Guided by Compassion
During her final year at Dordt, Brenna Brouwer wasn't sure what career to pursue after graduation. “I was studying psychology and healthcare communication and was struggling to find jobs that both appealed to me and required those bachelor’s degrees,” says Brouwer.
She quickly recognized that pursuing a master’s degree would lead her to new career opportunities. “I talked with Dr. Olson, one of the social work professors, about what doors an MSW could open for my future career,” Brouwer explains. “Despite my desire to take a break from schooling, the Lord made clear to me that this was a unique opportunity to expand my clinical knowledge, work with caring professors, and do it all within a Christian framework.”
Brouwer found that the faculty, more than anything, transformed her experience in Dordt's MSW program. “I was consistently amazed by the knowledge and skills of the professors and how well they were able to meaningfully teach through a virtual platform,” she says. “The online format took discipline and focus from both professors and students, something that didn’t always come easy to me, but the content and professor engagement kept me motivated to pursue excellence in my coursework.”
An online program allows students flexibility to acquire their degree from anywhere in the world and gain practical experience wherever they are. However, it can feel isolating at times—something Brouwer says she experienced in the midst of her studies.
“About halfway through my MSW program, my husband and I moved to West Michigan, where we had few personal connections,” says Brouwer. “A few weeks later, feeling lonely while studying online, I reached out to Dr. Olson for support. She quickly responded with a phone call, brainstormed ways to connect with others, and introduced me to a local MSW student, whom I later met for coffee.”
“It was a true testament to my professors' care for my well-being,” adds Brouwer.
That experience with Dr. Olson reminded Brouwer of the importance of empathy and personal support, which she carries into her work today. As the school counselor at Hudsonville Christian Middle School (HCMS), Brouwer supports students and families facing hardship. She spends much of her time meeting individually with students struggling with anxiety, social skills, and bullying. She also leads support groups to help students connect with others facing similar difficulties.
“Crisis intervention is both the most rewarding and challenging part of my role,” Brouwer explains. “The most meaningful moments come from witnessing a student overcome an emotional outburst, helping them process their struggles, or supporting a parent through tears as they share their child's trials. These moments, though difficult, make the hard work feel incredibly worthwhile.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to be in a school that prioritizes the social, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual health of the students,” she adds.
While her field placement in the MSW program wasn’t in a school setting, Brouwer still acquired the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to use in her current role. “The MSW program at Dordt University exposed me to a wide variety of clinical cases and real-world experiences that allowed me to grow in my skills as a clinical social worker,” she says. “The coursework gave me foundational knowledge while the field experiences challenged me to put that knowledge into practice. I learned how to perform risk assessments, respond to crisis situations, utilize therapy interventions, and refer individuals to community resources.”
“God used all these experiences to prepare me for my role at HCMS, and I look forward to seeing how He will continue to use me as a social worker in His world.”
