Erin McCann (14)

Sociology/Anthropology Major – Sociology

What co-curricular or extracurricular activities were you involved in?

I was a member and served as social chair for the social sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta. I was also a member of the Society and Environment Honor Society. For a scholarship job, I worked at the Kirksville Child Development Center. I enjoyed playing all types of intermural sports at the rec center and frequented the global discussions on campus.

 What are you doing now?

Currently, I work for a non-profit mental health agency in North Carolina, called RHA Health Services. I provide clinical assessments and diagnoses, individual, group and family therapy, and some case management services. I coach 16-year-olds in club volleyball and play co-ed recreational sports. I am new to North Carolina, so I spend a lot my free time hiking, watching HGTV and TLC, and traveling around to different cities on the east coast.

How did you get to this place in your life/ career?

I completed graduate school and then received a job as a Reentry Specialist, doing case management with a substance use and mental health program in St. Louis called the Gateway Foundation. I then applied for my clinical social work license through the state of Missouri. After getting my associate level clinical license, I started working as a co-occurring counselor with that agency. Circumstances moved me to North Carolina, where I applied for North Carolina’s equivalent to my Missouri License. I now provide therapy for children, teenagers and adult in an outpatient mental health setting.

Have you been to graduate school? If so, where did you go? Did you go right after graduating from Truman?

I did go to graduate school right after leaving Truman (literally started graduate school three weeks after graduating Truman). I attended Saint Louis University for two years working on my Masters of Social Work degree (MSW). I graduated with an MSW with a concentration in Mental Health and specialization in Substance Use.

Do you have any advice for Truman students who are interested in going to graduate school?

For me, I needed to do it right after I graduated while I still had minimal responsibilities and was in “school and study mode”. I’d say, if you know what you want to do, and you need to go to graduate school to do it, don’t wait and just go. Also, compare prices, because those loans will follow you!

How has the education you’ve received from Truman helped you?

My education at Truman taught me the basics of human behavior and how to assess different environments. My education there allowed me to grow in self-confidence and expand my critical thinking skills.

Is/are there any particular class(es) you’re glad you took? Did you like it/them at that the time?

I am so glad that I studied abroad in South Africa with Dr. McDuff through the Sociology and Anthropology Department. This was my first trip out of the country! My internship there allowed me to build even more self-confidence and really solidified what career I wanted. I was also exposed to different people, places, and cultures that I would have never been exposed to if I hadn’t taken that class.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Truman?

The first thing that comes to mind was when I trudged through a blizzard to get to my 9 am class at Barnett, just to find out that the University was going to cancel all classes starting at 10am! I really enjoyed my time there, had challenging courses, and made life long friendships.

Why is Truman a good school at which to study?

Truman is a great school because it offered challenging course work and small class sizes. Especially in the sociology department, I felt like I knew everyone, my professors knew me, and I was comfortable in that environment.

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to go into the same line of work as you?

If you are interested in social services, therapy, or non-profit work, I would recommend getting a masters in social work. It really opens doors as far as job variety and salary. Social workers can work with almost any type of population and in any type of setting. Do note, you will need writing skills, time management skills, compassion, and a whole lot of patience.

What do you miss most about campus life/ living in Kirksville?

I miss the small town feel and slower pace of life. I miss seeing my friends every day and being able to walk everywhere I needed to go!  I really wish I would have explored Kirksville more and taken advantage of the outdoor activities.

If you could teach current students one thing, what would it be?

Think critically and question everything.