Meet Chelsea Sanchez, BSW '14 & MSW '16

Graduation year: 2014 & 2016
Current City: Houston, Texas
Undergraduate degree: Bachelor of Social Work, Baylor University
Employer: University of Houston
Title: Doctoral Student, Research Assistant
What are you are currently doing, and why are you passionate about it?
Currently, I am a PhD student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. As a doctoral student, I am appointed as a research assistant. In this position, I have conducted research among Afghan refugees in Mexico City, as well as among cancer survivors in the US. I am also appointed as a teaching assistant and support other doctoral students in how to conduct descriptive and inferential data analyses. These academic experiences are informing my program of research, which focuses on improving the mental health outcomes of Black and Latinx children who have been exposed to traumatic events. My research agenda is driven by nearly a decade of clinical work assisting individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. With exposure to traumatic events in childhood constituting a known risk factor across behavioral health disorders, my scholarship is grounded in an axiological perspective upholding mental health and mental healthcare access as fundamental human rights.
What made you decide to pursue a degree in social work?
Growing up as an Afro-Latina in the sixth ward of Houston, I witnessed the negative effects of poverty, substance abuse, violence, racism, and other forms of intergenerational trauma on my family and community. These experiences steered me toward a social work career and motivated me to address the social and institutional contexts that perpetuate racism, trauma, and oppression among BIPOC communities.
Why did you choose the Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University?
I did not hesitate in choosing to attend Baylor University. While visiting various universities as a high school student, Baylor was the only university where I felt a sense of belonging. As a first-generation college student, I was presented with a plethora of exciting career opportunities previously unknown to me, yet my desire to enhance human wellbeing and promote social justice directed me toward the profession of social work and, more specifically, the Garland School of Social Work.
Tell us about your favorite professor, course or favorite memory from your time with the GSSW.
It is very hard to name only one favorite professor from my time with the GSSW as all of the professors have directly and indirectly made a significant impact on my life and career. Some of the professors who I will name include Dr. Samantha Vo, Professor Carrie Arroyo, and Dr. Becky Scott—all of whom supported and encouraged me as an aspiring social worker. Dr. Scott was also the first person who encouraged me to pursue a PhD. Also, the friendships that I developed at the GSSW are still some of my strongest friendships to this day.
What advice would you give to those considering a career in social work?
Connect and stay connected with professors and professionals who support and believe in you.