Lauren Reiser, MSW '15

Lauren’s eyes were opened to the needs of undocumented immigrants at her first job in New York City.  She saw first-hand how difficult it was for immigrants to navigate the judicial and child welfare systems. She witnessed the separation of families, incarceration of undocumented immigrants and deportation. Inspired by the social workers who helped immigrants access services for their families, Lauren decided to continue her education and is now pursuing her MSW.

During her global field placement in Chile, Lauren worked at a prison where she participated in a theatrical program. She came back to Ann Arbor eager to learn more about how artistic expression can communicate important messages. She is currently volunteering with the Corner Health Center Theatre Troupe, a peer health education program that uses performance as a tool to teach teens how to live healthier lives.

Her vision for the future  is to use the Corner Health Center Theatre Troupe as a model to create a theater group that teaches youth about immigration. Lauren’s scholarship has provided her with the opportunity to invest time in her classes, assignments, field placement and volunteer activities. “My scholarship gives me the luxury of time to explore my practice and deepen my cultural humanity.”