Franny Noory, Catholic '26, is a Social Work major from Centreville, VA. She shares why she chose to attend Catholic University and the National Catholic School of Social Service, and what advice she has for prospective students.
Why did you choose to attend Catholic University?
"I decided to attend Catholic University because of my desire to attend a school that is focused on service to others. Choosing a school that had such a heart for service was of the upmost importance because of my desire to be a social worker. After hearing from my sister, an alumna of Catholic University, about all of the different outreach programs that the school has to offer, I was quickly drawn in. I was also drawn to the Social Work Program at Catholic, as the professors are excellent and the class sizes allow for deep discussions and connections to be formed between students and professors."
Why do you want to be a social worker?
"I want to become a social worker to fix the unjust systems within our society that hold back individuals from reaching their fullest potential. Social workers have the privilege of being able to work with unique individuals, meeting them where they are in their life's journey and ultimately strengthening the community around them.
My goal at Catholic University is to earn my BSW and MSW, working within Child Protective Services after graduation. After spending time last Summer as an emotional skill processing teacher for twenty children ages five to seven, I realized that working with children and their families is my calling in life. Children are the future of this world and their surrounding environment and circumstances they face while developing directly link to what challenges they may face during adulthood. Children offer a different perspective of the world, as they are innocent and blank slates that are creative and provide meaning to society.
As a social worker, my goal is to be able to find ways to support those children who find themselves within the system of Child Protective Services, reminding them that their life has immense meaning and can be used to change the world. I would also hope to be able to support families, strengthening and unifying them."
What's been your favorite part of being a student at Catholic University?
"My favorite part of being a student at Catholic University are my professors, friends, and opportunities. While being Catholic, I have formed connections with my professors that will last a lifetime. I feel that my smaller class sizes allow me to connect with my professors, knowing they are willing to support me in all of my endeavors.
I also love the community that Catholic University has provided, making it extremely easy to meet life-long friends who truly care about you.
Lastly, I love all of the opportunities that Catholic has given me. I am involved with Student Government, serving as a previous senator for NCSSS and currently as the Director of the Executive Initiatives. I have been able to help pass resolutions with the Senate that I can see making a direct impact on the school. During my freshman year, I helped pass a resolution to have American Sign Language recognized as a foreign language and count towards different requirements for specific majors. I also passed a resolution to have a Diversity and Inclusion Mural painted in the BSW lounge of Shahan. As the current Director of the Executive Initiatives, I have helped oversee the planning of different events and focus groups on campus in areas of student wellness, environmental sustainability, and Title IX rule enforcement."
What advice would you give to prospective students?
"Catholic University allows you to leave your impact on the world, while in return having a lasting impression on you. Two of my favorite activities I participate in are attending the Bethlehem House Service Site and the Best Buddies Club. At the Bethlehem House, students can have mass and dinner with adults in the D.C. area who have physical and mental disabilities. Best Buddies is a club in which students are paired up with one of the adults, allowing a deep connection to grow between the two. These are just two examples of the amazing outreach opportunities that Catholic offers. The friendships I have made through these service opportunities with other fellow students have been deeply rooted in Christ. I feel that I constantly learning about myself and society as a whole through opportunities like these. I could not imagine myself at any other school!"
