Iona Alumna Jennifer Millan ’19 Changes Lives as School Social Worker: "I Couldn’t Have Made It to Where I am Today Without the Solid Foundation Iona Provided Me With"

Alumni Success

Name: Jennifer Millan ’19
Hometown: Bethpage, N.Y.
High School: Bethpage High School
Major: Social Work Major
Minor: Spanish
Company: Tiegerman High School
Job Title: School Social Worker

What do you love most about what you’re currently doing?
Currently, I am a New York State licensed master social worker, certified school social worker and certified case manager. My goal for 2023 is to study for and pass my clinical licensing examination so that I can practice independently. I will also begin a field instructor course so that I can accept graduate school social work interns in the future.

What is a day in the life like at your job?
Every day is different, which keeps me on my toes. I work full-time at a high school in Queens where I provide both group and individual counseling services to students with speech and language impairments, autism spectrum disorders and/or learning disabilities. After school hours, I work as a part-time clinician at a private practice providing teletherapy to patients. All of my students and patients are unique and have their own needs, which keeps things interesting. I emphasize that no day is ever the same, but I find that to be the best part of what I do because it forces me to embrace flexibility.

Why did you decide to study your particular major?
I decided to study social work because I had a very positive experience with my school social worker in elementary school (shout out to Mrs. Glassman) when I was dealing with my parents’ divorce. I kept this career path in mind when applying to colleges. I also thought about pursuing law school or political science, but after careful consideration, I decided to pursue social work to keep my options open. When researching colleges, I was impressed with the highly ranked social work department. When I declared my major, I was even more impressed with the warm welcome I received from the supportive and dedicated faculty and staff members.

How did Iona prepare you to get where you are today?
At Iona, not only did I receive hands-on job, internship and leadership experience, but I formed friendships that will last a lifetime. I learned so much from Iona’s faculty and staff members who always supported me in my journey to success. I couldn’t have made it to where I am today without the solid foundation Iona College, now University, provided me with.

Were you involved in student groups or activities? If so, how did they shape or support your career path?
I was an orientation leader for three years and president of the Edmund Rice Society for two years. Additionally, I was a community service representative for the Iona Players for one year and a general member for all four years. I also actively participated in Iona in Mission events including Kairos and a mission trip to L'Arche Syracuse.

What's your fondest Iona memory?
My fondest memory of Iona was living with my close friends for years. We are all still very close today and love to reminisce / look back on memories we had. Living with your friends is such a fun time and something that I will always treasure about my experience at Iona.

Was there a professor, staff member, or peer who made an impact on you while you were at Iona? If so, who and why?
Felicia Colangelo was truly my second mother on campus but also a mentor and my boss as I worked in the Office for Student Success as an office assistant and worked on the orientation team. I also want to shout out Brother Devlin, Professor Manuel Gomez, Professor Haspel and Dr. Matich-Maroney for all of their support to ensure I was successful, not only at Iona, but after as well.

What is the lasting impact Iona has made in your personal and professional life?
Iona was such a close-knit and supportive institution that has only put me at an advantage in both my personal and professional life. I am eternally grateful for my experience and have not once regretted my college choice! GO GAELS :)

What advice do you have for a current Iona student who wants to follow a similar path?
You do not need to have it all figured out today. I encourage a student who's pursuing social work to try out an internship with a population they may not be interested in for their junior year internship to test the waters. You never know if you'll like something until you try it.

What seven words would your family and friends use to describe you?
Generous, kind, smart, funny, ambitious, outgoing and jovial.