Evelyn Carcamo, a social work student at George Mason University’s College of Public Health, described on April 30 how her practicum experience at the nonprofit Ayuda has helped clients facing significant challenges. One client, struggling with limited access to food and health care, was connected by Carcamo to assistance programs and medical services.
The story highlights the impact that hands-on training in social work can have for both students and those they serve. Carcamo said she witnessed changes in her client’s confidence and engagement as he became more involved in planning his future. “He became more confident, more comfortable asking questions, and more involved in planning next steps for himself,” she said.
Carcamo’s practicum involves conducting intakes and needs assessments for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and other crimes—many of whom are immigrants or refugees navigating unfamiliar systems. “They’re high-need clients,” she said. “But it’s very rewarding.”
Her own background informs her approach: as the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants who learned English on their own after arriving in the United States, Carcamo understands firsthand how difficult it can be to access resources without guidance. She will soon graduate as a first-generation college student with plans to continue serving immigrant communities through clinical social work.
Reflecting on her journey from medical assistant to aspiring clinical social worker—and balancing parenting responsibilities along the way—Carcamo credits her education at George Mason University with helping her develop a holistic approach centered on listening and building trust. “As a medical assistant, I was very task-focused… Now I take a more holistic and trauma-informed approach,” she said.
Carcamo’s achievements include making the Dean’s List while raising her son alone and receiving scholarship support based on merit and need. Looking ahead to graduation this May after six years balancing multiple roles—and seeing her younger sister pursue similar goals—she shared advice: “I always tell her, get it done now… If I can show her it’s possible, that means everything to me.”
