Shae Ebrahimi is one of only 18 in Texas to receive this scholarship.

DENTON (UNT), Texas – Shae Ebrahimi, an Advanced Joint Master’s student in Social Work in the University of North Texas College of Health and Public Service was awarded the 2019 Ima Hogg Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to graduate social work students who were nominated by the heads of their programs.

The scholarship awards $5,000 to each recipient, and for Ebrahimi this means her family is supported while she goes to school.

 “Because of the scholarship I will be able to focus on my studies and not worry so much about how to help support my family after we adjusted down to a single income,” Ebrahimi said. “Student loans help but it's barely enough, so this scholarship helps us out tremendously.”

Ebrahimi was nominated by the chair of the Department of Social Work, Dr. Sharon Bowland.

“Shae is professional and thoughtful in all her social work endeavors,” Dr. Bowland said. “She is good at balancing her work and professional life and she is the leader that other students want to emulate.”

Ebrahimi says social work is her passion.

“I chose social work because that is where my heart has always led me,” Ebrahimi said. “I never knew there was so much to it until I started asking questions. I can honestly say for the first time in my 40 plus years, I have found something that is truly fulfilling. I have loved every second of this journey.”

Ebrahimi says the program has gone far beyond just an education for her.

“It has meant a lot that the Department of Social Work has faith in me and it has inspired many different aspects of my life helping to stay driven,” Ebrahimi said. “I am grateful for the opportunity and the support that the faculty and JMSW program has offered me and my family.”