Have you ever needed somewhere to go or someone to talk to just because? Well, Ms. Amber Hancock, University Academy’s K-12 school social worker, is always just a hallway away.
Ms. Amber started at UA in the beginning of the 2022-23 school year as a social worker intern and was hired in February 2023 full-time as a social worker for grades 6-12. In the 2023-24 school year, she officially became the social worker for students schoolwide.
She said her time at UA has been fantastic! She’s been able to reach numerous goals and really enjoys being part of the “social- emotional learning days” for Upper School, which she developed and now helps plan at the end of each quarter.
The transition from just being there for older students to being available to all students at UA came with a bit of change.
Ms. Amber said there are three different stages of students’ lives represented at UA, and she likes the fact that she’s able to be there for them from elementary all the way through high school.
Having someone there who is instantly available to talk to when stressed may be beneficial, especially to students who enjoy expressing themselves but aren’t sure where to turn.
Zariah Hoskins, a sophomore at UA, and junior Zoey Hyche both visit Ms. Amber frequently.
“She’s just relatable and understanding. She doesn’t judge,” Hoskins said.
Ms. Amber said she feels like because she’s a Black woman, students appreciate having someone to relate to who might be able to understand them a little better.
“They can see themselves in me. That helps with relationships and trust. Not only [am I] someone they can confide in, but they feel like I’m a part of their world,” she said.
Hyche said the best advice she’s received from Ms. Amber is to “not react first, and think about everybody else’s way of thinking, too.”
Not only does Ms. Amber work with students, she also helps adults as a therapist outside of her time at UA. She has clients she works with and talks to on a regular basis.
Being a therapist is something Ms. Amber enjoys, but she makes sure to keep a balance between her work life and personal life. For example, when her family and friends come to her for advice, she makes sure she sets boundaries.
Ms. Amber said showing respect to everyone is something she lives by that has helped her along the way.
To any student who would like to stay in touch with Ms. Amber or wants to speak with her or even just get to know her, she is easy to find. Her office is located in the elementary “B House” hallway, and she can be contacted anytime through the link provided in the bookmarks on the chrome books which allows students to set up sessions with her.
Next time you find yourself wandering around the UA halls and Ms. Amber happens to be around, don’t be shy and say hello.
