Community and Compassion: Daniella Fernandez’s CBU Story

For many students, university is an opportunity to leave home and start fresh somewhere new. For Daniella Fernandez the drive to build genuine, supportive connections right where she grew up in Glace Bay has always part of her foundation. She brings a community-focused mindset into her daily interactions and academic pursuits.

“Being able to stay close to my home community was a big reason I chose CBU. The 16-month structure of the Bachelor of Social Work program also stood out to me, along with the opportunity to complete two different practicum placements,” says Daniella. “I really valued being able to gain experience in two separate fields of social work.”

Now Daniella is preparing to cross the Kehoe Forum stage to receive her Bachelor of Social Work degree. Social work is a path Daniella shares with her mother, Kerri Fernandez, who has worked in communities as a social worker for more than 25 years.  This familiarity, combined with the real-life lessons learned during practicums, provided a strong foundation as she navigated the demands of the program.

“Throughout the program, especially during my practicums, I was able to build strong connections within the community,” Daniella says. “Those experiences helped me grow my confidence and develop relationships with other professionals and supportive resources within the community, which I know will be important moving forward in my career.”

Embracing the Uncomfortable

The demanding nature of social work often requires students to confront difficult realities and re-evaluate their own preconceptions. Through her studies, Daniella quickly learned that stepping outside her comfort zone was necessary for her personal development and for establishing a solid framework for her career.

“The program involves a lot of learning, relearning and unlearning,” she says. “Especially when it comes to the perspectives we bring into practice. Being open to that process is so important, and it really allows you to grow both personally and professionally.”

Through field placements, Daniella discovered a specific passion for empowering younger generations. She realized that navigating complex systems requires a strong voice, something vulnerable youth populations often struggle with.

“Advocacy for children and youth has been a big part of my journey,” Daniella says. “Young people often don’t have the same voice or power in systems that directly impact them. Through my learning and experiences, I’ve come to understand how important it is to not only support them, but to ensure their perspectives are recognized and respected.”

Community on Campus

Beyond the classroom, Daniella immersed herself in campus and community events that actively promoted inclusivity, not least of which as Co-President of the Bachelor of Social Work Student Society at CBU. Joining her classmates for university-wide initiatives helped solidify the theoretical concepts she was learning in her coursework while fostering a tight-knit environment among her cohort.

“One of my favorite memories from my time at CBU was participating in Motionball with the Special Olympics,” Daniella says. “The Social Work Society entered a team and it was such a meaningful experience to be part of as it promotes inclusion while also bringing people together in a fun and supportive way. It’s a memory that really reflects the sense of community I felt throughout the program.”

Advice for the Next Generation

Having successfully navigated the intensive Social Work program, Daniella knows exactly how overwhelming the beginning can feel. She encourages incoming BSW students to embrace the uncertainty rather than fight it.

“I think starting the program can come with many emotions but it’s important to understand that you’re not supposed to know everything, and you won’t when you’re done either. It’s all about continuously learning and finding ways to improve your practice so that we can support individuals to the best of our abilities,” she says. “My advice would be to keep an open mind and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Some of the most meaningful growth happens in moments that feel unfamiliar or even a bit uncomfortable at first.”

Looking toward her future career in Social Work, Daniella plans to utilize her training to uplift individuals in the community she loves.

“In my future practice, I want to show up with authenticity, honesty and strong communication, building relationships based on trust. I plan to approach my work with compassion and respect, recognizing that everyone’s experiences are different,” she says. “My goal is to support people in a way that feels collaborative and empowering, while also continuing to learn and grow within my own practice.”

By choosing to study and practice locally, Daniella has equipped herself to be the advocate her hometown needs. However, she knows the most profound lesson she will carry into her career is all about the fundamental human elements required to truly support someone.

“One moment that really stayed with me was realizing how important trust and consistency are in this work. Taking the time to listen and support someone in a way that made them feel comfortable and respected reminded me why I chose social work and helped shape the kind of social worker I want to be.”

Congratulations to Daniella Fernandez and the entire Spring 2026 graduating class!