Kayla (Brooks ’16) Carlson

Social Work

Biography

Growing up, I had many people who played key roles in supporting me through life's challenges. They reminded me who I am in Christ and helped me see my value when I couldn't see it on my own. Their intentionality greatly shaped who I am today and inspired me to help others utilize their strengths to demonstrate resilience. While at Taylor, I had the opportunity to serve as an RA at a women's home in Upland while also providing social work services at my local church in conjunction with a children's ministry director role. In 2018, I became a social worker at an elementary school in the same district where I completed my junior practicum. There, a passion for trauma-responsive education was cultivated. I completed my MSW in 2021 and began providing mental health services as a therapist with Meridian Health Services.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

When I reflect on my time at Taylor, some of my most valuable experiences were the late night conversations that occurred with my wingmates. Lifelong friendships were forged over the vulnerable conversations and accountability I found on my wing, within my classes, and in the pottery studio. One of my other most valuable experiences was going on the Southeast Asia Lighthouse Trip my sophomore year. The generosity and hospitality I experienced in Southeast Asia was unlike anything I had ever experienced in the US. My host families really challenged how I viewed the world and the global church. Though I only had a few weeks with them, I consider them part of my family, and I look forward to the day I get to go back and visit them!

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

I was challenged to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually through the classes in the social work program. While some of this growth can be attributed to reflective assignments, a lot of it stemmed from class discussions on the intersection of faith and social work, personal biases, and ethical dilemmas. Being able to hear the voices and perspectives of my peers and professors challenged me to examine myself and my beliefs in ways I had not before. I am so grateful for the professors who invested in me outside the classroom through coffees, meals, and research opportunities. They had a bigger impact on my personal development than I think they realize!

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

Social work is a vast field that draws from many other disciplines to combine a person-centered and systems approach in serving clients. The liberal arts foundational core at Taylor lends itself well to being part of those disciplines social workers can draw upon when using a strengths-based mindset with clients.

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

If I could impart any wisdom to social work students, I would encourage them to do 2 things: 1) Fully engage in the conversations in your classes. You will grow personally and professionally through learning how to navigate differing perspectives and examine your own heart through the discussions in the classroom. 2) Take self-care seriously now. Developing a self-care muscle while at Taylor will serve you well as you enter a field that values, but does not always create space for, the self-care needed for a sustainable social work career.