Hi y’all.

My name is Hannah Burciaga, but many of you know me as Nena. I’m currently a first generation, first-year Master’s degree candidate attending the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California. As I’m nearing the end of my second semester, I’m interviewing at new agencies for my second-year practicum placement which will provide me the opportunity to continue growing within this field and my career as a future licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). To say that I am grateful and appreciative of all that I’ve learned so far is an understatement and I intend on beginning my fieldwork hours shortly after graduation immediately upon being hired at a nonprofit agency where I can complete this requirement towards my licensure within two years time. The population I wish most to support are children, adolescents, and transitional age youth (TAY) experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (SUD), also known as dual diagnosis clients. As many of you know, I have personal experience within that demographic and grew up witnessing the effects of mental health and addiction, so to say that I am passionate, driven, and committed to working with this population are just some words I can use to describe my sentiments. I believe that in becoming a social worker it is my responsibility to advocate and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities which I consider children and youth to be, not to mention those with the added layers of marginalization experiencing mental health and addiction. I hope to be able to help them navigate and overcome these obstacles in their life as they will always deserve a chance to lead fulfilling lives and have an overall improved sense of wellbeing.

I understand that the current political state of the world is leading to much fear, feelings of defeat, and uncertainty, which is all very valid, so I understand if this is the least of anybody’s concern. But I am asking for you to consider investing in the future of a Chicana from Boyle Heights and their goal of being able to help our younger generations also experiencing crises within the current state of our country. Everybody I have spoken to about my schooling understands the amount of work I’ve put into earning my degree, and the love, unconditional support, and words of affirmation and wisdom are in part what is keeping me going even when times get tough. I love and appreciate every one of you who has contributed to my journey as a social work student, whether you know you did or not, because as a low income full-time student with ADHD solely investing in their own education it can get hard and I sometimes become discouraged when comparing myself to others within my cohort. Imposter syndrome, if you will. Still, I am determined to complete my program and achieve all that I’ve intentionally set my goals to.

I am coming to you all, my family, friends, colleagues, and overall community, humbly, with the ask of helping support me during this time by contributing to my future as a clinician in this field. Many of you know that I earned my license in September of 2023 but still do not drive, in part because of not having the opportunity due to not having a means of transportation, but also because of the anxiety I have driving other people’s cars. With the opportunities I have lined up for second-year practicum placements, driving is a requirement. I am hoping by starting this fundraiser to have enough funds donated so that I can buy a car, nothing fancy, that will be able to reliably get me from point A to point B when it comes to my practicum site and field visits. I still intend on taking the train to campus and in every day life, so would only really use the car for internship days and anything required by the agency. Please consider donating or sharing to help me reach my goal and ensure that I won’t miss opportunities that are vital to my growth as a future social worker.

Con mucho, mucho amor,

Nena❤️