Why Rifka Chose the BA Psychology - Social Work Track

Rifka Shulman shares her journey towards earning her BA in Psychology - Social Work Track.

How did you first hear about Sara Schenirer?

I heard about Sara Schenirer through friends who graduated from the program. They told me about the accelerated curriculum, supportive staff, and the convenience of having both online and in-person course options. When I moved to Lakewood, I also saw their advertisements around town and researched the program for myself. I realized it would be the best way to earn a professional degree in a supportive environment specifically geared toward frum women.

What inspired you to pursue this degree?

During high school, my principal was passionate about psychology and  instilled in me a love for the subject. She would teach about new theories in the field, discuss self-help books, and encourage her students to learn more about the area. It made me realize that I enjoyed psychology and wanted to study it further and apply it to my future career.

How prepared did you feel when you first started? What surprised you most about your classes?

I’ve always been a good student, so I felt prepared to take on the rigorous coursework. The professors were clear in explaining the information and very helpful when I needed extra assistance. For instance, I struggled with statistics, but my instructor was patient with me, helped me work out the problems, and gave me extra time to figure them out when I needed it.

What has been your favorite part of your experience so far? Most challenging?

My favorite part was being in class, bonding with peers, and establishing a network of support. It was difficult at times to balance the workload and deadlines, but I made sure to carve time out of my schedule to complete my work, often preparing assignments well in advance of due dates. Another thing I found challenging was learning how to properly write in APA style. My writing instructor noticed that I was having trouble and offered to stay on Zoom  after class to give me extra help. She was able to explain and simplify the process for me and help me understand in a clear way how to correctly use APA-style writing.

What skills or strengths do you think are important for success in Social Work?

To do well in the program, it’s important to have good time management skills and to be committed and motivated. To succeed in a career as a psychologist or social worker, it’s crucial to be humble, respectful of others, and open to continual learning.

How much time do you spend on coursework outside of class?

It varies depending on the time of year. In the beginning and middle of the semester I would spend a few hours a week on assignments, but toward the end of the term, I significantly increased the amount of time that I invested toward completing my coursework.

How does the schedule fit with your lifestyle?

The schedule is ideal for working women who have families since the classes are on Sundays and in the evenings, and many are online. The professors are reasonable and as flexible as they can possibly be when it comes to the timing of assignments and the overall workload, especially during Jewish holidays. As long as I stayed motivated and planned in advance, I never felt overly stressed about completing my work.

How would you describe the support you receive from Sara Schenirer staff and professors?

There is such a feeling of warmth and encouragement within all of Sara Schenirer. The program promotes personal growth and professional development while maintaining a commitment to the highest standards of education. My program coordinator, Yael Schorr, was incredible and gave me a high level of personal attention. She would always be in touch, keep tabs on my progress, and follow up with ways she could help. Her support gave me the extra push to succeed. 

What advice would you give to new students starting out?

Never hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns because the staff are all there to help. It's also very important to be organized and try to work on assignments in advance so that you’re not overwhelmed when work is due. I found it helpful to push myself to do a little bit at a time so that I was prepared and not stressed by deadlines.

What are your goals after earning your degree?

I’m currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Sara Schenirer and I hope to become a licensed social worker once I graduate. My undergraduate education gave me a deep understanding of psychology, something that is very important in the field of social work. I have a familiarity with the subject and an understanding of concepts such as theories of attachment, which gives me an advantage in the master’s program. I am currently working with at-risk teenagers and I can see myself remaining in that area in the near future. It’s important to me that I work in a supportive environment under supervision and guidance while continuing to serve my community.