Hafsa Abed

I knew I always wanted to work in the schools in some capacity. I originally went to school for an education degree and once in classes, I realized I wanted to make a different impact. I wanted to work one on one with students and families to help break the cycles they are in. Before working in the schools, I was a hotline specialist with DCS. I started my career in school social work in 2020.  COVID was a unique start to my career.  Since being a social worker, I have been a social worker at Trust Point hospital and also assisted in creating their adolescent intensive outpatient program. 

One of my favorite parts of being a school social worker is getting to work with more than just the students. I get to work with their families and their communities. I am able to help connect families to resources and lessen barriers in their daily lives. Being a social worker isn't always easy. The most challenging part of our job is knowing you can't reach every student. As much as it pains me to say that, I have to accept that every student and every challenge I cannot fix. 

My biggest hope for our future is the social work field continues to grow and it allows each school to meet the standards to best serve the students. I hope mental health continues to be normalized and we can continue to assist the students, families and communities around us.

Thank you for letting me be your president this year.

-Hafsa