Graduate Spotlight: Claudia Lasater

Claudia Lasater, an inspiring student with a heart for helping others, received her diploma on May 7 after completing her bachelor’s degree in social work.

Claudia originally came to Hardin-Simmons as a transfer student. Although it was a big transition for her, she says that the staff members of HSU helped guide her and continued to build relationships with her as she progressed. From admissions counselors to her advisors, these women helped Claudia feel like she belonged and helped her discover that social work was the field for her.

“Social work fits for me like I was always meant to be in it. The program helped me see that there are many places you can work with a social work degree,” said Claudia. “Yes, there is CPS and APS, but there is so much more. You can work in hospitals, hospice, and humanitarian nonprofits. We have a lot of nonprofits here in Abilene, and I had no idea that social workers can thrive in those places.”

With experience on leadership teams for the Social Work Club, as well as Sigma Beta – the honors society for the social work program, Claudia spent her time at HSU getting to know students within her major and figuring out ways to help others. For example, Claudia helped the Social Work Club with fundraisers during Women’s History Month that would help women and children in need.

Because of her hard work over the past few years, Claudia achieved the James B. Simmons Award of Human & Civil Rights, Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice as well as the Hispanic Alumni, Moore, and Hutchins Scholarships.

Claudia will be continuing her education at Abilene Christian University in their social work master’s program. She will participate in their advanced standing route, which will allow her to complete her master’s in a single year while working within a field placement. Long-term, Claudia is interested in global nonprofits that help empower people in their areas.

Like many other students, Claudia’s time at HSU has come to an end as she steps into a new chapter of life. While the unknown can be daunting, Claudia encourages other graduate students to see the positive things that changing seasons can bring.

“The fear of not knowing everything that will happen in the future scares me, but I remind myself that there’s a reason why everything happens,” shared Claudia. “Change is a beautiful thing and with new challenges comes new growth.”

If you are interested, you can learn more about HSU’s social work program.