Alex Mitchell’s desire to pursue a career in social work with a focus on gerontology began with a deeply personal experience. Her grandmother, whom her family lovingly called Mimi, spent her last 28 days of life in the ICU, opening Alex’s eyes to the many aspects of end-of-life care that she was not previously aware of. Alex credits this experience as the motivating factor that got her started on her social work journey. 

Alex goes on to explain the specifics of her experience, sharing that “during that time it became painfully clear that she and our family were not aware of all the options available to her—most importantly, the possibility of spending her final days at home, where she would have been more comfortable and at peace. Instead, she went through a series of difficult medical interventions that, in hindsight, felt unnecessary and traumatic. I truly believe that if we had been better informed and supported, she would have chosen a different path—one that allowed her to maintain her dignity and quality of life.”

Being with her grandmother when she passed, Alex explains, was the moment that changed her. “It was transformative and deeply eye-opening,” she says. “I realized how important it is for families to have guidance during these times—someone who can help them understand their choices and feel supported through the process.”

How a Deeply Personal Experience Led to a Career Change

This personal experience with her family is what led Alex to commit herself to a career in social work. She recently completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree and is now working toward her MSW, with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker who can provide others with the kinds of care and guidance that she wishes her family had received in their own time of need. She is especially passionate about working as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide care that considers not just the medical needs of older adults, but also their emotional and social well-being. 

“This path is a way for me to honor Mimi’s memory and make sure other families do not go through what ours did. She was such a warm, kind presence. I want to carry that forward by helping others during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives,” Alex says. 

Alex is currently working as a Project Associate for a market research company, and now that she has graduated and plans to move forward with her master’s degree, she looks forward to being able to practice social work in a clinical setting. 

Studying Social Work at Ball State

“Several faculty members at Ball State University played a significant role in shaping my educational journey and guiding me toward a career in social work,” Alex shares. While she was not sure at first how to turn her passion for advocacy and support into a meaningful profession, this changed during her first Gerontology course with Professor Kimberly Taylor. “It was in her class that I first learned about Adult Protective Services, and it opened my eyes to a world of work that aligned with my values and interests.” After discussing her future with Professor Taylor, Alex considers this moment to mark a turning point in her academic path. 

“It was in her class that I first learned about Adult Protective Services, and it opened my eyes to a world of work that aligned with my values and interests.” 

Still, as an adult returning student, Alex worried about the complexities of changing her degree program as she attempted to complete a degree for the third time. She faced a lot of the same concerns that other adult returning students often consider: that the change is impractical, that she wouldn’t be taken seriously given her academic history, and that she would be better off staying the course she had already chosen.

Her meeting with an academic advisor, however, took her by surprise. Her academic advisor encouraged her by sharing that she thought her readmission was not a reason to show that she should not be accepted, but instead that her journey showed incredible perseverance. The encouragement and grace she received stayed with her. “[My academic advisor’s encouraging] words shifted how I viewed my own story—from one of setbacks to one of strength,” Alex shares. 

“[My academic advisor’s encouraging] words shifted how I viewed my own story—from one of setbacks to one of strength.”

Alex also mentions that during her final semester, she completed her practicum under the guidance of Professor Jonel Thaller, who became an invaluable source of support. Balancing full-time work, raising two active boys involved in sports and extracurriculars, and completing a degree all at the same time was no small task, but Professor Thaller’s consistency and encouragement gave her the support she needed. “Professor Thaller’s empathy and approachability made a lasting impact on my experience,” Alex says.  

Value in an Online Program

Alex says she did not expect to build meaningful relationships through an online program, but she was pleasantly surprised to be wrong about that. “My time at Ball State was filled with support, inspiration, and encouragement from both faculty and peers—reminding me that even in a virtual setting, a strong sense of community is possible.”

“My time at Ball State was filled with support, inspiration, and encouragement from both faculty and peers—reminding me that even in a virtual setting, a strong sense of community is possible.”

Even at her graduation, online students were invited to walk the stage for their degrees, and many of Alex’s friends and classmates took advantage of the opportunity. Unfortunately, Alex herself could not be there, but her friends printed out a cardboard cutout of her face, glued it to a popsicle stick, and held it up in pictures from the Department of Social Work awards ceremony. It was funny and contributed to her feeling of community and belonging. 

In terms of program value, Alex feels that the program cost was fair in comparison to others she researched. Each semester, she was equipped with the materials needed for her coursework and felt well-prepared throughout the semester. Ultimately, she did not consider other programs because she always wanted to earn her degree from Ball State just like her father had. 

Alex was also proud to share some of her accomplishments from her time at Ball State, including induction into the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor  Society. She also earned the Dolon Department of Social Work Scholarship, consistently earned a place on the Dean’s List each semester, and graduated with Cum Laude honors.

She tells us, “These achievements hold deep personal significance for me. Earlier in my academic journey, I faced significant challenges that resulted in academic dismissal from the university. Returning to complete my degree and earning these distinctions has been a powerful testament to my growth, determination, and perseverance. They represent more than academic success—they reflect my commitment to overcoming obstacles and staying true to my goals.”