lights and distractions, many of which I couldn't take part in because I didn't have a lot of money, I wish I knew that CAMS has amazing social worky electives that also satisfy our humanities/social science requirements and that even though NYC is ultimately a giant theme park for the rich and privileged, you can still build some meaningful relationships that enrich your life and expand your person, even if you can't go to the nice restaurants you see people in or buy the nice clothes you see people wearing and buying. Those somber "standpoints" (shoutout Standpoint Theory) acknowledged, it's worth it to remain open to possibilities - the universe wants to experience itself through you and its happiness is your happiness - remember that you aren't alone, even if you don't fit in right now." - Richie Davila 

"I wish I knew that even though your path might look a little different than others, it doesn't mean that it's wrong. Do whatever is right for you!" - Eliane Cook

"don't be afraid to try new things and DEFINITELY do not be afraid to fail! college is about finding out what you're excited about and exploring everything you can!" - Holly Kase 

"Use your resources!!! Reach out to professors, advisors, people in your classes, and Wassermann because they can help you a lot!" - Becky Issac

"Make sure to find community whether that be within Silver, school clubs, online or in NYC! It is so important to have people you can talk to about anything." - Aaliyah Green

For this newsletter, we are highlighting rising Silver senior and graduating Silver senior! This month's highlights are Ruirui Chen, Class of 2025 and Andy Checo, Class of 2024. 

Newly elected Co-President of USGA Ruirui Chen is a rising senior excited about her last year of undergrad. Ruirui mentions feeling stressed when thinking about her senior year because of graduate school preparations but is excited to engage more with the Silver community. She is considering utilizing her new position as USGA Co-President to foster positive change within Silver and give back to the community.

Ruirui was inspired to enter the field of social work by witnessing the struggles that China's low-income families faced.  In addition, Ruirui grew up in a Buddhist family that valued charity and volunteer work. This background inspired her to become a social worker to amplify marginalized voices and help others. When thinking about her future in social work, Ruirui hopes to amplify opportunities for social work in China. She wants to further educate Chinese social work students on the field and the opportunities they can obtain. She also wants to inform the larger community about social work and help others become interested in the field.  

Within Silver, Ruirui is currently the undergraduate community service co-chair and previously served as the international student representative. She has also taken part in a service learning course that connected students with individuals who have Alzheimer's. She fell in love with the elderly population and wanted to make them feel heard. Beyond Silver, Ruirui interned with a hospital last summer! She served in the pediatric department and with people dealing with epilepsy. She has also tutored kids in English. 

Her favorite memory at Silver thus far has been gaining the Co-President position in USGA and serving as a welcome student representative for weekend on the square! She urges the Silver community to go after their ambitions, never hide their strength, and open every door ahead of them. 

Thank you so much Ruirui for all you do! 

Graduating senior Andy Checo is a social work major and CAMS minor headed to the University of Michigan next year for his MSW! At the University of Michigan, Andy will be on the Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse track. He was inspired to enter the field of social work and this track due to practicum experiences and a need to work with marginalized communities to focus on their collective health and well-being. 

Nearing the end of his undergraduate journey, Andy feels accomplished. He made the connections he wanted to make, learned the skills he wanted to learn, and has clarity on which populations he wants to work with. He has been focusing on working with as many populations as he can in English and Spanish! Andy has been advocating for a Spanish language social work class that teaches social work students clinical terms to work with Latino communities. He is especially proud that this class came to fruition and was offered this semester! Andy's favorite part of his undergraduate experience was finding community. Being introverted, he did not think he would find community at NYU but was able to and became a student leader who empowered other students to find their own.

Andy hopes to be a lifelong learner. He wants to engage with as many communities as possible, expand the work he does, and empower individuals in different parts of life. He also hopes to possibly engage in social work research. Andy wants to remind Silver undergraduates to speak up and take up space! He emphasizes the importance of seeking out others and getting a mentor. Andy also urges students to speak up, stay strong, and not let systems restrict them from speaking up for what is right! 

Congratulations Andy and we send you best wishes for this next chapter!! 

NYU Wellness Center offers a range of medical, mental, and pharmacy services in addition to free flu shots for all students. 

Are you in need of free groceries? The College Student Pantry is a wonderful resource that aims to provide all college students with healthy and nutritious food. They are located at 602 East 9th Street at Avenue B and operate there every first and third Wednesday of the month. THEY ARE APPOINTMENT-BASED! Please avoid walk-ins as they have a limited supply. Sign up for appointments here and notify others who may need food. 

Other Resources 

Career Preparation Checklist for BS First-Years
Career Preparation Checklist for Transfers
Handshake (Job Finder for On Campus and Off Campus Jobs, Internships and Job Fairs) 
NYU Silver BS Social Work Readiness & Career Design Guide
Virtual Resource Library
Make a Silver Career Coaching Appointment
Get Your Resume Reviewed
NYU Engage 
NYU Events Calendar

NYU Kaplan All Access