Q&A: A Shared Calling — Jada and Brenda Erie on the Path to Social Work
In this special Q&A, we highlight the story of Jada Erie, a current UND social work student, and her mom, Brenda Erie, a practicing clinical social worker. Their connection to the profession is rooted in a shared love of helping others.
Why Social Work?
Q: Jada, why did you choose social work? Did your mom’s practice or career influence you?
Jada: “My understanding of the profession comes from my mom’s presence in the field. When I was first introduced to social work, I believed I would make a good social worker because I thought of myself as a good listener. At that time, I didn’t understand the complexity of the skills and tools necessary to be a social worker. However, the more I learn about what the profession values, the more I am assured that this is the correct career path for me. Additionally, seeing my mom in her practice reaffirms that continual learning and a genuine desire to do what’s best for individuals can lead to immense fulfillment in this line of work.”
Q: Brenda, what was your path into social work, and what continues to motivate you in this field?
Brenda: “I started my career in child protection services (CPS) and as a school social worker. Currently, I am in private practice. When my husband decided to open an Occupational/Physical Therapy practice, I had this great idea to join him and provide mental health counseling. The ability to be part of a client’s journey to help them gain inner peace, through counseling, was extremely appealing to me.
Learning From Each Other
Q: Jada, what do you admire about your mom and her practice as a social worker?
Jada: “At work, she radiates joy. Individuals can see the passion she has for her work, either by listening to the way she speaks or by the way she listens, appreciates, and encourages others to seek advice, knowledge, or simply share a warm greeting with her. She is humble with the knowledge she possesses yet is overjoyed to have the tools to aid others when they seek them. Additionally, she is continually learning, often through educational books that she enjoys reading in her spare time.”
Q: What does it mean to both of you to be in the same career field?
Jada: “One of my biggest blessings is having someone in my life who shares the same love for a career path as I do. I am able to confide in my mom, and she has the ability to provide responses rooted in her experience and knowledge. Additionally, I have the opportunity to join her in the workforce, accompany her at work as a coworker, and have her as a confidant.”
Brenda: “I’m so happy she found a field she can thrive in and help others thrive as well, spreading hope and healing to others. I am blessed, it just happens to be the same field as me. I am looking so forward to being there for her to answer any questions and help in any way I can.”
The UND Connection
Q: Why did you choose UND?
Jada: “The University of North Dakota is where both of my parents received their degrees and where my brother is currently pursuing his degree…My fondest memory of the social work department so far has been seeing the peers and professors striving to promote others’ well-being. I have met students further along in the program who enjoy sharing their knowledge to help others. This promotes a collaborative learning environment that encourages a multitude of perspectives.”
Brenda: “I loved attending UND… I think this happened because of the connections that were being formed with other students in the social work program. I was inspired by the teachers. They displayed such enthusiasm for the social worker profession that it got me excited to do this work.”
Looking Ahead
Q: What do you hope to accomplish as a social worker, Jada?
Jada: ” After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at UND… I hope to be a tool and resource for people, educating individuals on how to communicate effectively to promote authentic relationships. Human relationships are key to promoting better well-being. As a social worker, I want to bring hope, comfort, and compassion back into people’s lives by encouraging healthy, meaningful relationships.”
Advice for the Journey
Q: What advice have you shared with each other about growing in the field of social work?
Jada: “I have had the privilege of receiving advice and wisdom from my mom in day-to-day matters, as well as in the realm of social work, throughout my life. The advice my mom has given me over the years is now ingrained in me. One key piece of advice she shared about the profession is to establish grace for myself in this career. Social workers are tools to aid others; however, they do not know everything, and it is okay not to have all the answers. She emphasizes allowing yourself grace during this journey. I have applied this by admitting when I don’t have the answer to a situation and leaning on others for support when I lack the answer.”
Brenda: “I have told her to give herself grace as she starts out. She doesn’t have to know it all. In fact, the more she can step back and give her clients the space they need to heal, the better she will be. Sometimes, creating that safe space and being a witness to your client’s trauma is so healing in and of itself. All the interventions and modalities will come. There is no rush to “fix” because we aren’t there to “fix.” We are only an instrument in the client’s change. Maybe just a stepping stone until the client’s next step.”
Q: How has your mom’s experience helped you navigate your education and training?
Jada: “My mom’s experience encouraged me to attend UND and pursue a social work degree. Additionally, she is a wealth of knowledge. Whenever I have a question, she is just one phone call away. She is also elated by new information and the books she reads, and she willingly passes them on to me. My mom has allowed me to grow and apply my education beyond the university.”
Why Social Work Matters
Q: Why is social work needed now more than ever?
Brenda: “We have experienced a big need for counseling in our area, and I believe many social workers throughout the United States would say the same. Some of the reasons for this is probably because counseling is becoming more normalized, so people are reaching out more. Teens and kids are experiencing more anxiety than in the past. And there is so much division in the world today.”
Start Your Own Journey in Social Work
Jada and Brenda’s shared journey is a reminder of how social work can shape lives, both personally and professionally.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to advance your career, UND’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers flexible options to help you make a lasting impact. Explore our on-campus and online pathways—designed to prepare compassionate professionals like you for meaningful, client-centered practice.
