Most students expect to face some challenges during college, academically and otherwise. Nothing, however, could have prepared Emily Casey for the difficulties she faced in her first year at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire — physical and emotional struggles that nearly pushed her to give up her college dreams.
“In the fall of my first year at UWEC, I suffered two severe concussions that have resulted in lasting traumatic brain injury. That year was extremely hard, and I admit that I came close to taking the advice from some people to leave college, at least temporarily,” says the Eau Claire native.
Casey says that in weighing the various options to remain in school while healing, she was encouraged by a friend to consider changing her major to social work.
“My friend knew that I needed accommodations and added support, and as a social work student, they were certain I could find it there,” Casey says. “Once accepted as a social work major, I immediately began to feel that the faculty understood what I’d been going through and were prepared to help me reach my goals.”
Casey says that faculty in social work connected her with Services for Students with Disabilities for specific support for her condition, services that Casey says she had not been aware of before that time. Specific accommodations included in her plan were extra time for exams, testing in a quiet room, digital copies of textbooks and allowance to take digital notes in class.
“I had physical symptoms and a constant state of brain fog at that time, but the biggest problem was simply not feeling like myself,” Casey says. “Since discovering how I could continue in school and succeed with the proper supports, I’ve grown in my passion for helping others, especially those who deal with brain injury like mine.
“I think I will always feel effects from my injuries — I’m not the same person I was before, but I feel improvements all the time.”
Growth as a student and an advocate
While catching up with academics and settling into the social work major, Casey discovered a career drive she says is rooted in empathy and helping others.
“I used to think I’d be a teacher or a nurse, both strong programs at UW-Eau Claire that attracted me here in the first place,” Casey says.
Since declaring the social work major, Casey chose to add certificates in gerontology and mental health/wellbeing, in addition to the equity, diversity and inclusion certification embedded in the degree plan.
“These certificates will strengthen my ability to advocate for clients with a wide variety of backgrounds,” she says.
Key internship brings personal and career goals together
The social work internship program offers the option to split the required internship into two terms, and Casey has the second half of her requirement to fulfill this summer, returning as an intern with the Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin (BIAW).
“In this role, I’ve assisted and advocated for individuals with brain injuries like mine, along with their caretakers,” Casey says.
The BIAW connects brain injury survivors and their families with resources and support in their communities. This past March, the student interns traveled with the team to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators about the ways federal funding can support those with brain injury.
Casey says a key takeaway from that legislative session for her was the budget data showing federal funding at that time totaled a mere $3.03 per year, per person with brain injury.
“That is just not enough funding. I was very nervous when it was my turn to speak, but it was a great opportunity to make my voice heard by sharing my story,” she says. “Politicians look at numbers all day, and the chance to be a face in front of them and not just a number in a report felt empowering.”
According to Dr. Lisa Quinn-Lee, Casey’s instructor, faculty advisor and mentor, advocacy is something that comes naturally to Casey, who Quinn-Lee says will be a promising professional in future social work practice.
“It is common to say one is an advocate, but not as many people act and follow through,” says the professor and chair of social work.
Quinn-Lee says that in addition to Casey using her voice to advocate for fellow brain injury patients, she has focused on seeking more equitable and compassionate approaches to addressing substance use disorders, particularly within the criminal justice system.
“Through personal, volunteer and professional experiences, Emily has seen the impact of untreated substance use disorders and the failure of punitive approaches to create meaningful change,” Quinn-Lee says. “I appreciate her experience and knowledge of working on interprofessional teams in seeking new solutions for these important issues.”
When it comes to combining her advocacy interests as a therapist in the field of social work, Casey says she has a plan in mind.
“In graduate school I would really love to focus my studies on substance use/abuse and trauma therapy, which can include traumatic brain injury,” Casey says.
“Often, we see people with brain injury experiencing a higher chance of using substances and a higher rate of other trauma in their background. I want to learn more about the correlations between these three factors and find ways to use that understanding in my future practice.”
Casey was accepted to her two graduate schools of choice for a master’s degree in social work, and she will begin classes this fall at UW-Madison.
