MANSFIELD, PA – When Dai Davis began her academic journey at Mansfield, a Commonwealth University, her goal was to help others by becoming a nurse. But through course work, she soon found that nursing wasn’t the right career path. Instead, a class in social work led her to change her major and chart a new way to help others.
“I learned that my desire to help others was through empowerment
and advocacy,” Davis said. “Addiction: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevent was
the first social work course that I enrolled in, and it opened my eyes to how I
really wanted to help people.”
“When people hear the term social work they
automatically think it is a profession strictly based on helping children,”
Davis added. “However, social and child welfare workers aim for family
preservation as much as possible. Social work and social workers have so much
to offer from gerontology to medical, financial, education, and even mental
health. Bachelor of Social Work students understand how people interact at
micro, mezzo, and macro levels.”
Davis, a first-generation college student from
Philadelphia, chose to attend Mansfield after coming for a visit in the spring
of 2019. She immediately felt at home and saw the faculty’s passion for wanting
their students to be successful and reach their full potential.
Dr. Tiffany Welch, BSW program director and Mansfield lead, says Davis is driven and works hard to get the most from her education.
“Dai is one of many outstanding examples of a student leader
in our Bachelor of Social Work program,” Welch said. “Since arriving, she has
demonstrated a commitment to the six core values of social work. She has stood
out in various ways as she has held leadership positions and worked in our
campus cupboard, assisting the learners on campus with getting their basic
needs met.”
“Dai has also been an advocate for her peers, been a voice
for the BIPOC community, and voted by her peers as a leader in both the social
work club and Phi Alpha honor society. She demonstrates a solid work ethic, and
is committed to the practice of these skills here at Mansfield as well in her
life,” Welch added. “Dai has already entered into a contract as a Child
Welfare Education for Baccalaureates
student which requires her to commit to working in the state
of Pennsylvania at a county children and youth agency for one year
post-graduation. I am so proud of her desire to help others and be a positive
voice for change in our world.”
Davis can devote time to being active on campus as president
of the Social Work Club and treasurer
of the Eta Chi chapter of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society through several
scholarships she has received. She also finds time to be on the cheer team.
“Because I did not have to worry about working
or taking out loans to attend Mansfield University, I could capture the full
college experience. I was able to join organizations and hold executive board
positions,” Davis said. “Through institutional and private scholarships, I can
bridge the gap to cover the cost of attendance. Without these funds, I would
not be graduating as a first-generation student in five months. Not being able
to afford school is the main reason people drop out.”
“Life after graduation is all about obtaining
licensure and one day being Iyendai S. Davis, LCSW,” Davis added. “I plan on
seeking a Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in healthcare. After
completing the program, I would like to serve as a medical social worker in intensive
care units and neonatal intensive care units.”