CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight: Samantha Grady, Social Worker at Harvard Junior High
"I grew up in Kirkland, Illinois and went to Hiawatha. Kindergarten through graduation -yes, one building from 5 years old until 18. I earned a Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, then went on to earn my Master of Social Work from the same university."
"Well, once I realized a marine biologist was not in my future (science is not my best subject), I looked at things I enjoyed. I grew up babysitting and loved spending time with kids. I was interested in law and justice for a long time and thought I wanted to help kids in that capacity. In high school, I worked as a service student for credits and was able to spend time with students through all walks of life (reading support, behavior support and more). I applied for a social work program at the University of Illinois and at the time they did not have a bachelor’s program. I was able to take social work and law classes the first two years instead. When one of my mentors, Dr. Brenda Lindsey, reached out to inform me the university was going to be accepting 50 applicants for a BSW program, I immediately applied for the program. While earning my degree, I worked in schools as a tutor and at the Juvenile Correction and Probation Office for Champaign County. Both experiences continued to guide me towards helping youth unpack their experiences and navigate their feelings and options. When the time came to apply for graduate school, I was torn between Loyola’s dual program for MSW and JD and staying in Champaign for my MSW. Ultimately, I stayed in Champaign and looked at the school social work program. I have worked as a school social worker for Harvard since my internship at Jefferson Elementary during the 2013-2014 school year. Harvard has been my professional home!"
"I think I love the happy mix of every day is a new day and this is what we do to support our students. Our students are so resilient, smart and determined. I work at an age level where you can have real life, difficult conversations with students and allow them to reflect. There are some tough situations our students experience. I love knowing that I provide tools and help for students that can improve their day, especially when I observe them applying skills. I leave work being reminded what a privilege it is that someone trusted me with the most important part of themselves, their heart and feelings."
"Our community cares about the kids. There are not the same resources available compared to other communities, but it allows for people who care to stop and think “why not?” and talk together about what we can do next. I love working with both the building team and district team. There is comfort and love knowing that I am working with others who love their jobs as much as I love mine. I drive myself to learn more and be more because of the people I work with on my teams. As a result, we support each other and do what is best for the students.
"Working in education right now is hard. If you’re looking, there are a lot of roadblocks. You have to be willing to love the students more. Find your safe place to unpack and let go of the negative energy, and then move forward with your positive energy. Because, our students deserve the best version of ourselves. I think, what kind of person do I want my own children to see at school everyday? I make it my goal to be that person for other people’s children. Be the reason a kid feels safe, loved and welcomed every single day and you will find leading with positive energy is the most natural part of your day."