My name is Lily McBride, and I am from the University of Pittsburgh BASW Class of 2024. I am an upcoming University of Pittsburgh advanced standing MSW Student and I hope to graduate in August of 2025. I went to high school in Lewisburg, PA. Lewisburg is still home to my mother (Sam) and Father (John) along with two dogs (Ernie and Grover), and a cat (Moose).
Who inspires you in your work?
My parents have always inspired me in my work. They have always been very selfless individuals, and they have taught me what it means to be selfless while never losing my sense of self. Their home has always been open to anyone that needs a safe space, and I aspire to make people feel as safe with me as they feel with my parents.
What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
My biggest professional accomplishment was helping to create the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department during my BASW Field Placement at the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender. Not only did I have the opportunity to learn all of the ins and out of creating a department, but I also got to work with the greatest team of social workers that always made me feel that I could succeed in anything I set my mind to.
How has the social work education you received at Pitt helped you in your career?
The social work education I received at Pitt has helped me in many ways, but I believe the most notable would be in the small details. I found to learn the most from the questions asked in class, and the learned experience shared by both my classmates and professors. I was able to learn material from all different perspectives which has helped me in the real world as I am quicker to view situations from more than one perspective.
What is the most significant thing you learned at the Pitt SSW?
The most significant thing I learned at the Pitt SSW was to not only advocate for others but also to advocate for myself. The professors at Pitt always stressed the value that social workers bring to the table, and therefore, they always stressed the need for social workers to make others aware of our value. The emphasis of self-worth that Pitt instilled in me has carried me both personally and professionally.
What motivated you to pursue a degree in social work?
I have the very generic explanation for what motivated me to pursue a degree in social work and that is that I wanted to help others. However, I had come in contact with social workers and many different points in my childhood. Some were good and some were not, but after meeting with the many that were amazing, I knew that I wanted to be someone that made others feel the way I felt.
What's your favorite memory of the Pitt SSW?
My favorite Pitt SSW memory has to be from becoming friends with my cohort of social work students. The BASW student body is quite small, so by my senior year, I knew everyone in my class. Not only knowing everyone but also establishing relationships with other students made every class so much more enjoyable. I have no doubt that the friendships I made in the BASW program will be carried with me for many years to come.
How much do you rely upon your Pitt SSW network in your work today?
Now that I am continuing into the MSW program at Pitt, I can confidently say that I heavily rely on the Pitt SSW network. Whether it's the SSW Professors or the SSW Staff, I am in constant contact with the SSW network weekly if not daily. The Pitt SSW network has been nothing short of positive and helpful, and I am grateful for the connections I've been able to make in the SSW network.