Dominick Reyes discovered his purpose at a young age and is making it happen at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Realizing the difference that therapists and others made in the life of his little brother, who has autism, 10-year-old Reyes saw the impact of those in human service roles. He knew then that he wanted to become someone that could help people’s lives change for the better, no matter how difficult their issues.
By his sophomore year at Edgerton High School, he decided he wanted to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). His senior year he found the right undergraduate program at UW-Stevens Point.
“I was visiting schools knowing what major I wanted,” he said. “I met social work and sociology professors at UWSP, and they were so engaged with their students. When I walked by classrooms, I saw students were smiling and paying attention. The professors seemed caring.”
Now a senior who will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in social work and sociology next May, Reyes has experienced that commitment from his professors firsthand. “They are always available and bring their life experiences to the table. They value us both as students and as people.”
Last year, one of his professors, Tara Anderson, pulled him aside after class to tell him she thought he would be a good fit for a new minor in substance abuse and addiction studies, which had just been approved. Reyes agreed and added the minor.
“I appreciated it so much that she went out of her way to let me know she saw my potential,” he said. “She and all of my professors make that personal connection with their students.”
“Dominick is an actively engaged student who exemplifies the core values of social work,” said Anderson. “Service, social justice and honoring the dignity and worth of the person are just a few of the values that Dominick demonstrates in his social work courses and on campus. Knowing his future career interest, taking the social work and psychology courses included in the Substance Use and Addiction Studies minor will prepare him to use evidence-based practices in working with individuals and families impacted by our current substance use crisis that he will encounter in his future social work career.”
Not one to sit still, Reyes sees his free moments as time he could spend doing something good. When a Big Brothers Big Sisters representative came to his class to ask for volunteer Big Brothers, Reyes signed up. For nearly two years, he and his Stevens Point area little brother have become close, seeing each other every week. They also stayed in touch while Reyes was home for the summer by playing online video games together.
Reyes also works as a respite caregiver, working with a young man with autism on a monthly basis to help him become more independent. He connects well with him due to his own experiences with his brother, he said.
Reyes mentors fellow UW-Stevens Point student Paola Gomez as a peer success coach in the Multicultural Resource Center.
On campus, Reyes works as a peer success mentor in the Multicultural Resource Center. As an advocate for fellow students, he spends 10 hours a week meeting with and sharing advice on topics such as paying bills and study habits with new students.
“I wanted a position where I could be a mentor,” he said of the role. “I needed this kind of advice and help when I was a first-year student, so I knew I could help others.” He also shared advice for first-year students as a member of student panel at this fall’s convocation ceremony.
“Dominick has been an amazing asset to the Multicultural Resource Center,” said Maria Harris, the center’s coordinator. “He is warm and inviting to all students who walk in and is so intentional with each student. He works hard to ensure that our students always feel included whether it’s in conversation or in community. His success here shows how he will succeed as a licensed social worker.”
Reyes is also a member and treasurer of the UW-Stevens Point Latino Student Alliance. This month, as the student organization plans and participates in Hispanic Heritage Month events, Reyes hopes that members of the campus and community get involved to learn how different Latin countries’ cultures, from food to dance, vary from each other.
His Hispanic heritage motivates him, Reyes said, and he credits both of his parents as his role models. His father immigrated to the United States from Mexico on his own when he was 12 years old and has worked hard since. He is now fluent in English, an American citizen and a business owner. His mother dedicated herself to helping his younger brother, accepting his challenges, and is supportive of both of her sons. Reyes said she also has taught him patience.
“I’m not sure how my dad was able to make it on his own, but he made it look easy,” Reyes said. “My mom has always been there for me and my brother. I know that I have to work just as hard and make an impact, just like they have.”
Reyes post-graduation plans include earning a master’s degree in social work then his LCSW credential. He hopes to work as a therapist with a variety of clients, from those with autism, to at-risk teens and families and those dealing with addiction. He is also looking forward to taking on an internship role next year as part of his degree.
“I see myself working with anyone who needs help,” he said. “I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learned to work, to gain experience and learn from professional mentors, as well as earn their trust and bring in new perspectives.”