Elizabeth Statzer
Social Work major
Senior
Major: Social Work
Minor: Spanish
Graduates: within the next year
Relationship status: Very happily taken
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
Why did you choose social work?
“I chose this major because I love people and I want a career where I feel like I’m making a difference. I think that being a social worker is the best possible combination of these two aspirations.”
What do you plan to do after graduation?
“My plans after graduation include getting my masters and eventually a doctorate degree. I really want to take my schooling as far as I can.”
What’s your dream job?
“My dream job would be working as a social worker in a hospital setting somewhere here in the Sunshine State.”
Why did you choose to come to USF?
“I chose USF because I wanted to be on my own and be independent without being too far away from my family.”
What’s your favorite thing about USF?
“My favorite thing about USF is all of the people I get to meet and interact with. Every person I’ve met has taught me so much and every person has definitely added to my education.”
What has college taught you so far?
“The main thing I have learned in college is that there is no limit to what you can do, as long as you work hard. Work ethic is the key to getting what you want and nothing is off limits if you have a strong one.”
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Favorite professor?
“The best professor I’ve had at USF would definitely be Laurel Graham. She has an unmatched passion for what she teaches and it makes it so easy to learn from her.”
Favorite class?
“The best class I have taken here at USF would be the Sociology of Sexualities class I took my junior year. It really forced me to have an open mind and see things from other people’s perspective. Not only did I learn a lot academically but I grew a lot as a person by taking that course. It’s one of the only courses that I feel like I can really say has changed my perspective on life. “
What do you like to do when you’re not at school?
“I am lucky to have a full time job AND a part time job that take up most of my time when I’m not in school. But when I’m not busy with either of those, I love being at the beach, the gym, or just hanging around the house with my boyfriend.”
What motivates you to do well in school?
“My inspiration mostly comes from my love for what I’m studying and knowing that I am going to have a job where I can change people’s lives for the better. And I’m very, very motivated by the people I surround myself with. My family, my boyfriend and his family, and my very close circle of friends are all very supportive of me and that keeps me going. It really helps to know that you have people you know will help you and be there for you no matter what.”
Favorite quote?
“Shakespeare: “love all, trust few, do harm to none”. Living by this hasn’t steered me wrong yet!”
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