My name is Ryan McGinley. I am a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, and I am majoring in Social Work with minors in both Sociology and History. I am interested in Social Work because I love working with people and I enjoy participating in hands-on progress. 
 
So far during my studies, I have learned a great deal about the inner workings of policy to provide people with aid both on the macro and micro level of social work and how progress is important at the community level just as much as it is on the federal level. As I gain more knowledge about this process, I am only more eager to be a part of projects in this field. This past year I worked at a YMCA in Pittsburgh, helping to run an afterschool program for kids that were in kindergarten through second grade. I loved this experience as I was able to make real connections with the kids, conversing with them, playing games together, helping with homework and leading activities. It was rewarding knowing that I was brightening their days while also giving relief to their parents who must work longer hours than the allotted school day.  

I am originally from New York, right outside of New York City and I have lived in Pittsburgh throughout my time of study. I believe that having lived nearby and inside urban areas, provided me with knowledge about diverse backgrounds, groups of people, and experiences. On one city block you can meet people of all races, gender, ethnicities, religions, beliefs, socioeconomic standing, etc. and gain a true understanding of their perspective on where they live and the programs that have supported them. It is within this kind of social interaction that you can learn about societies and their ethnology. Within the personal and professional fields of my life, I want to be a part of productive social and systematic progress.  

For my summer international internship, I will be living in Dublin at the University College of Dublin Campus. I chose to apply to this program in Dublin based on the hopes to understand the nature of social work minded programs in another country, as well as get the perspective from another group. I have been matched for an internship at WALK, which is a program for people with intellectual disabilities, focused on helping clients to succeed at their individual goals. The goals of the people we are working with may be based in career management, protective labor rights for people with disabilities, personal goals based in autonomy, etc. I will likely be hands-on with clients building relationships with people and working towards helping them achieve their goals. I am looking forward to expanding my own knowledge of disability rights and resources that are available as well as forging relationships with many different people that most likely have a different experience than me.