Caroline Kemper ’20

Social Work

Biography

My name is Caroline Kemper. I am a social worker who currently resides in Chicago IL. In 2020, I graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. Amidst the start of the pandemic, I moved back to Phoenix, AZ where I finished my senior internship remotely. I graduated from Taylor in May of 2020. I began my graduate degree program at Arizona State University that same month. During that time, I remotely took classes and completed an in-person internship with Hospice of the Valley. After a busy year, I graduated with my Masters in Social Work in May of 2021. It was then I decided to move somewhere I'd never been before, Chicago, IL. During my first year in Chicago, I worked for Deborah's Place, a non-profit working with women transitioning out of homelessness. In July of 2022 I transitioned to a position with Davita, a company that provides dialysis for those in kidney failure.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

As I reflect on my time at Taylor University, I would say my most valuable experiences are those of friendship. I made some of the best friends I have ever had while at Taylor. The community I had on Second West Olson left me with a lifetime of memories, laughs, and meaningful conversations. I also enjoyed my time in the Philippines with the Education department. This was a memorable trip—not only because I helped deliver a baby. I also believe some of my most valuable experiences were in the classroom, specifically while taking social work classes. The conversations, knowledge, support, and friendship I found in those classrooms were unlike any other schooling experience I have had.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

My professors at Taylor had a huge impact on my experience and growth. The social work professors were always so understanding and really value the profession of social work. This was not only demonstrated in their lessons but also the way they carried themselves in the classroom. They taught me more, and prepared me better, than I would have ever expected for the professional world. They also allowed me to be myself and cultivated a very close culture within our major. I looked forward to our classes and knew that I would be met with interesting conversations, important challenges, and fun. With all of this, I was able to grow into a competent social worker and better person.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

At its core, social work is a multi-faceted profession. One must understand, to an extent, sociology, biology, political science, and psychology to succeed in a lot of areas of social work. With Taylor's liberal arts foundational core, students receive this variation in classes that allows for a well-rounded knowledge base. Taylor's unique First Year Experience also sets an important foundation that encourages life-long learning and asking deeper, more thoughtful questions. As a social worker, these are things one must hold on to constantly in order to succeed.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

As I am still fairly fresh in the field, I would say my biggest piece of advice is to be patient. Your first job may not be your dream job, however, the experience is truly priceless. I would also just say to remember, when working with clients, one may not see a difference or impact during your interactions, but you are planting seeds for success and growth in the client's life.