Indiana University School of Social Work Fort Wayne Campus, student smiling at cameraMaria Zamudio-Nino was born in a small city in Guanajuato, Mexico. She is the youngest of three siblings and a single mother of two children, ages 15 and 10. Her parents made the decision to move to the U.S. when she was seven years old and has lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana since. Maria reflects on being fortunate to be a DACA recipient which has allowed her to attend college and follow her career dreams. She is also the first in her family to attend college.

Coming to the US was not easy, especially being a small child. She was in a country where the language was different; there was another type of food and other customs. It was a culture shock to her, but she was able to adapt over the years. She attended school, made friends, spoke the language, and adapted to the culture without losing her customs and culture. She knew it was not easy for her parents to leave their country and make many sacrifices over the years, but she is incredibly thankful that they took that decision because she would not be where she is now if it were not for them.

Maria is in her third year of the BSW program at IU Fort Wayne. She decided to pursue social work because everyone needs help in their life, and she hopes she could be that someone that provides them with the support they need and perhaps even change their life. Maria is currently working full-time in an agency that works with immigrants and refugees. In addition, working with that company made her realize that it is the route she wants to continue in her career. Therefore, she hopes to complete her Masters in Social Work soon. As an immigrant, Maria believes that Mental Health is essential. Unfortunately, in the refugee and immigrant communities it is often overlooked. However, she hopes one day to be part of the people who can change the concept of Mental Health in the immigrant, and refugee, and the world to communities.