Service. Leadership. Progress.
Name: Karla Stallworth
Classification: Master of Social Work Candidate 2012
Interest: Upon arriving to college I was unsure about what I wanted to major in. I just knew it was important to go to college and since I was the first of my mother's children to attend I knew I had to finish. It was hard navigating my way thru college applications, SAT/ACT, financial aid, I needed help. I realized there were more children experiencing the same things I was when it came time for college. I knew then I wanted to be in the helping profession. I graduated from Coastal Carolina University in the Spring of 2009 with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology but I wanted more. I applied to the Master of Social Work program and once I was accepted I knew I wanted to impact the youth. Starting off with a challenge my first year, I interned for a organization that served the disabled population. I knew this year I wanted to work directly with the youth. I am currently completing my final internship at Alcorn Middle School home of the Mighty Knights. Alcorn Middle School is a planting area of our future doctors, lawyers and change makers. I am there to help foster that change and their outlook on life. I am invested in my students’ lives because I was that student when I was in middle school. I had little guidance and support and found myself looking for support from people within the school setting. I know how important support is to the growth of person and I want to be that support to my students. After graduation in May, I would like to become a School Social Worker or be directly involved with impacting the youth. Over time, I would eventually like to open a nonprofit group home for teenage mothers. This group home will provide new mothers with the educational and parenting skills they need in order to be successful contributing members of society.
"I would like to thank my parents Marcus and Lillian Malloy, my daughter Jayla Hall and the wonderful students at Alcorn Middle School, who keep me motivated and pushing me into greatness."-Karla
Quote: My problems do not define me, they merely mold me into the person I am supposed to be.
Excerpt from a letter written to the Community Service Programs office…
I am Karla Stallworth, a graduate student in the College of Social Work here at the University of South Carolina. While in the graduate program we are required to complete two internships, I am currently at Alcorn Middle School which is located on Fairfield road. The student body is composed of about 400 students and of those students 98% of them receive free and reduced lunch. Since the beginning of August I have witnessed a variety of social problems within this middle school. These students are in need of hope and a sense that someone outside of the school cares. I am conducting a book bag drive because students at the school do not own book bags for a variety of reasons. Reasons being they could not afford one, it broke because they had it since 5th grade and other uncontrollable circumstances.
After reading a letter like this, how could we not help? Help Karla in her efforts to help the children of Alcorn Middle School by donating a book bag (new or slightly used). The Student Life Center (across from Einstein Bagels, 2nd floor of Russell House) is one of several drop off sites across campus.
Collections will begin November 14-19!
Tell us how you're making a difference! If you or someone you know deserves to be recognized for their efforts in the way of social justice let us know saserve@mailbox.sc.edu