I graduated from Sacred Heart University (SHU) in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and minors in Psychology and Social Justice and Human Rights. After completing my master’s in Social Work specializing in leadership, management, and entrepreneurship at Columbia University, I returned to SHU this year to pursue a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs. Throughout this academic journey, I’ve been shaped not only by classroom learning, but also by the digital media era we’re living in today.
With the encouragement of SHU alumni, faculty, and staff, I launched my platform The Vitiligo Social Worker in 2022. What started as a professional portfolio has grown into a brand that blends my background in social work with digital media to support students and really anyone navigating educational transitions.
At first, I mainly posted on my website. But toward the end of 2024, I committed to posting consistently on TikTok and Instagram. That decision transformed my growth and helped me feel confident in expanding to other platforms like Twitch and Youtube. On TikTok alone, I’ve gained over 600 followers in the span of a year. When I began, I attended a workshop on social media growth and set an intentional goal: one new follower per day. By staying disciplined, I reached that goal. I share this not to highlight numbers, but to show that intentional goals, even small ones, can add up. Content creation is something I’m pursuing while also wearing many hats: being a student, working part-time as an Operations Assistant at Press Play Studio and Events, and serving as a Graduate Assistant for the Office of Community Engagement. Each role comes with responsibilities and challenges, but I still make time for my creative journey.
Beyond social media, I’ve expanded into other forms of content creation. I host a podcast called Life After Undergrad, where I guide students, especially through the transitions of college and the real world. I also recently had the opportunity to develop a podcast within the office of community engagement called Hearts in Action, a podcast rooted in community engagement. In addition to podcasting, I have written a book at the beginning of 2025 called, Close to Fame, which explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and purpose tying to similar themes of the digital day in age we live within today. These parts of my journey reflect my passion for blending creativity with education, showing that content creation isn’t just about numbers or trends, it’s about using your voice to build meaningful connections and lasting change.
The Vitiligo Social Worker, or TVSWCT for short, can be found at www.TVSWCT.com and across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn (@TVSWCT). These platforms are more than just outlets for content; they are spaces of support, encouragement, and empowerment. My goal is to remind anyone that they don’t have to face challenges alone and to create resources that help them through transitions, whether in college or beyond.
This journey has not been without its obstacles. Confidence is something I’ve struggled with, and even now, self-doubt creeps in at times. But I’ve learned that discipline and vision matter just as much as confidence. They keep me moving forward, even when doubt whispers otherwise. Over time, I’ve come to believe the foundation I’m building is meant for something greater, and that belief motivates me to continue creating content.
Looking back, I know I could have started sooner. Fear and hesitation often delayed me. But timing is part of the process, and I’m grateful for the path that brought me here. That’s why I wrote this piece: to remind you the person reading this right now knows that there is no perfect moment to begin. The best time is now.
As we approach a new year, I encourage you to use these last months to set intentional goals, step into something new, and push yourself to grow. You won’t be perfect, and progress won’t happen overnight. But if you stay consistent and compassionate with yourself, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Your story is still unfolding, just like mine. And the best time to begin writing the next chapter is today.
