Trinda’s path to social work wasn’t linear, but it was driven by purpose. After beginning her college journey at UNA in 1988 with a focus on the entertainment industry, she soon found that her interests were elsewhere. She explored fashion merchandising, but it wasn’t until a personal hardship led her to social work that she discovered her calling.
During a mini-internship at the Boys and Girls Club in Florence, Trinda found her true passion—working with at-risk youth. The experience was life-changing. She realized that her purpose was to provide the support for children that she didn’t have growing up. But life intervened, and Trinda stepped away from school for several years to work full-time at a manufacturing plant. Despite having a steady job, social work kept calling her back.
Trinda’s decision to return to UNA was spontaneous. On a whim, she stopped by the admissions office, filled out an application, and decided to pursue her degree again. Her determination led her to a degree in social work, but it wasn’t easy. Juggling 12-hour work shifts and classes was tough, but Trinda was committed to fulfilling her purpose. She often found herself studying during breaks at work, using any available moment to get closer to her goal.
In December 2019, Trinda graduated with her bachelor’s degree. The sacrifices she made—whether it was giving up sleep or missing time with family—were worth it. Earning her degree allowed her to transition from the manufacturing plant to a job in social work, where she felt she could make a real impact.
Not long after, she started pursuing her master’s degree at UNA. The flexible online program allowed her to balance work and studies, and the support of her classmates and professors kept her motivated. During this time, she discovered a new passion—helping college students through her internship in case management on campus.
Today, Trinda is an adjunct professor at UNA, sharing her experiences and inspiring the next generation of social workers. Her story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of a deep-rooted purpose. UNA played a key role in supporting Trinda through her journey, from the encouragement of the admissions staff to the flexibility of the online program. Now, as a social worker and educator, Trinda is paying it forward by helping others find their way.
