After initially receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, Chandler Boys experienced a change of heart and decided to pursue a career in social work by enrolling in the Master of Social Work program at Indiana University – Bloomington. Now, Chandler is excited to use his degree to work with individuals one-on-one in a therapeutic or advocacy role.

Chandler Boys graduated from Indiana University – Bloomington with a Master of Social Work in May of 2021. Initially, Chandler chose social work after he completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Clinical Science in 2018. Chandler intended to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology in order to work with individuals experiencing mental illness. However, Chandler became less interested in the field and later worked as a research coordinator with a wonderful team to implement a tailored cognitive-behavioral treatment program at a youth residential treatment facility. During Chandler’s time in this setting, he learned a lot about what the social workers there did. Chandler appreciated how many of the clinicians there worked to incorporate various levels of change outside of the individual experience and how often they advocated for social justice when working with their clients who were involved in the criminal justice system. After a few years in this setting, Chandler decided that he would rather become a social worker.

After completing his degree, Chandler does not have a specific role he would like to fill. However, Chandler has recognized that he enjoys working with individuals one-on-one in a therapeutic or advocacy role. For Chandler, this is the appeal of a social work degree: the abundance of choice in theory and practice. Through his time as a researcher and now a practicum student, Chandler has learned that he has a passion for restorative justice, equity, and working with clients who feel underserved by traditional care systems. Chandler also enjoys the advocacy work and trauma-informed care he has been privileged to provide as a Confidential Advocate for survivors of sexual and relationship violence through the Office for Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy. Chandler also worked at Centerstone as a practicum student where he provided individual therapy for clients and conduct intake assessments. Additionally, Chandler also practices social work by being involved in groups that are working to provide training and seminars on bias reduction, person-centered intervention, stigma reduction, and community bystander intervention. Chandler also serves as the student representative where he advocates for student concerns and anti-oppressive education alongside colleagues.

Through his experience in the social work field, Chandler has learned a lot about how to have difficult conversations with individuals. Having the willingness to speak directly with respect and accept the stance of others has helped Chandler work beyond his personal experience as a white cisgender man and connect with his clients regardless of what interactions they have had before meeting with him for services. Without this, Chandler’s work as a confidential advocate would have been tragic. Chandler also learned that regardless of how much time he spends developing academically, the individual experience of those he works with should take precedent over his perceived “expertise.” Chandler believes he will always be a student.

Chandler’s favorite quote is:
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” – Henry Thoreau