Future Social Worker Aspires to Change the World

When Professor Petar Drakulich presented Cammie Ho with the 2025 Graduate Award in Sociology, he said to the audience at the May 19 ceremony, “To be a sociologist is literally to commit to changing our world. Throughout her studies, Cammie has embodied that desire, that drive to change and make things better.”

Cammie’s career goal is to become a social worker for child welfare. “I’ve always liked helping people,” says Cammie. “It makes me feel very fulfilled to see change happen for children who live in difficult circumstances, like abusive homes.”

Graduating with honors, Cammie completed her Associate in Arts in Sociology degree program at PCCC last December and is already enrolled in a combination bachelor’s/master’s degree program in sociology at Montclair State University.

Modest about her achievement, Cammie said receiving the graduate award in her major was unexpected. “I was surprised when I got the email that I had been chosen. There were so many other really good students in sociology, but I’m very happy. That’s the first time that ever happened to me.”

A 2023 graduate of Clifton High School, Cammie chose to attend PCCC primarily to save money on her college education. “Some of my friends told me I wouldn’t learn anything in a community college, but that wasn’t true.  I learned a lot here and felt well prepared when I transferred to the university.”

Drawn to the social sciences, Cammie found her classes in both sociology and psychology, intriguing and challenging.  “I’ve always been interested in why people do what they do and why we have riots and occurrences like that, but I preferred analyzing those questions by studying society and social structures.”

From her first class with Professor Drakulich, Cammie became a fan. “Professor Drakulich is my favorite professor. He makes you think outside the box, especially about subjects like ethics and racism, and he makes learning fun.”
  

But what she admires most about Professor Drakulich is his ability to motivate. “He fills us with this determination to make the future better. “

On board with this optimism, Cammie chose to focus her career on children. “They are the future. How they grow up will affect their own lives and also our society.” 

She plans to work with youth from five to 12 years old. “That age group is very fragile and easily influenced,” she explained.    

When asked what she would change, if she could, to help today’s youth, Cammie said she would minimize use of social media. “I feel it affects the mental health of the younger generation, especially in terms of beauty standards, which have skyrocketed.”

Thinking of her own youth, she feels sympathetic with today’s young generation. “I felt like I had a good childhood. Social media was around, but it wasn’t so huge yet, and my friends and I valued just enjoying ourselves. My sister is 12 and obsessed with social media and how she looks.  I wish she had the childhood I had.”

Looking back, Cammie says, “I’m very happy I came to PCCC. I saved a lot of money, met some great people, and learned a lot in my classes.”

Looking forward, she is focused on her studies and on completing another phase of her higher education. The future social worker needs to be well prepared. She has a world to change one day.  

Written by Linda Telesco
Photos: John O’Boyle Photography