We cannot and should not do everything ourselves. We’re learning from others and growing. I consider myself a lifelong learner. Every day I learn something new.
Dorrette Bogle Stephenson, G’22, entered Bridgewater State University’s social work program with extensive professional experience. However, she wanted one more addition to her resume: a master’s degree.
“For me, it was all about the diversity in terms of staff and students. I just love (interacting with) all kinds of people,” Stephenson said. “The professors were very helpful and approachable, and I could tell they wanted us to succeed.”
While at BSU, she was also working for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
In many ways, Stephenson was born to be a social worker. She has long strived to make a positive difference for others – even while growing up in Jamaica and England. As a child, she was often the person who would stand up to school bullies.
Stephenson eventually moved to the U.S., where she started a nearly 27-year career serving some of Massachusetts’ most vulnerable children at DCF. For much of that time, she reviewed foster children’s cases to ensure the youngsters were safe and received appropriate services as officials worked to find permanent housing.
Today, she lives in Virginia and runs a life-coaching business as a way to continue serving others.
“I have a lot of energy, and I need to use it,” she said. “I also feel very blessed to have a lot of gifts to give. So, I need to use them in a positive way.”
In addition to life-coaching, Stephenson is a reenactor for the Fredericksburg Area Museum. She portrays Mary Seacole, who was also born in Jamaica and moved to England. Seacole is known for serving as a nurse for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War in the 1850s.
At BSU, Stephenson relished the opportunity to be back in a classroom. As one of the older students in the program, she shared her life experiences with her younger classmates. She also appreciated professors such as Dr. Taylor Hall, ’10, who she said brought an infectious energy to class and taught in a way that students did not feel judged or pressured.
She especially enjoyed the strong camaraderie and teamwork within the program.
“We cannot and should not do everything ourselves. We’re learning from others and growing,” she said of an important takeaway from her BSU classes. “I consider myself a lifelong learner. Every day I learn something new.”
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