Tracy Lynn Harvey is the BSW student represenative on the NASW-Indiana Capter Board of Directors

Tracy Lynn Harvey

July 16, 2009 -  Tracy Lynn Harvey will be this year’s voice for Bachelor of Social Work students on the National Association of Social Work’s Indiana Chapter.

When Harvey learned the board was looking for volunteers, she decided it would be interesting to be around a mix of people from students to experienced social workers and viewed it as an interesting learning experience.

Harvey sent in her nomination along with a letter explaining why she wanted to be a social worker. In essence, Harvey wrote she wanted to be able to “give back” to others.

Harvey, who is a junior at IUPUI, readily acknowledged she is not a traditionally student. She is a mother of four children and received an Associate Degree in education in Canada in 1991 before moving to the United States in 1995. She has lived in the Indianapolis area for the last nine years.

Several years ago, Harvey decided to refresh her education skills and decided to redo some of her education courses with the goal of getting her teaching licenses. But after a couple of semesters, she realized her life had changed and teaching didn’t seem to be the right fit anymore.

She did an independent research project over a semester and took time to think about what she really wanted to do with her life. Harvey realized she wanted to become a social worker. “I think social work is something I always wanted to do.”

Harvey is leaning toward becoming a social worker in a hospital or school setting. As a child growing up in Canada she was often in the hospital. “They didn’t have social workers, but child life specialists, who served as the go-between doctors and families. “I can definitely value the role of a hospital social worker.”

She is looking forward to the start of her tenure on the association’s board of directors. “I am nervous. It’s a big deal for me.”