“I chose this field of study because I love direct intervention. I love being creative about the ways we approach people, and I love relating to people and causing real change,” says 3+1 social work major Abigail “Abby” Pearson ’26, ’27MSW. She has also declared minors in philosophy and education.
“I chose a very career-focused discipline, where everything is about what you will be doing in the workplace,” Pearson elaborates. As such, hands-on learning and internships she has experienced during her course of study are preparing her for her career in clinical social work practice with older adults and veterans.
Being part of Simmons’ honors program has also shaped Pearson’s own professionalization. “The challenge and rigor of those honorific courses … makes for a challenging and rich educational experience,” she says.
An Accelerated and Interdisciplinary Education at Simmons
When looking for colleges, Pearson desired to attend an institution that would offer an accelerated pathway. The 3+1 social work program, which enables students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in four years of study, was a huge draw for her.
“I’ve always sought out an accelerated pace in my life,” Pearson says. “I know I can handle a challenge, and I always seek out a challenge. So, Simmons seemed like a good fit.”
Despite being focused on her social work requirements, Pearson has been able to explore other disciplines. Inspired by her experience in elective courses, she declared a minor in philosophy.
“I love it, and I love the philosophy faculty,” she says. “It was actually Professor Diane Grossman, the former director of the honors program, who mentored me and inspired me to study philosophy.” Pearson especially loved Professor Grossman’s courses, “The Meaning of Life” (PHIL 247) and “The Art and Science of Happiness” (HON IL 101).
Pearson adds, “Education was always a background interest for me, in terms of education policy.” In spring 2026, she will begin an independent study with Professor of Education and Social Work Daren Graves. “He will guide me through a policy literature review, and I will also tell the story of my own experiences in education through the lens of what I’ve learned so far, which really excites me.”
Pearson is gratified by the relationships with faculty that she is cultivating at Simmons. “I feel that I am very blessed to be so close with many of the faculty here. I think my relationships with faculty are the most important thing I am going to take from college,” she says. In particular, she credits Grossman and Associate Professor of Practice in Social Work Gordon Chinamasa for their superb faculty mentorship.
Beyond the classroom, Pearson is engaging in hands-on research opportunities. For example, she is working as a medical social work intern at Boston Children’s Hospital. “I do health-related social needs, referrals, and direct client intervention,” she says. Next semester, she will be working in the behavioral health arena.
Coursework and Community in the Honors Program
For Pearson, Simmons’ honors program has provided her with “a solid foundation.”
During her first year at the University, she resided in an honors living and learning community, a designated dorm floor for honors students. “I am still in contact with many of them today,” she says. “It’s been nice to have friends since day one.”
The honors curriculum has offered some of Pearson’s favorite courses, including the aforementioned “Art and Science of Happiness” course with Grossman.
“Talking in the Twenty-First Century” (HON 190), a public presentation class, was especially meaningful to her. “For that class, we got to present something that meant a lot to us and was really fun. I still remember so many of the presentations from that day … it was awesome,” she recalls. “It was the biggest presentation assignment I have ever done … and a big confidence booster.”
Pearson is particularly grateful to Associate Professor of Biology Anna Aguilera, who serves as the director of the honors program. With Aguilera’s help and study abroad funding provided to students in the honors program, Pearson was able to study abroad in Ireland at the University of Limerick.
There, she took a three-week intensive course entitled “Developing Yourself as a Health Care Practitioner: Context to Celtic Spirituality.” As Pearson recalls, “I got to tour a geriatric facility in County Clare, which meant a lot to me as someone who is interested in geriatrics, so that combined with the other field trips made it a great experience.”
Advice to Future Students
“Be ambitious,” Pearson advises future Simmons students. “Doing the extra activity for the sake of your ambition helps you grow as a person,” she says.
“[Going the extra mile] may be hard work in the moment, but the end result of that is worth all of the challenge, [and will make you ready] for your next chapter.”