Debi and Kaylie Smith, a mom and daughter duo sharing many of the same goals, are both set to graduate with master’s degrees at the University of Nevada, Reno in the 2024 spring commencement ceremony.
Kaylie started as a student at the University in 2019, and her mom, Debi came back to school in 2018 to attain first a bachelor’s and now a master’s degree. Debi attended Truckee Meadows Community College before transferring to the University in 2020.
The pair, both graduating with master’s degrees in social work, exemplify their commitment and determination to achieve their academic goals, though they both took different paths to get here.
Kaylie, Debi’s daughter, originally a psychology major, was inspired by Debi to switch her focus to social work upon realizing that she could attain more job opportunities as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). After graduation, she plans to work toward becoming an LCSW as well as a youth therapist. Her passion for youth therapy increased during her internship at Upward Bound Classic Math and Science Program where she tutored first-generation high school students who want to attend higher education and she helped to provide various resources helping those students transition from high school to college.
“I’ve always leaned toward being a therapist. I’m a great listener and I enjoy helping people through their problems and giving them advice,” Kaylie said. “I learned the right way to listen and what is helpful to the client. It’s part of my personality.”
Debi ventured to get a degree a decade ago and decided to return 10 years later to finish her schooling. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2022 and was convinced by her professors to continue her academic journey into Grad School for more opportunities in her field of interest.
“Getting a degree was always something I wanted to do,” Debi said. “I wanted to face some of the challenges.”
Mistaken as a professor by many, Debi found herself battling barriers such as ageism and she struggled to keep up with the technological advancements designed for her coursework. She wasn’t used to new digital material used for her classes. Attending during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic also set her back, since everything was completely online. She worried that she would feel out of place, and that she would not be accepted by her peers and instructors in an environment so different from what she experienced years ago.
Despite Debi’s worries, her professors and classmates were extremely welcoming and helpful in aiding her achieve her academic goals. Soon, she gained confidence and felt like a valued student during her experience at the University and felt motivated her to finish her degree.
Along with her passion to help those in need, Debi plans to stay in Reno and further her career at a behavior health center dedicated to helping folks suffering from substance abuse, and working with youth and adults with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.
Reflecting on Debi’s experience at the University, she says she encourages school for anyone who may want to attend later in life.
“There are many different avenues to attend higher education from online to hybrid options,” Debi said. “The job market in modern times is much more condemning of ageism than it used to be, and attending school makes you more valuable to employers.”
She once felt that her academic goals were perceived as unattainable by others, but found that through her perseverance and determination to build the career she wants, she discovered a new environment and that attending school at any age is now celebrated and looked upon favorably instead of discouraged.
Both soon to be grads credit their professors with giving them the proper information and instruction on how to take the next steps in their career journeys.
“Huge shoutout to our Professor Jose (Parra) for really giving us information and encouraging us to take the next step,” said Kaylie, expressing her and Debi’s appreciation for him.
With Kaylie taking in-person classes and Debi taking online classes, they both will be graduating at the same time. Kaylie and Debi serve as inspiration for many as they grapple between the barriers attending higher education later in life imposes. Their remarkable story of familial bond and commitment to excellence at the University, disregarding potential barriers and walls is a reminder that it is never too late to attend school and achieve your career goals. They truly exemplify The Wolf Pack Way.
Kaylie and Debi are set to graduate on May 16, at 9 a.m. at the University quad. The commencement ceremony will be live streamed and faculty and students are welcome to attend.
