Interview with Nicole Dryanski, OFP 2019 – 2021 Intern
What was the most beneficial experience for you at OFP?
Nicole Dryanski, DU Masters of Social Work Intern
The most beneficial experience for me was having this field placement becoming an opportunity with so many roles and duties I took on as an intern. The experience itself helped me grow, especially being able to work with this particular population of home fire survivors and wanting to become more evolved in this work. Thus, I would like to thank Sheila Babyak for telling Maggie to call me back for an interview.
What surprised you about the recovery of home fire survivors?
Even though everyone might be different, every survivor shares the same struggles and barriers to overcome.
What are your next steps after graduation?
To move to the city of Chicago and officially be a working member of society.
What was it like working at OFP?
Through all of the madness, it was such a perfect joy. I loved working with Maggie and Heather; I was more excited for my internship days than school.
How has OFP helped you grow as a clinician?
I don’t think I could thank OFP enough for how much they have helped me grow as a person, leader, and social worker. During my time at OFP, I was everything from a maintenance worker to a case manager. Overall, I was very fortunate that OFP allowed me to work on interpersonal, case management, leadership, and non-profit management skills.
What was your biggest take away from this internship?
That this population is so overwhelmingly underserved and overlooked, and unfortunately, I don’t think people understand the impact a disaster can have on a family or individual, and the lack of services being provided to them.
What did you learn most from the clients at OFP?
That we all are pretty simple people, and we all want the same thing: shelter, connection, and security in our lives.
Favorite quote
“If Heather and I ever had a baby, it would be you!” – Maggie
