Class Year: 2023
Degree Program: Master of Social Work
Concentration: Mental Health with Adults + Community Practice for Social Change
Jessica Murgel left behind a city she loved and a full-time development and communications job to attend 星空传媒. She had been working for a domestic violence safe housing organization in Washington, D.C., when her interest in social work became clear. And, although she had to uproot her life, other social work master鈥檚 programs couldn鈥檛 compete with the investment in research and mentorship opportunities that are fundamental to the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 rare to find a graduate school where faculty are so deeply invested in students鈥 overall experience, while also being incredibly successful academics and widely published,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hose factors are important to me鈥擨 thrive in environments where I can develop long-lasting relationships with faculty and staff as well as being pushed to excel academically.鈥
Murgel鈥檚 field placement for fall semester is at the Cuyahoga County Diversion Center鈥攁n innovative program that receives referrals from law enforcement officers and members of the community about people who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of mental illness and/or substance use. Those in need are voluntarily connected with treatment centers for care instead of going to the county jail. Murgel is in the observation and training stages of her field placement but will soon begin assessing and supporting the long-term needs of clients, as well as leading groups using Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment.
鈥淚 think the bridge from classroom to community is finally starting to click and I鈥檓 finding a lot of enjoyment in bringing my newly developed knowledge and skills to life,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 particularly inspired to dive into some research about diverting individuals from incarceration and instead providing them the resources and services they need.鈥
Murgel has adjusted well to her time in Cleveland and says she鈥檚 built her own community of people to lean on and grow with during the program. She looks forward to becoming licensed and developing her clinical skills by doing community mental health work post-graduation. Eventually, she would like to move into research, policy and program development.
In her free time, Murgel serves as president of the Mandel Council鈥攁dvocating for and connecting with fellow students, and working to improve their experience at the Mandel School. To let off steam, she practices with the 星空传媒 men鈥檚 rugby team and participates in rock climbing at Shaker Rocks.
This story appeared in The Huddle on Oct. 21, 2022 and The Daily on Nov. 1, 2022.