UVM People: Evelyn Monje '24

By Doug Gilman

Growing up in Winooski, Vermont, Evelyn Monje dreamed of attending UVM as she went by campus on the way to school every day. Working as a youth camp counselor during the summer after her first year of high school, she began to discover what her true calling might be.

“Ultimately, I chose social work because of my passion for helping people,” says the Class of 2024 member, who earned a Presidential Scholarship to attend UVM.

“Now I’m leaning into a field that’s all about caring for others in the best way possible. I have loved all my roles working in summer camps, facilitation training, and after-school programs. That joy led me to where I am now, and I cannot wait to continue digging into this profession.”

For her senior year internship, Monje piloted a social work position at the South Burlington Public Library. Though she hadn’t previously considered a less traditional social work role like this, she was excited to see where it could lead.

“I offer low-barrier consultation and referrals to our patrons as well as supporting the library staff in trainings and de-escalation,” she explains, “and I’m sharing what I learn with other libraries who are now seeking their own social workers.”

Since she stepped into the role in September, Monje met with over 300 people, including many with social-work-focused questions.

“The interest has been wide-ranging,” says Monje, who built a resource guide to keep at her mobile table. “People are looking for support with referrals to housing options, legal issues related to employment, citizenship questions, healthcare, dental services, and more. Some are seeking community engagement and connection to local services. These conversations are really impactful. I’m grateful for the interactions and experiences with people who have a diverse range of needs and requests.”

Library Director Jennifer Murray says Monje brought common sense and compassion to the library staff and visitors alike.

“Her listening skills and empathy help us do our jobs better,” Murray says. “She makes visitors to the city, the library, and senior center truly feel welcomed. Evelyn learned a lot about local resources which allows her to answer questions from the public and make valuable referrals.”

Last year, students in UVM’s Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work cohorts completed internships in over 20 different fields of practice, contributing a combined total of 32,700 hours of service across a multitude of communities.

Monje values the close-knit community and support structure in the social work program. During their junior year, BSW students are grouped together to settle into practice and experience courses focused on their development as social workers.

“I appreciate the opportunity to learn from and grow with my peers, and I’ve made lifelong friends along the way,” she says. “I also made valuable connections with each of my professors and feel fully supported and cared for by each of them. I’m grateful to be in a program where I’m not only a student in my professors’ classes, but also a human being that matters to them.”

Monje envisions her future in roles that support youth development through educational experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. But the internship opened her mind to the relatively new concept of library social work–an idea that is taking hold in more and more communities nationwide. She is already exploring ways to tie those two interest areas together.

“I grew up excited to go to UVM, so it’s a sweet fullcircle moment as I approach the completion of my time here,” she says. “I am currently applying to graduate programs with the intention of completing my master’s degree by age 22…I’m so grateful to UVM for helping to shape me into the kind of social worker and human being I want to be.”

Photo by: David Seaver