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Schopler Scholar Meghan Bridges: Peace Corps inspires child welfare career

Meghan Bridges is a first-year full-time MSW student. A native of Sanford, she is thrilled to be back at UNC after earning her undergraduate degree in Journalism here in 2007.

Bridges was awarded the Janice Hough Schopler Scholarship. It was established by Mrs. Schopler’s late husband, Dr. John Schopler, and awarded to a student in financial need with good academic standing.

“I am so thankful for the Schopler family’s commitment to the students at UNC’s School of Social Work,” said Bridges. “Receiving this scholarship allows me to concentrate on my classes and ensure I am focusing all my energy on my education.”

Bridges was a Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica prior to beginning the MSW program. She worked in an elementary school in the mountainous area at the center of the island. Bridges worked with children in the first through fourth grades, many of whom were physically and sexually abused.
“My work in Jamaica inspired me to keep working in the field of child welfare, even after my return to the states,” said Bridges.

Bridges is combining what she learns in the classroom with her experiences at her field placement in child welfare at Wake County Human Services. She plans to continue working in child welfare after graduation.

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