Delaware Technical Community College: Human Services Grad Returns To Hometown To Make A Difference

Press release from the Delaware Technical Community College:

2021-09-28

It turns out, going home was just what Juwan Mullen needed to do, and was meant to do.

Mullen, a 2014 human services graduate, recently returned to his hometown and accepted a position as school social worker at Seaford High School. He provides wraparound care for students, including short counseling, check ins, and providing and arranging transportation or other resources.

"I'm here to help these kids achieve and succeed however and wherever they want," Mullen said. "College was my way, but I understand it isn't everybody's way. We just want to get these kids to be where they want to be in a positive way."

Mullen freely admits he had a lot of roadblocks to overcome to get to where he is today – some were put in front of him by others, and some he initiated. He hopes he can lean on his past to help relate to students he sees today.

"I was here 10 years ago in the same seats, cafeteria, and auditorium," he said. "I feel like knowing someone who went here, who experienced the same things they are experiencing, could be beneficial to the students who go here.

"I want them to know they aren't alone, not in their experiences, struggles, academics, or athletics."

One of Mullen's earliest struggles came when he was told he was a special education student in elementary school. While he received tremendous support throughout his schooling, he said hearing that label made him begin to think negative thoughts.

This press release was produced by the Delaware Technical Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.