2026 BSW Outstanding Student: Liz Lake

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a senior social work student, and I'm from Tulsa, Oklahoma—and the first person in my family to attend college. Aside from social work, I am minoring in religion and am designated pre-law. I would describe myself as motivated because my passion for advocacy work drives me to be the best possible version of myself so that I can help others. Outside the classroom, I’m the president of Mind & Motion, a women’s workout and wellness organization. I also serve on the Academic Committee of the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core Leadership Council and am involved in Phi Alpha Honor Society. In my free time, I love to workout at my CrossFit gym and spend time with friends!

What led you to Baylor Social Work, and what have you enjoyed about your experience.

I got into social work after a social worker was able to help my family. Her impact was so strong that I wanted to do the same work for others. I started at Baylor in August 2023. I love that Baylor has allowed me to dive deep into the theories and academic principles that inform my work while also getting valuable field experience. My favorite courses in the social work program have been my policy classes. I felt like I walked away from those classes with a new lens for understanding the relationship between systemic issues and policy.

Tell us what you are passionate about. 

The needs I see around me that I'm most passionate about are mental health care access and disability and neurodivergent advocacy. Based on my lived experience and love for those who share those identities, I feel like I’m a great fit to be doing advocacy and therapeutic work within those populations.

Have you faced obstacles since entering college?

In the fall of my junior year I had an onset of two chronic illnesses. I had to slow down and focus on healing and coping with living with the new conditions. This challenge taught me so much about self-care and how to properly care for yourself to best show up for clients.

What have you learned from your social work internship experiences? What advice would you give to students coming behind you?

I interned at the Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries. At my placement, I worked with case managers at a variety of their specialty programs to help people facing employment barriers find work. To future students, make the most of learning from other social workers in your placement. Even just shadowing hours can provide so many learning experiences! I love the mantra of “doing the next right thing.” Even when the social work gets overwhelming, you are always able to do the next right thing in whatever situation you may be in.

What are you doing now, and what are your plans after graduation?

I currently work as a registered behavior technician at a local pediatric therapy clinic. I’m most proud of the work I get to be a part of there. I love seeing the kids learn new skills and make new connections. After graduation, I hope to go onto a MSW program and law school.