MEET HALEY LACKEY: a hard time in her life led her to a career spent serving others.

What led you to pursue a career in social work?

I chose to pursue social work to be a help to others in a way that people have been a help to me. I honestly still was unsure of my decision with this career until my mom got diagnosed with cancer. During that time, as a family we experienced help from others in a way we could never repay them. During this time, i found my purpose with this career and my job as a social worker to help families during those hard times that life throws you.

You shirts say YOU ARE STRONG. What does this mean to you?

The saying YOU ARE STRONG to me means, that no matter what life throws you, you are strong enough to make it through. It means to have confidence in yourself that you can accomplish whatever you put your mind too.

What did you learn through fundraising for your time in Washington?

I learned how wiling everyone is to give to others in need of help. As a master’s level social work student, my main priority is to make a difference and support each individual in any way I can. It was rewarding to know just how many people were open to helping me, in a time that I needed help to make my dreams a reality.

How do you hope to impact the world through social work?

I hope to make a change in a way of showing everyone that they are worthy, important and mater to this world. I hope to be an advocate for each individual when they do not have the voice to speak.

What advice do you have for someone who has a dream but not the funds to make it a reality?

I would say to never be afraid to ask for help. As a social worker I have realized how many people suffer, simply because they are afraid to ask for help. DO NOT BE AFRAID. Everyone, at some point and time have required help in all different ways. Be bold, and ask. You never know just how much help and support you might receive.