Eastern Michigan University EMU HOME
 
Why I Work/Teach at EMU
 

May 13, 2008 issue

Why I - Bonnie Miller

After graduating from New York University with a master's in social work, I worked at Syracuse University and took courses for a doctorate. My husband and I moved to Boston before I could finish my dissertation, so I am an ABD (all but dissertation). We moved from Boston about 20 years ago because my husband got a job in Ann Arbor. So, I decided to apply to Eastern Michigan University.

The current acting president (actually, executive vice president) of the University, Don Loppnow, was formerly the director of the School of Social Work and he hired me. I have been working in the School of Social Work for 19 years, 15 as a a full-time lecturer.

I absolutely love teaching here because the students want to be here. They each bring to the classroom rich experiences of raising a family, working full time, going to school and taking out large loans. They can't wait to work with individuals in the field and give back to their community.

I teach the freshman undergraduate course, "Introduction to Social Work", and I think of it as a "meeting of the minds." The students all have different values and opinions, and we have really fascinating discussions.

I am especially proud of the project that our students are currently working on, the Michigan Prison Re-entry Initiative (MPRI). Ten students are working with ex-convicts who have committed felonies and spent time in prison. The students are focusing on keeping them from returning to prison, by finding them jobs, health insurance and teaching them the necessary skills to survive after prison. The experience the students are receiving is amazing.

A passion to help and work with people keeps me involved in social work. That is why I love the students here; they share that same passion. I have witnessed the miracle of empowerment, providing people the tools they need to change their lives. I have seen our students actually work with people who have been thrown away — homeless people — and have seen them make a difference in each other's lives. It's truly a wonderful experience.