Senior Stephanie Gomez-Vanegas, a curriculum assistant at the Rutgers School of Social Work, plans to use her voice to improve lives through systemic change.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick senior Stephanie Gomez-Vanegas is confident that the field of social work is her calling.
“I just naturally like helping people,” said Gomez-Vanegas, a transfer student who is set to graduate from the Rutgers School of Social Work in May. “I’ve just always liked to work with families and communities to solve people’s problems.”
As a first-generation Latina student raised by a single-mother, Gomez-Vanegas found her path early on, advocating for her non-English speaking Colombian family members. Once in the field, she plans to use her voice to help others, such as those faced with language barriers or too young to speak up for themselves.
“I love speaking up for people,” said Gomez-Vanegas, adding she wants to work with adolescents. “I’ve always had to speak up for my mom and aunt because English is not their first language. I had to make all the appointments, doctor appointments, everything like that. I would have to constantly translate back and forth. So, I had to grow up pretty fast.”
The 23-year-old, who is bolstering her major in social work with a minor in planning and public policy through the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, said her goal is to eventually pursue a career in macro social work so she can focus on large-scale issues and making systemic changes. But before getting into the field, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work at Rutgers.
“I like how broad the field is,” said Gomez-Vanegas. “I’m still getting exposed to new career options, and it’s good to know I can maneuver in many different directions with this major.”
She added, “My plan is to work in macro. I feel like we don’t have enough social workers who are in the macro fields and we need more of them. So, that’s the goal. That’s the plan.”
One aspect of social work that Gomez-Vanegas said she is passionate about is finding ways to counter urban blight – “when communities are run down with abandoned buildings, not enough greenery, broken down infrastructure, etc.”
She wants to be instrumental in implementing changes, “so when people leave their home looking for an escape, they don’t encounter an even worse environment but somewhere that feels comfortable and safe.”
“It’s not just about making these cities prettier,” she said.
Growing up in Bridgewater Township, N.J., Gomez-Vanegas initially attended Raritan Valley Community College before completing her associate’s degree at Middlesex College. She transferred to Rutgers for her junior year.
“It was a no brainer,” said Gomez-Vanegas, who described the transfer process as easy. (Being close to home, the in-state tuition and “Rutgers having one of the best social work programs in the state” were other draws, she added.)
DuWayne Battle, assistant dean and teaching professor at the School of Social Work and the director of the undergraduate social work program at Rutgers-New Brunswick, has taken notice of the senior’s work ethic.
“She has drive, grit and determination,” said Battle. “She is one of the most inquisitive and positive people I have ever met.”
Last year, Gomez-Vanegas served as Battle’s research assistant, helping him with presentations, attending several state conferences and participating in a study-abroad trip to Taiwan that included a conference on meditation, social work and life education.
But Gomez-Vanegas became ill during the Taiwan trip and required medical help.
“Although she was hospitalized in Taiwan, she refused to return home early but rejoined the group after we traveled to a Buddhist Liberal Arts College, which hosted the conference,” Battle said.
This year, Gomez-Vanegas is Battle’s curriculum assistant and attends the monthly meetings of the curriculum committee for the bachelor of arts in social work program. During the winter break, she traveled to Merida, Mexico, for a study abroad experience overseen by Battle, who added that Gomez-Vanegas attended planning meetings with faculty and provided translation for colleagues in Mexico.
Outside of her studies, Gomez-Vanegas keeps busy pursuing Rutgers internship opportunities and extracurricular activities.
As part of the Rutgers Scarlet Service Internship program, she worked as an intern under Joe Vitale, a state senator, as well as New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez. Gomez-Vanegas said the experience bolstered her confidence, along with her public speaking skills.
“Especially when I’m in places like this with all these people who are in government, you can’t shy away,” she said. “You need to step up and speak your mind and talk and network and everything like that.”
She also works part time as a behavioral health technician for Progressive Option Support Services, assisting children with autism to develop behavioral skills in Middlesex County.
On campus, Gomez-Vanegas is vice president of the Rutgers University Calisthenics Club and is actively working to recruit more women who might feel intimidated about working out in male-dominated spaces. The soon-to-graduate senior, who also was a member of the university’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Sport Club, encourages all students to find a club that interests them and join.
“Everybody says that: ‘Get involved in clubs,’” she said. “Literally, do it. That’s really what makes your college experience.”