Georgia Di Mattaeo, a UD alum, has kept the values she learned through the Blue Hen Leadership Program and used them with her career. She became very involved with BHLP while an undergraduate. What she learned resonated so deeply, she ended up changing her career becasuse of it. After graduation, Georgia began teaching overseas, but quickly realized it wasn’t fulfilling to her. She used what BHLP taught her and made a swift career move to what mattered to her most: social work. 

Why did you choose to join BHLP?

I was accepted into the QUEST program at the beginning of my freshman year and those first few days had a lasting impact on the rest of my college experience. I stayed active in BHLP from that point on because of the powerful connections I made with other students and with staff members.

Did it make a difference in your time at UD?

BHLP 100% made a difference in my time at UD. I gained friends, mentors, new insights, and I was challenged in ways that helped me to grow as a student and as a leader. I became a QUEST Peer Mentor during my Junior and Senior years and this also gave me valuable leadership experience, educational growth, and lasting friendships.

Can you talk about your first career before you switched to social work?

In the year after graduating from UD, I travelled overseas to become a teaching assistant in France. I taught English to high school and college-level students in a small coastal town in the region of Brittany. It was a wonderful time. I learned so much by being immersed in the Breton culture and I also learned a great deal about myself.

How did you know the career you picked wasn’t right for you?

After teaching for a few months, I realized that this particular career move was not fulfilling me in the ways that I had hoped it would. While I enjoyed my time immensely, I knew that I would not be renewing my contract for a second year and started making plans to head back to the United States.

How did BHLP play in your decision to change careers?

During my time in BHLP I helped to organize and promote a sexual violence prevention program on campus. This campaign was a hugely important part of the latter half of my college experience and BHLP played a key role in supporting me every step of the way. The influence of this campaign stayed with me and it is ultimately the reason that I sought out volunteer opportunities at prevention agencies in my home state of Rhode Island when I returned to the US. This is how I found Day One, a sexual violence and prevention center located in our capital city, Providence. I began volunteering as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and hate crimes. My time as a volunteer was a pivotal because it helped put me on the path to the field of social work. I was subsequently hired as the Volunteer Coordinator at Day One and from there I was able to make a jump over to the Rhode Island Children’s Advocacy Center, which is where I currently work today as a Forensic Interviewer Specialist serving children who have experienced abuse.

Would you encourage students to pursue their masters straight out of college or wait and get experience first? 

I would encourage students to do what they think is best for them. I personally chose to wait and that helped me to find my way into social work but everyone’s journey is different!

What are some of the values you learned through BHLP that you use in your current job?

I am constantly using the 5 Practices of Exemplary Leadership in my current role. I work with many individuals from different disciplines and we often look at the same situation from conflicting viewpoints. However, at the end of the day, we are a team and our shared goal is to keep the children in our community safe. I am frequently using what I learned in BHLP to strengthen team relationships through mutual respect and trust, and to encourage clear lines of communication between each member so that all voices are heard before any important decision is made.

How do you think BHLP impacted your life?

BHLP gave me the confidence to see myself as a strong leader. The program bolstered me, challenged me and helped me to reflect on my greatness. Even though many of my goals have changed since I was at UD, I still write them down and hang them up over my desk where I can look at them every day. Even though I don’t get to see Susan and Matt every day anymore, I carry their guidance and wisdom with me everywhere. Even though I don’t get to see my amazing friends, fellow Peer Mentors, and QUESTers much anymore, I know that if I called, they would pick up the phone. This program brought (and still brings) powerful, kind, and passionate people together and their positive influence has had a lasting impact on my life.

Do you have any advice for current UD students who are seeking jobs for the first time?

Be patient. Advocate for yourself. Ask for help and ask for informational interviews. Take rejection in stride and pivot to the next opportunity. Be kind to yourself.

If you’re interested in joining BHLP, click the link below to find more information: https://sites.udel.edu/usc/bhlp/

This blog post is written by our Division of Student Life student intern Ariana Pelosci.