GCSW Student Awarded Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship
September 20, 2023
Congratulations to MSW student Christian Ohonba on being awarded the NASW Foundation - Verne LaMarr Lyons Memorial Scholarship.
This scholarship is 鈥渁warded to master鈥檚 degree candidates in social work who demonstrate an interest in or has experience with health/mental health practice and commit to working in African American communities.鈥�
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Name: Christian Ohonba
Program and Expected Graduation Year: Online Clinical Fall 2024
Congratulations on being awarded this scholarship! What is the significance of this
award as it relates to your education and future career?
Honoring one鈥檚 gift can be difficult if one is a first-generation graduate, as one
often must seek roles that have substantial salaries instead of what would truly transform
the world. Being awarded this scholarship provides a bit of a buffer in my educational
cost and allows me to be more focused in my learning, so I can be an active force that stimulates change and progress within the field of Social Work.
What initially inspired you to continue your education in social work?
After working for a prominent Home Health and Hospice software company and with hundreds
of clinicians in person, including working within a hospice facility, the call to
honor my true purpose became more prominent. Often, while working within the hospice
facilities, I would get asked if my background was in social work due to my innate
understanding and focus on holistic care.
Who is someone you look up to regarding social work and social justice?
Those who have transmuted their life challenges to help others bloom into their highest
expression motivate me. These people typically aren鈥檛 well-known, yet their genius
is no less impactful.
Why do you believe it is vital to provide/raise awareness of mental health services
in African American communities?
The life struggles of the African American community often are never fully expressed,
so the need for a safe haven is vital to healing and growth. Mental health affects
the body, thus stunting their ability to live well. I鈥檝e walked the path of seeking mental health services when my cultural norms deemed
it taboo. I鈥檝e witnessed the transformative power of therapy firsthand. It鈥檚 provided the ability
to integrate my life鈥檚 experiences, allowed my brilliance to shine into the world,
and illuminate others on their path.
Tell us about your commitment to working in/with African American communities.
In my research, one of the main barriers that prevent the African American community
from seeking therapy is the lack of culturally competent practitioners. I would bring
a vast catalog of experience, both professionally and professionally, to help equip
those within the community with the tools needed to thrive. During a recent client
call through my current practicum internship, a client thanked me for 鈥渟eeing them
and not judging them.鈥� Her story was challenging, but many things were easily relatable,
and I could provide authentic empathy.
How has the GCSW prepared you so far for a future career in providing mental health
services to underrepresented/underserved communities?
Being only in my first semester at the GCSW, I feel well supported by the intentionality
of all the material. I am learning to not just check concepts off the list but truly
embody them.
What would you say is the type of impact you would like/hope to make?
To weave all my experiences in overcoming mental health challenges together and use
that to empower and fortify often ignored women. Beauty is vibrant, and partnering
with women would help beautify the world as they heal.