Christan Malenia Dior Wallace, '20, Social Work

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 10:57:57 -0500

In honor of December graduation, we'd like to introduce a few of our first-gen grads, in their own words:

My name is Christan Malenia Dior Wallace and my major is Social Work with a minor in Psychology. I transferred to UMBC from Anne Arundel Community College. I chose UMBC as my path to Social Work after receiving my Human Service degree.

While at UMBC, I was supported by The Women's Center, especially Jess Myers, Dr. Joshua Okundaye and Dr. Adrienne Ekas-Mueting in the Social Work Department and Mrs. Kristine Zwerlein-Rose from Baltimore City Public Schools.

These programs and experiences helped me prepare for my goals after graduation, showing me that it is possible to go further. I would love to give a HUGE thank you to the First-Generation Group! You made me feel accepted and helped me embrace a group of people who could relate to me! Thank you so very much!

I'd also like to thank my daughters Dionee and Harmonee, my brother Professor Brandon Wallace and my family.

After graduation, I plan to receive my Masters in Social Work, start my own organization (that is in process), and become a clinician.