In the hours leading up to the 100 years celebration, I was incredibly nervous but excited. A college that I’m a part of is celebrating 100 years of dedication and achievement to students, social work education and profession. From the excellence of my curriculum to the academic opportunities provided by the college, I understood how noteworthy and important this celebration was too many. I was the only student attending that was speaking in front of my professors and other distinguished social work alumni. I felt pressure like any student wanting to do well, but I was ready for the challenge.

As I entered the Champion’s Club, I was greeted by Meredith Millsap and Colette Podgorski. Meredith Millsap is our college’s student and alumni engagement  coordinator, as well as the leader for the CSW Student Ambassadors. I had also met with Colette Podgorski before the event. She served as our college’s development officer and was the liaison I communicated with for the Guy and Delores Spearman Scholarship, I received. Soon after our interaction, I saw Pam MacDill’s beaming smile then she greeted me with a warm hug. We talked about her luxurious fur shawl and our excitement for the night, and I felt more at ease. All these women have had a gracious impact on my academic and professional success, so being welcomed by them made me feel connected to the event, knowing that I belonged there and had purpose.

As the night continued, my partner Devlin and I mingled around exploring features of the event. We talked to student Veronica France about her research with the College of Social Work’s Arts and Athletics Camp. We had a conversation with Dr. Karen Randolph, my Human Behavior in the Social Environment professor, about her interests and research on “Digital Immigrant and Natives” within social service administrations. We watched the photo slideshow that explored the College’s history over 100 years. We even took some great silly photos at the photo booth and got a laugh out of all the funny hat options. By the time Associate Dean Craig Stanley started his announcements, I was comfortable and proud to be part of such an accepting and genuine college. Dinner was served and as we ate, the formal dinner program commenced.

Pam MacDill reflected on the developments within the 100-year history of the College of Social Work.  I joyously shouted “100 Years” along with the rest of the audience during the call-and-response part of her speech. After Pam, I was next to speak. Shaky, but determined, I made my way to the stage. Standing behind the podium, I thought, “This audience needs to know how great they are. I feel the effect of the love and hard-work they put into this college, and so will the students generations from now.” I took a deep breath and focused on speaking with passion.

I reflected on my personal journey through FSU and discovering the College of Social Work. I talked about being surrounded by like-minded people who want to create change in their communities. I reveled in the diversity of Florida and the comradery of our university as a whole. I ended my speech by celebrating the progress of our college and wishing us many years more. Leaving the stage, I felt like my speech matched the energy and expressed the importance of the occasion. I even got a “thumbs up” from Dr. Bruce Thyer, who I would soon see that Monday for my Intro To Research class.

Soon after, President John Thrasher took the stage. He looked out into the crowd and said into the microphone, “Where’s Nicole??” I was surprised and nervously raised my hand. He said, “You’re the reason I get up every single day. You and the rest of our great students.” At that moment, I could have fainted. He continued to express his appreciation for the dedicated students at FSU who develop and transform themselves into prepared and passionate professionals. Dean Jim Clark concluded our program with heartfelt words about how far we’ve come and the positive changes that made our college what it is today.

Looking back on my experience of the 100-year celebration, I am honored to be surrounded by wonderful social work professionals and I feel even more inspired to pursue my career in social work. My appreciation for our faculty is paralleled by my love of this profession and I’m excited thinking of what the College of Social Work will achieve in the next 100 years.

Anne Nicole Dela Cruz is an undergraduate student at the FSU College of Social Work and is interested in working with immigrant populations and youth in crisis. She is interested in working at the macro-level with grant management, community development, and administration and also the micro-level with direct services. She plans to pursue the MSW Clinical Track at the FSU College of Social Work and wants to pursue community development and immigrant services in Chicago, Illinois.