For Andrew Sylvia, an advanced standing Master of Social Work Student at Bridgewater State, the path to social work felt like a “calling.” His experiences working with children with behavioral disorders and his close relationship with his grandparents ignited a passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges. Now, as an intern at the Duxbury Council on Aging, Andrew is translating classroom theories into real-world impact, enhancing the lives of older adults.
“It almost felt like a calling. ” Andrew shares, reflecting on his initial inspiration. “I was in school just to be in school and I didn’t know what I wanted to study.” His work alongside social workers at an elementary school solidified his path. “They even told me, you’re a social worker, this career is for you!”
Working with older adults stemmed from personal experience. “It came from more of a personal experience. I grew up with grandparents deeply involved in my life,” he explains. Witnessing their struggles in later life motivated him to “stick my toe into the field and see what it was like helping older people with their stressors and see what I can do to help ease that.”
“I fell in love with psychology and theories and the ideas of helping people and helping them understand what’s hard for them. Why it’s hard for them and helping them find ways that they can handle it, and resources that are out there,” Andrew explains.
One poignant example highlights the power of applied theory. A patron approached Andrew after a group meeting, seeking guidance on how to support a friend who was isolating. Drawing upon his knowledge of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy, Andrew facilitated a conversation that empowered the patron to develop a plan. “I was able to, using those theories, help her, talk through it, and think of a great plan that she had- going to this woman’s house and bringing her a meal.”
The story didn’t end there. A week later, the patron called Andrew, elated that her visit had been a success. “She went and brought her friend a meal, and her friend was very thankful, and it was a great outcome for them. That’s one of the bigger interactions that will stick with me,” Andrew says, a testament to the tangible difference social work interns can make.
Listening: A Powerful Learning Tool and Valuable Lessons
Beyond applying theoretical frameworks, Andrew emphasizes the profound impact of simply listening to older adults. “One of my favorite parts of being here is being able to plan and run groups and facilitate groups and activities,” he shares. “But then the best part of it is, once we stop the video and stop the teaching and the education, and we just talk about it. The amount of knowledge, intelligence and experiences that are in the group … I get chills sometimes just hearing them discuss what they know, their experiences, what they’ve been through.”
Andrew recognizes that older adults are the “experts” in their own lives. “Hearing from the people who are going through it, who live it every day. It’s their life, hearing what they need, what they could use a little more help with, or even just the process of talking to people who experience the same kind of thing is so helpful for them.” By providing a platform for open dialogue, interns like Andrew foster community building and empower older adults to share their voices. “The aging population are the experts. They’re doing it. They could use a little help with some resources and that’s what I feel like we can, as social workers, can do-help find the resources and listen to them and give them a voice.”
Navigating Challenges and Defining Roles
Andrew’s internship was not without its challenges. One significant hurdle was defining his role. “When I found that when I was introducing myself to people at the beginning of the year, people didn’t have any idea what I was there for and they were asking so what do you do? he recalls. “A challenge for me personally, was to really define my role and figure out how I can be the most helpful for our patrons.”
He also encountered the inherent challenges of working with a population that values independence. “It was finding ways to help them understand that I’m here to help, and they can trust me,” he explains. ” You just need to be creative and listen.”
Rewarding Experiences and Career Influence
Despite the challenges, Andrew found immense reward in his work. “The most rewarding part is honestly just seeing them smiling and coming to the senior center,” he shares. “People show when they feel happy about being helped, you can tell.”
This internship has significantly influenced his career goals. “It definitely has confirmed that I want to continue to work with older adults,” he affirms. “It’s a really rewarding experience, and I feel like I’m making a difference.”
Addressing Men’s Needs: The Legacy Lounge and Beyond
Andrew’s dedication extends to addressing the specific needs of the male population at the Duxbury Senior Center. Recognizing the reluctance some men may have in seeking help or participating in activities, Andrew took initiative. “Being a male social worker, I’m definitely in the minority. My own personal struggles sparked my interest in men’s mental health, and it’s become a real passion of mine. So, it was part of what I wanted to focus on when I started here.”
Inspired by a meaningful connection with a patron, Andrew created a monthly newsletter tailored to men’s interests, featuring sports, competition, and other engaging content. “I go through the main senior center newsletter, with lots of great programs and services and I pull out the things that just stick out to me, from a male perspective,” he explains. He also established a men’s group called Legacy Lounge, providing a space for camaraderie and support.
Through his efforts, Andrew is breaking down stigmas and creating a more inclusive environment. “I get a good feeling from these gentlemen that they’re going to keep it going when my placement ends at the end of April,” he says, a testament to the sustainable impact of his work.
Preparing Future Social Workers and Offering Advice
Andrew believes internships like his are crucial for preparing future social workers for careers in aging services. “It’s a great way to get real-world experience and apply what you’ve learned in the classroom,” he says. “It also helps you understand the unique challenges and needs of older adults.”
His advice to other social work students considering an internship in aging services is to “be open-minded and willing to learn.” “Listen to the older adults and let them guide you,” he advises. “And don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from your supervisors.”
Andrew’s internship experience highlights the invaluable role of social work interns in enhancing the lives of older adults. By bridging theory and practice, prioritizing listening, addressing specific needs within the community, and navigating challenges with creativity and empathy, interns like Andrew make a meaningful difference while gaining invaluable experience for their future careers.
