Kendra Smith: Following her new calling
Graduate Profile
Though she believed the chapter closed on school, Kendra Smith came to Governors State University (GovState) feeling a calling to mental health therapy. As she enrolled in classes for her second master’s degree, this time for Social Work, Kendra set her sights on becoming a mental health professional to join the efforts to eliminate the stigma around seeking support for mental health.
While Kendra is excited to cross the Commencement stage this spring, she’s also looking forward to pursuing her new dream helping others.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Kendra: Several things attracted me to GovState; one being the convenience of the school and the fact that it is a state school with an reasonable tuition rate. Another thing was that GovState had the degree I wanted to pursue and the class schedule fit into my work-life schedule. I also like the small classroom sizes.
GovState Newsroom: What’s your degree and why did you choose it?
Kendra: A master’s in social work. I like to say that this degree chose me. I had finished my first master’s and was done with school. Yet, something was pulling at my heart that I needed to go back and become a mental health professional to help remove the stigma associated with individuals seeking mental health services.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs and/or activities were you involved with? Any memories stick out with one of them?
Kendra: I have been involved with the Social Work Student Organization (SWSO) as their Master of Social Work (MSW) president for the past two years. I have been a student liaison between GovState and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for the past two years. I was induced into the Alpha Eta Honor Society in the fall of 2024. I will be induced into Tri Alpha this April 2025. I am being honored as the Most Outstanding MSW student. I have also served on the NASW board of directors as their graduate student representative for the past year.
The most memorable moment that will stick with me is going to Springfield, the state Capital, to speak with my state representative about passing possible legislation that would impact me as a social worker. A few days after that trip, one of the bills was passed into law.
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Kendra: My dream job is to be a mental health therapist in low-poverty areas so that I can help remove the stigma that individuals have towards seeking professional mental health services. Within the next two years, I will be sitting for my LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) license in the state of Illinois. Later in life, I desire to open/ run my own private practice.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Kendra: The best advice I can give to a current/ future student is to utilize all of the resources and individuals provided to you, even if you don’t think that you need them at the moment because college is not a sprint, but a marathon that requires patience and endurance to complete. I would also tell them to never stop fighting for their dream and remember that reaching the end goal is possible.
GovState Newsroom: How are you celebrating your graduation?
Kendra: The way that I will celebrate myself this graduation is by walking across the stage so that my family can see my accomplishment. Afterward, I am having a big party to celebrate my achievement with family and friends before I embark on my new journey as a mental health therapist.