Remark-a-Bull Podcast: Stories from USF Social Work

Pedro Serrano-Mejia

Episode Summary

In this episode, you’ll learn more about getting connected and networking at the University of South Florida and the USF Bachelor of Social Work program.

Episode Notes

Pedro Serrano-Mejia is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program and current Master of Social Work student at the University of South Florida. He is also a case manager within the Positive Parenting & Partnership program at Champions for Children where he listens to people’s stories and provides them with resources to not only care for their families but also for themselves. In this episode, Chris and Pedro discuss self-care, mindfulness, building relationships, and gratitude as a Gen Z.  

Episode Transcription

Chris Groeber: Hi my name is Chris Groeber, and I'm an associate in research in the University of South Florida's College of Behavioral and Community Sciences School of Social Work. Welcome to the Remark-A-Bull podcast.

[Instrumental Music]

Chris: Well, hello listeners, and welcome back to our Remark-a-Bull podcast, and I'm so happy to introduce you to a student, a BSW student graduate, an MSW student, and somebody I now consider a friend. Welcome Pedro Serrano-Mejia! It's so great to have you on board with us today. 

Pedro Serrano-Mejia: Thank you. Thank you, Professor Groeber. I am truly honored, and I thank you for this opportunity. Thank you. 

Chris: Well, guys, before we start, I just want to tell you that Pedro is one of those people who's got really good juju. He’s got this really lovely energy that, whenever you see him, it's, he's got a smile on his face. He's willing to be helpful. And you know, in today's world, Pedro, I'll just tell you how pleasant it is for me to walk into your room and just feel your your warmth and your welcome. And so, I just, I want you to know that I personally appreciate that about you. 

Pedro: Thank you. Thank you. And I have gotten that sentiment from a lot of people and it really does go a long way because, you know, you try to be kind, be humble, be open. But it's hard, especially in a world nowadays where everything is berating on us. But, you know, one day at a time, that's what I say.

Chris:  Well, you know what? I just think everybody you touch is going to be fortunate to have worked with you. So, you know, whenever you find somebody like that, you want to highlight it because, you know, I just want to elevate it, just because I think it's really, really important that we focus on those kinds of things in today's world, not all the negative, which is so easy to see and so hard to get past, right?

Pero: Yeah, exactly.

Chris: So, you know, let's just dive right in. Tell me why social work, Pedro?

Pedro: All right, um, so I grew up in Virginia with my mama. She's Salvadorian and, as a Hispanic individual, you know, it's not always hard in America. I mean, it's not always easy to stay in America. So she emigrated from El Salvador when she was in her 20s and had me later on and made different decisions in her life that some were positive, some were negative. Obviously, not all of us are human, but ultimately did everything she could to help her family, but we did suffer through a lot of, you know, trauma, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, so things of that nature – trigger warning for anyone. But it was through faith, perseverance, like, I've heard you say on podcast before, resilience, that really did uplift us. And I was very, very, very fortunate to be able to have a school social worker, actually, that helped me and my family, provided resources, was really an open ear and open arms to us and was able to uplift my family in that time of very emergent need. I tell this story when I started, you know, at the BSW level at USF, when we we did little ice breakers and we were, you know, talking about why social work and all that stuff. And it was, when when everything hit the fan, we were being isolated, we, we were put into a safe home. And my mom just tried very hard to keep us very positive. You know, “everything's going to be OK,” you know, “we got to keep moving.” And I remember they had this small little library, and I love books growing up because it was just a way to delve into a completely different world that, you know, I was able to immerse myself in and not really worry about what was going on at home. So I, I remember picking up a book and and taking it with me. So now I wanna become a social worker to be able to give that book back to another kid.

Chris: Wow.

Pedro. To be able to make that impact – hopefully, that impact that was made onto myself when I was growing up.

Chris: You know what's so funny? I I give books to all of our graduating BSWs in child welfare because it goes to the heart of people's stories are powerful. I mean, that's why we do this.

Pedro: Exactly.

Chris: And I tell people, when people talk about this podcast, you know, I'm going to be honest, it's so selfish, the reason I do it. I do it because I love to hear your stories, because, and this is the other thing I think, Pedro, it's really hard to be at odds with somebody that you know their story and you get their perspective and the context from where they come.

Pedro: Exactly. You're able to empathize with people. 

Chris: Right! 

Pedro: You're able to, you know, put yourself in their shoes and be able to figure out why they click or why they move the way they move. And it's really fascinating. Really. 

Chris: Well, it is. And then, you know, we talk, you, you mentioned resilience, which is like an amazing characteristic to me because I listen to people's stories and I think, how would I have handled that? What would I have done in that situation? 

Pedro: Yeah! [Laughs]

Chris: And, you know, there are a lot of stories you hear, you think, holy crap, that was amazing, right? And and it you know it, it's always funny because people get all torn up that I have people call me Chris. But you know [laughs] what I think about that is you're my colleague. Your struggle and and where you're headed is the same place, you know, I'm going. We're all going the same place, right? I mean, so I just really feel like I, I just share that collegiality with you. And and again, thank you for being willing to share your story. And so tell me, you just graduated last what, December?

Pedro: Last December. Yeah, I just graduated last December. 

Chris: Okay, yeah, that's what I thought. So tell me about that. Tell me about your BSW experience. What was great? What? Why USF? Why should somebody think about even choosing USF for a BSW? 

Pedro: For me, it was quite simple. I chose USF because my family lives in Tampa, and I wanted to save money and, you know, tuition rate wasn't too bad. And, you know, I I had a couple of scholarships when I came into it, so I didn't end up taking up too much debt from the from the get-go. So that's good. My BSW experience was amazing. I truly am able to say I walked into that door day one, turned to my nearest neighbor and was able to have a genuine conversation with them and a lasting conversation to where I felt really comfortable in the room that I was in. And I could say that about every single one of my cohort members. 

Chris: What made it comfortable for you? Describe when you felt like, OK, this is a good choice.

Pedro: Yeah, it was being able to just relate to them on a different level than what you are with other peers. You know, we all have our friends that we've met through work or that we've met through, you know, just life experiences. But being able to turn to someone and say, “yeah I also want to help people; tell me why you also want to help people and let's connect off of that and and let's you know hold each other up.” Accountability, you know? Being able to hold each other accountable through assignments, through projects, through study abroad trip that I've been on with Professor Galea to Peru and being able to just combine with one another and and it's amazing. It was truly amazing and and that's without saying that the curriculum is truly something that you'll use every single day in your workplace. Right now I'm working at Champions for Children as a case manager within the Positive Parenting program, and it's a program that allows for me to just dive into listening to people's stories, being able to provide them resources within the community, and it gives them a parenting class and relationship workshops that allows them to open up and be able to really be there for their family and also work on themselves to then work with others. 

Chris: You know, one of the things that I talked to my students about that I think is so ... we don't talk about it enough and you just mentioned it, is really being instruments of positive childhood experiences. One of the things we know about trauma, for example, is one of the major ameliorative factors or one of the one of the things that can reduce or help the impact of trauma is being with positive child experiences. And you, yourself, is a positive child experience. You mentioned that school social worker earlier who in your life was a positive childhood experience and so, just by virtue of connecting in a meaningful way, I think that really does have tremendous impact on the kids and families that we come in contact with. 

Pedro: Yeah, I agree. And going through the BSW program, obviously, we learn about the ACEs and what that does to a child and how that affects them developmentally. And I took the test and I scored all nine points and I was like, wow.

Chris: Wow!

Pedro: Yeah, it it really puts it into perspective of how the PACES with a Positive Adverse Childhood Experiences really did influence me because I I went through those as well, and I had every single one of them, and every single one of them did affect me positively to where I was able to be, you know successful, and, and and it it was just really, really heartwarming to know that there are positives in the world, even though you may have been through the negatives.

Chris: Yeah.

Chris: When you think back, can you think of anything in particular that that school social worker did that really changed your thoughts and your path and how you thought about things and and where you were headed? 

Pedro: Yeah, for sure. They would always hold like small groups and then sometimes individual groups with myself, and they would just really connect with me. They would really make me feel welcomed, make me feel as though they're a part of my family. And they, they were very empathetic, very, you know, being an open listener, maintaining good eye contact, things we learned at the BSW level that they implemented. And it showed and it showed that they were really, you know, an open, warming heart that was able to 1) be there for us in times of need and 2) be able to give us good resources that would then help us succeed. 

Chris: You know, this is probably a hard question, but if you think back to your BSW, you mentioned, you know, you used the skills. What– can you think of maybe one skill that you could highlight that you think, wow, I'm so glad I had this opportunity to learn this? 

Pedro: I guess being an advocate.

Chris: OK.

Pedro: Being able to advocate for different populations and being able to, because I've always been someone that's been willing to speak up for others, but I never put the word to it. I never really learned about it and I wish we were taught more about it and at the high school level or even middle school, for that matter. But being able to advocate for others and being able to, you know, put yourself aside and put yourself in those shoes, you know, like we're doing now and being able to advocate for vulnerable populations that just don't have a voice. 

Chris: What do you think gives you the bravery to do that? Because I think it's a brave thing to be an advocate, especially in today's society. You know,  it's kind of like whack-a-mole. If you lift your head above, you know, the crowd, a lot of times somebody's waiting to pounce. So, what gives you the bravery to do that? What ... where do you think you get? Where do you get your strength from? 

Pedro: I think I get it from my mom because, you know, she's an immigrant. She, she comes from El Salvador. She doesn't know a lick of English, doesn't have any money, made it work one way or another, you know, luckily now she has citizenship, so she's in a better place in that manner. And she knows a good amount of English, and I'm very proud of her. Through faith, being able to, you know, blindly believe in hope and knowing that, you know, keeping things one day at a time and being able to rationalize, being able to be in tone with your emotions, but also using your supports. I think, I think that's a big one. Not not having to put it all on your shoulders.

Chris: Right.

Pedro: Being able to rely on, you know, I have my girlfriend, I have my friends, I have you. I have so many connections that I can rely on at the end of the day.

Chris: I would really like for us to put this into the curriculum ... I'll be honest with you, really work with you guys on how to instill hope. Because, you know this, I mean, people's situations can feel really, really hopeless. I mean, we've all had moments of hopelessness. I mean, hell, watch the news and, you know...

Pedro: Exactly! [Laughs] You learn something everyday.

Chris: You know, it can be a downer real quick? [Laughs] But so what do you think about that as a social work role, as installation of hope, as a fundamental role in social work? What do you think of that idea?

Pedro: That's that's amazing, and I wish we had something like that, because everyone can use more hope. But understanding how to provide that hope and understanding how to empathize with someone is a little more different than being able to say, “oh yeah, you know, I hope it gets better.” You know, being able to say, “no, you know, let's talk about it.” You know, “let's, let let me provide an open listening ear and and a non judgmental ear as well,” so that they can feel safe and be able to rationalize it, be able to create a plan, be able to say, “OK, you know what, I feel better after this conversation. Am I doing OK? Maybe not so much. But I know that maybe in a week or two it'll get better.”

Chris: You know, I love, you know, people always ***** about the generations behind them, right? 

Pedro: [Laughs]

Chris: I mean, it's like, “oh, well,” but I love you guys so much because of that ability to have these crucial conversations that I I find you guys as a generation, as a group of students, as I have kids you guys’ age, I find you to be exceedingly brave in your ability to just have a conversation about uncomfortable things. It's, for me, I think about the years that I've worked to be able to get to the point where I can have a a very open conversation pretty near about anything. But you guys, just you, you guys just do it with such panache. I just, I love .. that keeps me so engaged with you all. You know?


Pedro: I think it's, I think it's due to our culture. You know what I mean? Like what we've dealt with this far through COVID, through all of these unfortunate – the shootings that are going on, the legislature that's going on, all these things that, you know, have been berating us throughout our upbringing, and we we just have to keep pushing and and hold each other up because, at the end of the day, that's all we have. And that's what I love about my, my, my generation is that we're able to hold each other up, keep each other accountable. Unfortunately, sometimes a little too far with the cancel culture stuff, but sometimes it's needed.

Chris: Well, you know, I find, I even find there to be grace in the cancel culture. But part of that goes back to what we're talking about here, where once they know people's stories, I think there's a lot of grace and forgiveness too on the other end of that. 

Pedro: Exactly, exactly.

Chris: One, of the things, and I talk about this in class because I think it's really important that we get it out there right out-of-the-box, is that I won't cancel you and you can't cancel me. So let ... we got to talk about it then. You know that's our rule. And so that means we don't have to agree and and that's OK, it's, it's OK that we don't agree about things. I mean ... and I I really find, what I find from you guys is you guys as cohorts, as as colleagues, is you really root for one another. 

Pedro: Yeah, for sure. And and that's all we can do, honestly, because at the end of the day we have one another and we have to you know support one another to be able to succeed and whatever we're doing, whether it be we continue at the BSW level or, you know, maybe it's not for everyone and they have to turn to something else and that's OK. Or even after the BSW level, if you know pursuing your master's isn't what you're doing, that's OK. You know, use the skills you've you've gained to be able to make that positive impact on people's lives.

Chris: Talk about how to get connected when you come to USF, like, you're, like, hyperconnected. So I mean it's one of those things where, you know, not everybody's got to do it the way you did it. But what were some of the more meaningful things you did that connected you to the university community? 

Pedro: Again, like you said, not everyone has to do it as to the extent that I'm doing it and people turn to me and they're like, why are you doing so much? And I'm like, I love it. I I love being able to connect. I love being able to plan, being able to work with my peers to achieve a common goal. But at USF, we have the school, the School of Social Work, Social Work Society. That is an organization that I currently serve as the vice president within. And we serve as you know, a volunteer-based organization that allows students to be able to connect within their community, as well as with one another. And it's not limited to social workers. It's open to anyone at the undergraduate level, at the graduate level, and it allows for us to be able to form a community, which is really important nowadays and especially with everything we're talking about. Being able to form that community, that lasting community, that you're able to say, “you know what, let me ask them this question. Let me, let me, let me figure this information out,” that may not be online or that easily obtainable. So we've been very fortunate to have a lot of even alumni stick on and be helped out as advisors as, you know, mentors to our students. So I implore anyone that's looking to get involved within social work, within community services, within upholding the NASW code of ethics, to look into Bulls Connect and and searching up Social Work Society, for sure. 

Chris: That's awesome. So, tell me, you know, you're getting your master's degree. You're starting that this summer. When you look ahead, what do you think is next for you? Share what you hope to be and do. 

Pedro: Yeah. So, right now I've been honored to serve as a Project iSED scholar, which is an interdisciplinary approach between social workers and applied behavior analysis servicing children within the school system for emotional behavior disorders and then giving them services within evidence-based practices and intensive individualized intervention and supports. So, serving as a school social worker has very has been near and dear to me, as you know. So I want to do that, for sure. After that, I'm still not sure. I feel like the world is my oyster. And especially with the credentials I'll have as an MSW student, as a USF graduate, having all these connections I have, I can do anything and that's the beauty of of social work.

Chris: I love that.

Pedro: You're able to apply it to anything, truly.

Chris: It it's so true. And you know, I keep thinking, am I biased? And I probably am to an extent. 

Pedro: We're all biased, unfortunately. 

Chris: I'm well, “should you know, should I get a social work degree?” I'm like, “of course.” Well, the cool thing is, is because an MSW in-and-of-itself is a career. But that means you can literally work with any group or population of people. And what's so funny is people have no clue how often they come into contact with social workers. You know, they all think we take children away, and I'm so glad to see that even falling away because we're doing– we're unlearning child welfare in such a way to do it differently. I want to talk about the work you're doing about bringing evidence-based practices to kids that are differently abled. That, boy, there's some blue sky there with regards to advocacy because, for example, spectrum disorders know no class or or race or gender. They're pretty pervasive and so, you know, everybody's affected by this, so this is a real opportunity, I think, to look at things like ABA and some of these different ... and take a trauma-focused approach to them.

Pedro: Exactly. Yeah, I'm truly excited and again honored to be an iSED scholar and be able to serve within this group of individuals that provide these services for these children that truly do need it. And it goes a long way because these students sometimes may not be able to speak up for themselves and may not be able to say, you know, “I need assistance with this” or “I need you know a special, you know, group for this,” or whatever the the action may be that you be, you be able to provide that they may be privy to. So, hopefully I'll be able to learn a lot. I know I will learn it all and I'm super excited for the opportunity that's coming up for me. 

Chris: Well, you know, I say this in every podcast and I'd be remiss if I didn't say it here. You are truly somebody who uses learning as a coping mechanism, right? I mean, how, how do you stay positive? Talk to me a little bit about how because, like I said, you've got that good juju, that that good vibe going on. How do you, how do you maintain ... I'm sure it's not 24/7, but how do you keep it? 

Pedro: [Laughs.] Obviously it's not 24/7, and my close friends know this, obviously my my family and my girlfriend, but being able to, you know cope has always been a talent of mine. I don't know how or where I get it from, but I I can really, internalize things, process them, take my time with things. And and that comes through different skills that I've learned, whether it be BSW level or even within school social work, things that have helped me with things. But being able to keep things organized is a really big one. Organizational skills – it goes a long way and and and it's those those you know, interpersonal skills as well. Being able to connect with people, but obviously don't go too far because you don't wanna overextend yourself. And that's very hard. And that's what I'm learning now is being able to say “no,” which I've heard is a big one for social workers. Being able to say “no,” being able to take a step back, focus on yourself, focus on self-care, which is huge. 

Chris: Yeah, talk about, talk about that a little bit because we throw it around like it's like this discreet thing and it's, it's so much more.

Pedro: Every– I feel like everyone throws it around nowadays and it's it's very misconstrued. But to me, self-care is being able to say this, take a step back, work on myself, focus on myself, my inner soul per se, and being able to come back 100% energized and “let's do it again,” you know? And for me, what that looks like is reading, journaling, exercising from here and there, taking small trips. You know, I just took a trip to New Jersey recently, and it was amazing, and I was able to kick back, not not really worry about the world and and just enjoy life for what it is.

Chris: Don't you think so much of that enjoying life really is about a choice you make every morning when your feet hit the floor?

Pedro: Of course.

Chris: That OK, whatever's gonna come at me today is gonna come at me, but I'm gonna do my damnedest to enjoy it, you know? I mean, I, I, I I think ... it's hard. It's hard to do. But I think consciously each day making that choice to make the best out of whatever's thrown at you. And, you know, the other thing about self-care? I responded to somebody on LinkedIn today. You know, for me, self care's just turning my ringer off on my cell phone. 

Pedro: Yeah, exactly. 

Chris: You know, and, and saying you don't have to respond to that.

Pedro: Yeah, being able to put those good boundaries up. 

Chris: Yeah. 

Pedro: And being able to say, you know what, I'm gonna give it a second or I'm gonna give it a couple of days, because that's what I need right now and I can't overextend. And I and I like what you said, being able to wake up every day, and that's what I do. And I joke with my friends, all I need is good night's rest. You know, I go to bed, wake up, and I'm like, all right, “let's do it again.” And super energized and and making that conscious decision to say, you know, “it's going to be a great day and let's make it one.” And if it's not, let's focus on the good things that happened in the bad day, you know, and then at the end of the day, you know, journaling about it and being able to say you know that so and so went wrong but, you know, so and so did go right. And, you know, Professor Groeber smiled at me today, and he asked me how he was. And that that made me feel good. 

Chris: Well, gratitude's a biggie, isn't it? I mean really consciously having this, like, awareness that I'm grateful for that; that was really good. But, you know, it's so funny, like I said, when I take stock for myself, of the good things in my life, so many of the good things are the connections that we talked about. 

Pedro: Yeah. Exactly. And that's what I've been trying to work on. And it's hard being mindful, being able to say...

Chris: Yeah, it it really is. 

Pedro: It's so difficult. But I've, I've learned a lot and, and fortunately my girlfriend's, she graduated from BSW as well. She's taught me a lot as well. To be mindful, to be, you know, grateful for what I have, to be in the moment, you know.

Chris: Yeah. 

Pedro: Especially when you're with your family, your loved ones, your friends. When you're experiencing new things, soak it all in because it'll be over in two seconds.  And that, well, there was the BSW, the MSW, you know, everything. 

Chris: It'll be, yeah, you're right. It's a it's a blink of an eye. There was a great book that I used to read my kids, and it made me cry every time I read it but it was called Remember the Lasts.

Pedro: OK.

Chris: And and you know, I try, I really try and consciously do that, not knowing that this will be the last but what if it was, right? 

Pedro: Exactly.

Chris: Did I leave it on the field? Did I say everything I needed to say? Did I say “I love you”? Did I say “you mean something to me”? I, for the life of me, and I when I when I talk to groups of people, I think about this a lot. Why do we withhold from one another the affirmations and what I notice is good about you? And why? Why would I withhold that from you? Why would I withhold telling you, Pedro, when you're around, there's a warmth and a kindness that I notice is gone when you're not here? Why? Why wouldn't I tell you that? I mean, it's an amazing thing to me.

Pedro: I I think, I think it's it's honestly America, and what it is it's the individualized of us and and being so self-centered, a lot of people are. So it's easier to say, “you know what I'll I'll keep it to myself.” I don't think it's important to say it or I feel a little embarrassed at the at the at this point. You know maybe it's at the end of the conversation, I don't want to say so and so, but it it really does go a long way. Being able to to say, you know, like you said, “I enjoy your presence, I enjoy you being here,” you know, “I love you,” which is, it's a hard thing to say. Like I know, especially like my dad, he he's a Salvadorian American, as well, and he had to go through the war in El Salvador, the civil war. And, unfortunately, he had just been ingrained to not show affection, not be able to, you know, open up to others. So, being able to to empathize with him, obviously to a certain extent, because I I do need need some some you know push back from both ways. But being able to understand him and and be able to say, you know, “I love you,” to him even though he may not say it back.

Chris: Well and I think that forgiveness and just allowing him to be him, even if you don't agree with it.

Pedro: Exactly.

Chris: Because, you know, we know fundamentally, I can't change you, you can't change me. 

Pedro: Of course not.

Chris: And so you know...

Pedro: And that that goes back to what you were saying with the whole agreeing to disagree, being able to meet someone where they're at, which is huge in social work and being able to to meet with the family and say, you know what, “you're dealing with substance abuse, you're you have an open case plan. Let's work on, you know, fixing A, B, and C so that we can get D done, you know?”

Chris: Right, right, right. 

Pedro: Meeting them where they’re at. 

Chris: Well and I think you know so much of this, if you name it, you tame it, right? And so, yeah, calling it out and bringing it to light. But I also think there's, there's that whole thing that social workers get to do, which is probably my favorite thing, is come alongside you during a time that's tough and difficult and help you eat the elephant one bite at a time. 

Pedro: Exactly. 

Chris: You know.

Pedro: I love that. It's a great message. 

Chris: Well, Pedro, if you were to give advice to anybody, as we're bringing this thing to a close. If you're, if, if people are considering USF, if people are considering social work, give them your best advice.

Pedro: For sure. I do want to note one more thing for all of my social workers out there, especially at the BSW level, getting involved, especially at the national level within the National Association of Social Workers. I think we all know about it. We've all heard about it. But we do get a really nice reduced rate at the student level, and they'll be able to help you with so much, whether it be involving whether it be, you know, building your resume, doing job search, doing so many things where, like, I'm currently slated to go to the National Association of Social Workers conference this year. And I'm super excited to be able to connect with other social workers and and be able to see what my passions are and other people's you know, careers and such. So, I serve as the Tampa unit MSW student representative. So again, if anyone needs anything, feel free to reach out. I'm an open book, but the advice I would give to everyone is to, again, live in the moment, understand that not every day will be the same and that's OK and being able to say that you are who you are and and that's great. Like, being able to prioritize yourself, as well, because it's hard out there. And if we don't do ourselves, if you don't set good boundaries, we will burn out and rely on your supports. As we've been talking about throughout this whole podcast is ... that's what I did. You know, I relied on my mama, I relied on my friends, I relied on my professors who've been serving as great mentors. So, yeah. 

Chris: Well, Pedro, I just want to thank you. I love that you're an open book. I love that you're genuine. And I I just want to say, you know, there'll be days when people don't appreciate it. But, you know what? I just want to encourage your heart and just say take care of yourself and get back up and do it again because we need your kind of of vibe and energy out there in the world. I do believe, as dark as some of the days seem, you know, when we look at we look forward, I think it's you guys that are going to save it. I think I think it's you guys that are going to make a difference and and make the world a better place. So, I just, I want to thank you in advance for running at these windmills on our behalf and just really encourage your heart because to me ...

Pedro: I appreciate it. 

Chris: You, you guys are the ones that make me, you know, get up and drive to class at 8:00 a.m. on a Friday morning, you know, through horrendous Tampa traffic. 

Pedro: Horrible!

Chris: So I just want to thank you for that. Yeah, it is. It's really bad. [Laughs]

Pedro: [Laughs]

Chris: But I want you to know how much I appreciate you. And I, I'm here to root you on in any way, shape or form that I can, so thanks a ton. 

Pedro: Thank you. I appreciate that and it truly was an honor to be able to speak with you, and hopefully we're able to inspire some future social workers out there to continue the great work that we're doing. 

Chris: Absolutely. Great. Thanks!