July 9, 2020
Chris Woodley • cwoodley@mailbox.sc.edu 

Throughout the summer, we will highlight some of the faculty and staff at the College of Social Work. Today's feature is on Bailey King, LMSW, who serves as a project manager on several grant-funded research projects.

What was your favorite memory as an MSW student at the College of Social Work?

“I really enjoyed my time in field. It was very fulfilling to apply what I had learned in the classroom to everyday situations with real people. My field placements definitely added a richness to the curriculum and exposed me to complex, nuanced situations where I was given the opportunity to expand my practice capabilities. I’m very grateful that I made lasting friendships with colleagues and supervisors, many of whom I still keep in touch with today.”

What do you enjoy the most about teaching others or presenting on rural health?

“I enjoy the process of trying to find information, resources, or perspectives that I think will be useful, worthwhile, and might encourage people to see a problem with a different lens. But I also ask myself, ‘What information can people walk away with that they may not have had before?’ I really enjoy that moment where I can share what I think is a tool or interesting concept with others who also find real value in using it in their practice.”

What have you found yourself doing more of because of COVID-19?

“Surprisingly, I have had more communication and interaction (at a safe distance) with my family than before the pandemic. Thankfully, we’re all fairly easy going so we’ve enjoyed staying in touch.”

What self-care activity do you enjoy the most?

“I’ve recently started to teach myself how to do hand-sewn embroidery. Since we’ve been stuck at home, I’ve enjoyed the process of learning because it keeps my hands busy, and I can block out the rest of the world while I sew. I also like the feeling of accomplishment when I finally finish a piece after putting in the time and effort. Plus, they make great gifts.”

What activities do you enjoy when not working?

“I love reading fiction, playing with my cat, starting new shows, and re-watching my favorite shows. I’ve also started to listen to more podcasts lately.”

 

Where have been some of your favorite places to travel?

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to travel over the years. My favorite trip in the U.S. was to Washington state. We visited my uncle and trekked all over the state. I loved staying in the Quinault Rain Forest the most.

My favorite international trip was to Cuba during my senior year in undergrad at Wofford College. It was a once in a lifetime trip that taught me more than I could have learned in any classroom, and I was glad to be lucky enough to go with an awesome group.”

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

“I trained in martial arts for 15 years and received a black belt. I haven’t trained in a while, but I hope to get back into it once it’s safer for public gatherings."

A book everyone should read is: “'Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption' by Bryan Stevenson. It’s beautifully written, heartbreaking, and incredibly eye-opening. Stevenson does an amazing job of humanizing an extremely controversial topic and helps portray it in a new light."

The best movie ever made was: "I honestly can’t choose; I grew up watching all kinds of movies with my dad and my movie preferences are all over the map. But I especially like silly comedies and pretty much anything that includes Will Ferrell."

My favorite meal is: "Any type of dish that includes pasta. The more pasta, the better."

My first job was: "I babysat for a few kids in my neighborhood, but my first real job was being a dishwasher at a local, family-owned restaurant."

My favorite memory from my youth is: "It’s a tie between a drama day camp I attended for seven summers between first and eighth grade, and the four years I attended the Tri-District Arts Consortium in the creative writing tract. Both experiences gave me a creative outlet that helped improve my confidence and comfort with public speaking at a young age."

One goal I want to achieve in the future is: "I’d like to publish a book at some point. I don’t know what will be in that book, but I hope to figure that out eventually."