S.T.A.R. Student Corner
Demetrius Alcantar
BSW Student, Class of 2026
"For my research poster, I chose to explore the differences and limitations of Section
202 vs Section 8 housing programs. Throughout this research I realized that there
are many systems in place currently that fail to consider the limitations that exist
around actually accessing resources and supports. When looking at Section 202 housing
we found that the application process can be quite lengthy and requires research to
be conducted by the individual; this is often difficult for older adults to do on
their own. This experience further reinforced my focus on accessibility to resources
and services; we have to take a step further than simply providing the resources and
ensure that they are even able to be utilized.
These topics are extremely important for our society to be discussing right now due
to the extreme growth that is estimated to occur in the next 10 years in the older
adult populations. Estimates show that there will be more older adults than there
are children and that by 2050 there will be twice as many older adults than there
are today. This is important to talk about because of the struggles that we are already
experiencing when it comes to providing this population with resources and support
services to help them age in place. With the work force becoming slimmer and slimmer
and the percentage of older adults expecting to double, we need to address these issues
before it is too late.
Having the opportunity to engage in the Aging Research Symposium gave me a chance
to better develop my professional identity by practicing public speaking, answering
questions, and carrying myself in a professional manner. The experience also allowed
me to further practice conducting research and translating that information into something
that is easy to understand and able to be connected with other important social issues/ideas.
This type of hands-on experience can directly be applied to potential future job responsibilities
and instances where I may need to do exactly this, conduct research on a specific
social issue, brainstorm and research potential solutions, and then combine it all
in a way that is easy to be understood. I would be interested in devoting my time
in doing this type of research so that I can better advocate for my community.
After the Symposium was over, my biggest hope for our attendees is that that have
a better understanding of some of the many issues our older adult residents are facing
every day. I also hope that the keep in mind the drastic changes in population percentages
that is expected to occur over the next few decades and the importance of addressing
these issues before they are completely overloaded. Advocating for our older adults
requires our entire community to come together and express an interest in helping
our older adult populations have access to the much-needed resources and support services
that are being cut right now. In order for any real change to be made, it requires
our community to come together and raise the issue to those in charge.
These types of events are vital for the strengthening of our community and the creation
of confident, passionate professionals who are ready to get out into the world and
begin creating change in their own communities. These opportunities give students
an opportunity to utilize the skills and professional identities that they have been
building throughout their professional journey thus far. This allows for students
to reinforce their self-esteem and shows that they are capable of doing amazing things
and advocating for our community. Our goal is to educate the broader community about
the issues that they may or may not know exist and explain the steps that can be taken
to create meaningful change for the better. "
Demetrius Alcantar, Class of 2026
BSW Student
Amber Joyce
BSW Student, Class of 2025
"During my internship with the Service, Teaching, Aging, and Research (S.T.A.R.) Lab, I was able to engage in im
pactful research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary learning centered around
social justice and advocacy for aging and marginalized populations.
Throughout the internship, I deepened my understanding of the relationship between
academic research and real-world practice. Participating in community programs like
the 8th Annual Aging Research Symposium and the Adopt a Grandparent initiative under the S.T.A.R. Lab helped me develop stronger
communication skills and a deeper appreciation for the lived experiences of older
adults.
I also gained practical experience creating infographics and outreach materials using
Canva to advertise for workshops on dementia and better eating habits for the brain
that were offered through the S.T.A.R. Lab. I used CANVA to make flyers to advertise
for UHD students to participate in Karaoke with seniors at Wesley Community Center
along with making Mardis Gras hats with this group. These projects enhanced my ability
to communicate complex information visually and effectively.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of staying open to abstract
ideas and interdisciplinary approaches when working toward social change. The experience
also strengthened my skills in documentation, reflection, and applying the Council
of Social Education’s (CSWE) competencies in diverse settings.
I am truly grateful for this opportunity and will carry the knowledge and skills I’ve
developed at the S.T.A.R. Lab into my future practice as a social worker."
Amber Joyce, BSW Student
