In the NeighborHOOD: Meet Alumna Jerica Washington

Jerica Washington

Meet Jerica Washington, a 2009 alumna who is now in the social work field.

Jerica (Rudolph) Washington

Graduation Year

2009

Program

  • Social Work (B.A.)

Department

  • Sociology & Social Work

What is your current title and place of employment?

Director, Jack E. Barr Center for Well-Being, San Mar Family and Community Services

What does your current job entail?

Supervise and direct provision of services for outpatient mental health.

When applying to colleges, what made you interested in Hood?

It was in the community where I grew up, beautiful campus but small enough to be comfortable and learn in an environment similar to pre-college years.

What did you do to stay involved on campus?

I was involved in Strong Women of Today and Tomorrow, commuter club and always took advantage of the library and computer lab.

What was your favorite part of life at Hood?

Small community and ability to develop a relationship with students with the same major.

What professor(s) had an impact on you? How?

Dr. Sowbel, Dr. Ernst and Dr. Moore gave me the ability to look at social work in a wider lens and understand that it would never be just a job but a career and lifelong commitment to helping others.

How did your experience at Hood contribute to your current career?

It allowed me to become passionate about a field that you can do so much in, and use my experiences and education to help others in the field of mental health.

What advice would you give to a potential Hood student?

Become involved in a student-led group, meet with your professors, and use your fellow classmates to learn!

When was the last time you were on campus, and what was your reason for visiting?

2017 Safe Harvest

What changes to Hood impressed you the most and why?

The athletic building was beautiful, modern and functional!

What are your hobbies?

Crafting, exploring with my son, and writing