After graduation, Asia Howard plans to earn a dual master’s degree from the School of Social Work and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. With a passion for social rights, she aims to make a big impact in the lives of people like herself who grew up without the privilege of a traditional family environment.
Lessons learned abroad: “My most memorable moment would be my study abroad trip to London, England, where I studied the roots of social and economic justice. England, the birth place of social work, taught me so much about the field and I am humble to have the opportunity to apply what I learned in London to social welfare policy in the United States.”
A passion for helping people: “I don’t believe I chose social work, social work chose me. As a young child I lost my parents to drugs and was placed in foster care, along with my four siblings. Our experience with Child Protection Services was not what I believe a child should ever have to experience. With social work, I plan to dedicate my efforts to achieving equity for women of color, greater access to higher education for underserved children, and child welfare policy reform for siblings in foster care.”
A change in plans: “My original plan was to work in pharmaceuticals and open a pharmacy dedicated to providing medication to the individuals who could not afford it.”
A wise decision: “I initially never wanted to attend The University of Texas at Austin. I thought the university would be too large and that I would be only a number. However, thanks to the Longhorn Scholars Program, UT Austin became the only school that I applied to. I am so proud that I chose this great institution. I have learned so much from this experience and have met so many great individuals who I have the pleasure to call my friends!”
By the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, see full version here. Posted May 22, 2015.