Master’s grad in social work focused on community, opportunities
OGDEN, Utah — Although Christina Zamora is among the first graduating class of Weber State University’s new Master of Social Work program, which launched in 2021, she’s the first to admit that getting a master’s degree was never her plan.
Originally from Arizona, Zamora moved to Utah when she was in high school and knew little about college. She said counselors helped her enroll at Weber State, where she took an intro to social work class and “fell in love with everything that it offered and all the opportunities it could create.”
After graduating in 2020 with a bachelor’s in social work, Zamora wanted to delve further.
“For me, a bachelor's is already a big accomplishment, but to go beyond that has been surreal,” she said. She feels “empowered” by her accomplishment, and said she has a proud family who backed her goals.
“My parents are immigrants from Mexico,” Zamora said. “I’m a first-generation student in my family to graduate with both a bachelor's and now a master's degree. So that is really important, not only for me but for my family as well.”
Zamora wants other people of color, especially youth, to believe in their own strength and to look for opportunities to succeed.
“It’s powerful when young people see others from their community succeeding, whether it’s a professor or supervisor or someone in a position of authority,” she said. “It’s important for them to see that they can accomplish any dream.”
A common theme during her years in the master’s program is that of community — learning from her peers, finding support and asking questions of others. Zamora said it’s a lesson she’ll take with her into her career.
“There's a really great community here at Weber State, especially in the social work program,” she said.
Zamora, who finished her master’s degree in April, said she was excited to be part of the first cohort of the Master of Social Work program — and it’s not only about her.
“My professors and classmates put a lot of work into this new program, and I think we’ve helped shape something meaningful for future students in social work,” she said.
When it comes to career goals, she wants to focus on helping youth with mental health “because right now, especially after the pandemic, mental well-being is something that we all think about,” she said. “I want to give young people the tools to create a better life ahead.”
Zamora said Weber State was a door to explore career paths, make connections and build a community. During her time at WSU, she worked as a student therapist at Weber Human Services, gaining knowledge in assessments, treatment and leadership.
“My time here has been a season of growth, not just in education, but as an individual and professional,” she said. “Every connection you make is an opportunity to help someone.”
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu