Joshua Solis wants to help people.
“I decided to study social work because I wanted to be able to provide mental health resources and therapy to people,” Solis said. “I lost two close friends to suicide in 2017, which inspired me to pursue a degree in a field where I could help people with similar thoughts.”
Joshua Solis, 30, a non-traditional student who works as a health care provider at Toledo Correctional Facility, has come a long way towards his master's degree in social work.
What started as a job for Solis has turned into an important way to help others.
“I work as a behavioral health worker at the Toledo Correctional Facility and have been for the past nine years. I do group therapy and individual therapy with male maximum security inmates,” he said. “Most inmates currently incarcerated will return home someday, but many are in need of mental health services. In my role, I help them lead happier and more productive lives after incarceration. We can help improve their mental health.”
Solis, 30, has come a long way toward earning a master's degree in social work. But he didn't always know what he wanted to do.
“I was torn between whether I wanted to be a high school history teacher or something in the law enforcement field, and I didn’t know where I wanted to fit in,” Solis said. “I dropped out at 19 and didn't go back to university until I was 26. At the time, I didn't know what I wanted to do, and that's something a lot of people don't realize. There are a lot of things you can't plan for because sometimes you don't know what you want to do in 10 years.
“I went to orthodontic treatment because I was 20 years old and needed a job,” he added. “But at the end of the day, I enjoy what I do.”
Meredith Rinna, an associate lecturer in social work in the College of Health and Human Services, said she watched Solis grow as a person and a student while studying social work.
“Motivated by his own experiences and deep compassion, Josh made the courageous decision to pursue a career in social work after years as a prison officer,” Rinna said. spoke. “He is passionate about providing behavioral health support to people in prison. His dedication to making a meaningful impact in this difficult environment is truly inspiring. , his journey reflects the power of empathy and resilience in social work.”
Solis said one of the most important lessons she learned as a nontraditional student was to take time in life.
“I decided to become a police officer when I was 18 and went to college. Then I thought about becoming a pastor or a high school history teacher, but then I decided I wanted to be a police officer again,” he said. . “You don't have to go so fast. Take your time and experience what else is out there. No matter what field you go into, there are lots of different opportunities and places.”
