Student Spotlight: Vanessa Galeana
Vanessa Galeana is a first-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student specializing in Children, Youth, and Families. With a strong foundation in education and youth development, Vanessa is building a career centered on advocacy, support, and meaningful impact for young people.
Her studies are driven by a passion for creating change within systems that affect vulnerable populations.
Background
Vanessa earned her undergraduate degree in Education and Human Development, specializing in Youth Development and Justice, as a member of the Wheelock Class of 2025. Throughout her academic career, she consistently sought opportunities to work directly with youth, gaining experience across a variety of educational and human service-based settings.
Her professional path includes roles as an after-school teacher, summer camp team leader, and substitute teacher. These experiences helped her develop strong skills in communication, adaptability, and relationship-building, while integrating her studies cohesively.
While completing her master’s in social work at BU, she works for the Boston Public Schools as a building substitute teacher at an elementary school.
Career and Academic Development
Vanessa’s interest in social work is rooted in her exposure to the challenges faced by youth within institutional systems. In particular, she has developed a strong interest in the juvenile justice system, sparked by the systemic challenges faced by incarcerated youth and the potential for impactful reform.
To further this interest, Vanessa will complete her second-year practicum with the Department of Youth Services (DYS), where she will work directly with youth in both detention and treatment settings. This experience will allow her to leverage her clinical skills while deepening her understanding of system-involved youth.
Ultimately, Vanessa aims to pursue a career in social work, focusing on creating long-term, positive outcomes for young people.
Campus Involvement
In addition to her academic and professional commitments, Vanessa is actively involved in the Boston University community. She served as:
- Wheelock Dean’s Host President
- Wheelock Student Services member
- Tri-Alpha First Generation Honor Society member
Career Experience
Vanessa has always known that she wanted to work with youth, though she was initially unsure in what capacity. Pursuing a career in social work provided her with the flexibility to support young people across a variety of settings. During her undergraduate years, she worked within Boston Public Schools as a substitute teacher, a role she continues today. In this position, she supports Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) classrooms and general education settings, adapting lesson plans, and managing classroom dynamics to meet diverse student needs.
She also interned at Match Charter Public School, where she worked with students who had individualized education programs (IEPs) and 504 plans. Additionally, she gained exposure to the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services by shadowing social workers and supporting detained youth.
These experiences helped her develop strong transferrable skills in teamwork, communication, and adaptability.
Job Search Advice for Students
Reflecting on her journey, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of building relationships and seeking support throughout the job search process.
She recommends leveraging professors and faculty as valuable resources for mentorship and referrals. Many opportunities can be found through resources like the Wheelock job board and general online searches, but building relationships is just as important. By forming connections with professors in class, she was able to develop mentorships and meaningful relationships with professionals in the field. Strong connections play a crucial role in opening doors.
Final Thoughts
Vanessa Galeana’s journey highlights how a degree in Education and Human Development can lead to a wide range of career pathways beyond the classroom. As she continues her path in social work, she remains committed to advocating for youth and creating meaningful change within the systems that shape their lives.
