Dana Adler
2024 Graduate
Pursuing Master’s Degree in Social Work
I chose LRCC because it was close to home, but the decision meant much more than convenience. After a work accident left me with a disability, I knew I needed a new path forward. Going back to school felt like the only way I could rebuild my life, and LRCC’s location — close to my doctors and support systems — made it possible for me to navigate my recovery while pursuing an education.
Returning to school was intimidating, but my professors made all the difference. They were patient, understanding, and genuinely invested in my success. I’ll always be grateful for the experience of going back to school as an older adult.
I chose a Liberal Arts degree because it was the pathway to my ultimate goal: majoring in social work. LRCC prepared me well for that journey. Courses like Human Growth and Development, Chemical Dependency, and Anthropology gave me a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, learning abilities, and the complexities people face.
My advisor was another crucial part of my experience. He was always available when I had questions or concerns, and he guided me through the process of transferring to Plymouth State University. One of my professors at LRCC became someone I really look up to and I admire her work. Without the support of people like them, I don’t think I would have found the courage to pursue my dreams.
I enrolled at Plymouth State University in the fall of 2024, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Sociology and Anthropology. By the spring of 2025, I had completed my minor, and I made the President’s List every semester. In the spring of 2026, I was honored to receive the NASW Social Work Student of the Year Award for Plymouth State University. That same spring, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in social work.
But I’m not stopping there. I’ve applied to graduate school at UNH and hope to begin my master’s in social work this fall.
My long-term goal is to work with aging veterans who are retiring or being discharged. During my internship at The Bridge House Inc., I worked closely with veterans and vulnerable individuals. That experience confirmed that social work is where I belong. Veterans make up a significant portion of the homeless population, and meaningful change is urgently needed. I want to be part of that transformation and help bring justice and dignity to those who served.
One of the best things about LRCC is its unwavering commitment to student success. I’m a living example of the impact that support can have. Advisors work one-on-one with students to build academic plans that truly fit their goals.
I encourage anyone considering LRCC to explore everything that it has to offer. There are so many degrees and certification programs, and for anyone planning to transfer, LRCC’s agreements with four-year institutions make the process smooth and achievable.