What I Learned in My First Semester of My MSW at USC: A Journey of Growth, Grace, and Grounding

Stepping into my first semester of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at University of Southern California (USC) felt like stepping into a whole new chapter of my life; one filled with purpose, pressure, and plenty of personal growth. As a woman with strong values and a heart for peace, I knew this journey would stretch me but I wasn’t ready for just how much it would shape me.

Now that the semester is behind me, here’s what I learned both inside the classroom and within myself.

1. Theory Is Important… But People Matter More

From Human Behavior to Policy, we dove deep into theories that help explain why people move through the world the way they do. Systems theory, trauma-informed care, ecological models. Whew, it was a lot!

But the biggest lesson? Behind every theory is a real person with a real story.

USC’s program pushed me to balance academic knowledge with empathy, cultural humility, and genuine connection.

2. Self-Care Isn’t Optional…It’s Required

I quickly learned that you cannot pour into others from an empty cup. Between assignments, discussion posts, and fieldwork, burnout was tapping me on the shoulder every other week.

So I finally listened to what my professors kept saying: “Social workers must model what they teach.”

For me, that meant journaling, deep breaths in the car between classes, long showers, and protecting my peace.

3. Boundaries Are a Love Language

Whether it was with classmates, clients, family, or even myself. I learned that boundaries aren’t walls, they’re guidance systems.

USC teaches us to show up fully, but not at the cost of our own emotional wellbeing. And listen, as a woman raised to be helpful and hospitable, that was a lesson I had to learn the hard way.

4. Advocacy Isn’t Always Loud

One of the most powerful lessons from my coursework was that advocacy happens in many forms.

Sometimes it’s speaking truth to power.

Sometimes it’s writing policy analysis that centers marginalized voices.

Sometimes it’s simply being the one safe space in someone’s day.

I learned that my voice doesn’t have to be loud to be effective, it just has to be true.

5. Imposter Syndrome is Real, But So Is My Purpose

There were days I felt like I didn’t belong at a school as big and prestigious as USC. There were days when the readings were dense, the concepts were overwhelming, and the self-doubt got loud.

But each week, whether through supportive classmates, affirming professors, or my own resilience, I realized:

I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

6. Community Is Everything

Some of my biggest takeaways came from the people around me: the group chats, late-night study sessions, shared complaints, and collective victories.

Social work is a team sport.

And USC reminded me that having a community, especially one filled with folks who care about black people and healing, makes this journey not just doable but deeply meaningful.

7. I’m Becoming the Person I Needed

This semester wasn’t just about learning how to help others, it was about learning more about myself. My strengths. My values. My calling.

Every assignment, every lecture, every reflective journal brought me closer to the woman I’m becoming:

A grounded, compassionate, boundary-keeping, peace-protecting social worker in the making.

Final Thoughts

My first semester at USC has been challenging, stretching, and inspiring all at once. I learned to trust myself, pace myself, and take pride in the path I’m choosing.

This degree isn’t just a credential, it’s a commitment to healing, advocacy, and growth.

And if this was just semester one?

I can’t wait to see what’s next.