Student Spotlight: Keyshon China – Advocating for Youth and Underserved Communities
by Jessica Degnan |
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the resilience, heritage, and contributions of Black communities while advocating for a more just and equitable future. At UAA’s College of Health, we celebrate students like Keyshon China, a Master of Social Work student passionate about serving youth and underserved populations. Keyshon was drawn to the School of Social Work for its dedication to hands-on learning and practicum experiences. He is actively involved in numerous extracurricular organizations, both on and off campus. His advice? "Take advantage of opportunities to learn outside of the classroom—whether through internships, volunteering, or mentorship programs. These experiences can expose you to different career paths and help you discover what you're passionate about."
Name: Keyshon China
Major: Master's of Social Work
Anticipated graduation date: 2025
Unit: School of Social Work
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
What brought you to the UAA College of Health?:
I was drawn to the UAA College of Health because of its strong emphasis on community-based social work and its commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers in service. Growing up, I understood the importance of stability and support in a child's life, which fueled my passion for working with youth and families. UAA's Master of Social Work (MSW) program stood out to me because of its focus on hands-on learning through practicum experiences, which align with my goal of working in community programs that provide direct support to children and underserved populations. Additionally, UAA's strong ties to Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ's diverse communities have given me the opportunity to gain experiences with indigenous populations - and area of work I hope to continue in the future.
Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing? What would your dream job be?:
I chose to purse a Masters of Social Work because I am passionate about supporting children, youth, and families, particularly those facing instability or limited access to resources. My own experiences growing up reinforced the importance of strong support systems, and I want to help create those opportunities for others. I thrive in community-based programs where I can engage directly with youth, providing mentorship, advocacy, and essential resources.
My dream job would be working in a leadership or clinical role within a community program, ensuring that at-risk youth have the support they need to build stable and successful futures. Additionally, I have a strong interest in program admissions, where I could use my experience to help shape services and ensure individuals receive the right support from the beginning. Ideally, I'd love to continue working in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ as well as Northern Arizona or New Mexico, serving indigenous and other undeserved communities in a meaningful way.
What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations, etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?:
I am currently involved in the Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Interprofessional Distance Learning Consortium (AK-IDLC) and Brother's Excellence, both of which have played a crucial role in my personal and professional development.
AK-IDLC has provided me with valuable hands-on experience in behavioral health care, particularly in high-needs and medically underserved communities across Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. Through this program, I have been able to train in interprofessional, team-based, and culturally responsive care while working with populations such as Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ Natives, youth, individuals in poverty, and those in rural and remote areas. This experience has deepened my understanding of integrated behavioral health services and reinforced my passions for working with children, youth, and indigenous populations in community-based settings.
Brother's Excellence has been an empowering space designed to support, uplift, and explore the unique experiences of Black men in college. Through this club, I have engaged in meaningful discussions, developed leadership and advocacy skills, and build a strong network of support. My involvement has strengthened my ability to navigate challenges, foster community connections, and advocate for diverse and marginalized populations - skills that are essentials in my future career as a social worker.
Both of these programs have expanded my knowledge, leadership abilities, and commitment to serving underserved populations, furthering preparing me for a meaningful career in social work
Have you been involved with internships, practicum placements, research, study abroad, or any other experience you’d like to tell us about? Please tell us how these experiences have shaped you personally, academically, and professionally.:
I am currently completing my practicum at AK Child & Family, where I work within their community programs focusing on case management and comprehensive community support for children and youth with chronic mental illness. My role involves providing independent living support, helping clients build essential life skills, navigate resources, and develop strategies for greater stability and well-being.
This experience has been transformative both personally and professionally. Academically, it has reinforced the importance of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, particularly in the areas of mental health, trauma-informed care, and advocacy. Professionally, it has strengthened my ability to build rapport with clients, coordinate care across interdisciplinary teams, and address complex social determinants of health.
Personally, this practicum has deepened my commitment to working with youth, individuals, and families, facing systemic barriers, confirming my passion for community-based social work. It has also helped me refine my skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and personal-centered support, all of which are essential as I prepare for a career dedicated to empowering underserved populations.
What words of wisdom do you have for underclassmen or youth who are still considering their options after high school?:
My biggest advice for underclassmen and youth who are still exploring their options is to be open to growth and new experiences - even when the path ahead feels uncertain. Your journey does not have to look like anyone else's, and it's okay to take time to figure out what truly excited and fulfills you.
Take advantage of opportunities to learn outside of the classroom - whether through internships, volunteering, or mentorship programs. These experiences can exposure you to different career paths and help you discover what you're passionate about.
Most importantly, believe in your ability to succeed, even when challenges arise. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether you purse higher education, vocational training, or a different path, what matters most is that you choose something that aligns with your values and long-term goals. Keep pushing forward, and trust that the right opportunities will come as you continue growing.
What did you want to do when you were 10? Why?:
When I was 10, I thought I would become a teacher, specifically in secondary education. I always envisioned myself in a classroom, helping students learn and grow. Education felt like a natural path for me because I wanted to make a difference in youth people's lives and provide them with the support and encouragement they needed to succeed.
It wasn't until my Junior year of college studying Secondary English Education in Texas that I realized my passion extended beyond teaching in a traditional classroom setting. I became more interested in social work and community-based programs, where I could provide direct support to youth in a more holistic way. This shift led me to purse my Bachelor's of Social work, focusing on mental health support for children and underserved populations While my goal has evolved, my desire to empower and uplift youth has remained the same - I just found a different way to do it.
What is your plan after graduation?:
After graduation, my plan is to continue working towards my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ over the next 2-3 years within a community-based program. I want to gain more hands-on experience in case management, mental health support, and program admissions, particularly in setting that serve youth and underserved populations.
While building my clinical experience, I'll also be working towards my long-term goal of transitioning out of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ and relocating to the Lower 48, specifically Arizona or New Mexico, to be closer to my family in Texas. These states also align with my passion for working with indigenous communities, and I hope to continue making a meaningful impact in the field of social work.
What is your favorite quote? Why?:
" The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." - Alan Watts
This quote resonates with me because change has been a constant in my journey, and I have learned to embrace it rather than resist it. From initially pursing a career in secondary education to discovering my passion for social work, my path has evolved in ways I never expected. Instead of fearing change, I have chosen to plunge into it, move with it, and "join the dance"- whether that's moving to Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ from Texas, transitioning into community-based work, taking on new challenges in practicum, or planning for my future move to the Lower 48.
Beyond my career, this mindset reflect how I approach life and adventure.. Whether it's tacking a difficult hike, traveling to new places, or immersing myself in new cultures. Every experience, even the uncertain or difficult ones, has helped shape who i am today. By embracing change, I have found growth, purpose, fulfillment in both my personal and professional life.
What hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?:
In my free time, I love hiking and outdoor adventures, especially backpacking and participating in challenging hikes or trail running races like the Cirque Series. Exploring the outdoors pushes me physically and mentally while allowing me to connect with nature.
I also enjoy fishing and foraging for berries, which adds an element of mindfulness and appreciation for the land. There's something rewarding about gathering food straight from nature, and it tires into my love for cooking and baking, where I experiment with new recipes.
Solo traveling and attending festivals are also a big part of my life. Whether its planning a trip ouf of the country or exploring new places before heading to events, I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures and experiences.
Beyond these activities, I dedicate part of my free time to volunteering with Bean's Cafe, preparing meals for the communities allows me to give back to the community which is something I deeply value. Helping others and making a direct impact is incredibly fulfilling and aligns with my passion for social work.
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