Student Spotlight: Sarah Weese — Finding Purpose in Social Work

For Sarah Weese, social work isn’t just a career choice — it’s a calling.

Inspired by her own life experiences and a deep passion for helping others, Weese is pursuing her Master of Social Work at Utah State University Eastern, where she is gaining the skills and hands-on experience to make a meaningful impact in her community.

Weese’s first encounter with social work came after she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The support she received during that difficult time left a lasting impression. Later, while working as a mentor for at-risk youth in Colorado, Sarah realized just how much she valued building connections with young people who needed guidance and support.

“I saw firsthand how important social workers are,” Weese said. “When I worked as a mentor, I loved being that person for teens — someone who took the time to listen. That’s when I knew social work was where I belonged.”

Her experience as a camp counselor in Colorado further reinforced that passion.

“Helping kids and being someone they could turn to gave me a sense of purpose,” she said. “It all pointed me toward social work.”

For Weese, the choice to attend USU Eastern was easy.

“I thrive in smaller class settings where I can build relationships with professors and classmates,” she said. “When I found out USU Eastern had that same close-knit environment, I knew it was the perfect fit.”

The personalized learning experience and supportive faculty have made a significant impact on her education.

“The professors here don’t just teach — they invest in you as a person,” Weese said.

Weese’s MSW journey has been shaped by internship experiences and the mentorship of Jan Thornton and Eric Hansen, two social work professionals she deeply admires.

“I was lucky enough to intern at the USU Eastern Counseling Center, where I worked with college students,” she said. “Getting to learn from Jan and Eric — who are some of the best social workers I know — was incredible. Watching them in action helped shape the kind of therapist I want to be.”

Currently, Weese is completing her second internship at Pinnacle Canyon Academy, working with students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The experience has opened her eyes to the diverse needs of children and families.

“What I love about Pinnacle is how trauma-informed and family-focused they are,” she said. “They don’t just support the students — they go out of their way to help the whole family. It’s one of the few schools I’ve seen that truly prioritizes mental health in such a hands-on way.”

Weese has found the roleplay exercises in her classes to be both challenging and rewarding.

“Practicing different therapy approaches in front of your classmates is intimidating, but it’s also so valuable,” she said. “Our professor, Jan, even brings in local therapists to give us feedback, which makes the experience feel real.”

One of the biggest lessons she’s learned? Flexibility and connection matter more than following a script.

“You can study theories and techniques all day, but at the end of the day, every client is different,” she said. “The most important thing is being able to connect with them and meet them where they are.”

Weese’s career aspirations are deeply personal. She hopes to work with individuals living with diabetes, particularly youth, helping them navigate the emotional and mental health challenges that come with managing a chronic illness.

“As someone with Type 1 diabetes, I understand the struggle,” she said. “I want to be part of a team that helps people not just manage the physical aspects but also the mental and emotional side of it.”

Beyond individual therapy, Weese is passionate about mental health advocacy and community outreach.

“I believe every little step counts,” she said. “Whether it’s one-on-one counseling or larger awareness initiatives, I just want to make sure people feel seen, heard and supported.”

Weese encourages those interested in social work to take the leap.

“There’s never going to be a perfect time to start,” she said. “But if you feel drawn to social work, this program will set you up for success. The professors are incredible and the experience you’ll gain here will help you grow both personally and professionally.”

Reflecting on her time in the MSW program, Weese sums up her experience in three words.

“This program has given me the tools, confidence and support to become the social worker I’ve always wanted to be,” she said.