While non-traditional students are often faced with significant obstacles in their path to an education, Carl White truly has faced more than his fair share. But according to him, the trials and tribulation endured on the way to earning his degree in social work from Winona State University only make his success all the sweeter.
White, 40, is married and the father of two young children: a 7-year old daughter with Down syndrome and a 4-year old son. For 14 years he made a living pouring concrete, but has worked for Mayo Clinic for the past seven years. He’s very proud to receive his degree in social work and become the first of his 14 brothers and sisters to graduate from college.
When making the decision to return for his degree, White looked for a university with a strong social work program, convenient location, and classes offered in the evenings to further his education. He found each of these needs fulfilled by Winona State University-Rochester and enrolled two years ago.
White was particularly interested in entering the social work field to share his personal experience with chronic pain and addiction and use it to help others in the community. Two separate traumatic accidents left White with a multitude of injuries, from a broken back to a collapsed lung to broken ribs. Twice he had to learn to walk again. These types of injuries often result in a lifetime on pain medication, but after going through a Pain Rehabilitation Program more than four years ago, White has been medication free. He also struggled with alcohol, but with the help of an addiction program overcame this dependency as well.
Today, White serves as a motivational speaker and openly shares his story of overcoming chronic pain and addiction. He also serves on the development committee for the Cronin Home in Rochester, a facility to house homeless, chemically dependent adults.
After graduation, White plans to publish his recently completed book on chronic pain, and he has been accepted to the joint Master of Social Work Program offered through St. Catherine University and University of St. Thomas. Eventually, he hopes to earn his license to be an independent clinical social worker and work with clients dealing with chronic pain.
As he looks to the future, White reflects on the choices he’s made, the opportunities he’s pursued, and all that he has accomplished in the past two years.
“WSU has given me the tools I need to help others and continue on my path to achieve my full potential in life.” White said. “Believe in yourself. Mend the past so you can focus on the present, because that is where we are.”
Congratulations, Carl. You are truly an amazing man who provides inspiration on a ongoing basis through your personal presentations to the patients in the Pain Rehabiliation Center Program at Mayo Clinic. Thank you for sharing your story and best wishes on your book and your next degree.
Carl, so proud of you. You are so inspirational and always so positive…way to go and bless you. Go get em White!
Woohoo Carl! Great job on your achievement and good luck with your future studies. You are an amazing person!
I’m so proud of you Carl! You’re an inspiration to all of us! You set your goals high and are an amazing man. Keep it up 🙂
Congratulations Carl! Something to be proud of!
Congratulations Carl you are truly an inspiration!
Way to go little brother!! I am very proud of you and love you very much!! Love Sissy
WOW CARL, WHAT AN AMAZING ARTICLE. You have been through so much in your life and you keep on going. Most people would of given up and expect others to take care of you, but not YOU. You keep on going and want to help others. You are truely amazing. You have come a long way. You have a lot to be proud of. Congratulations on your success!!!
Congratulations Carl!!! You have a special place in my heart… Always!!!!
Congrats Carl!! That was an amazing article. I am so proud of you. I can’t imagine what you have done to get to this place in your life but you did it, you are a strong man, there is no giving up with you. I’m so glad you can tell your story and let people hear what you have been through and to help others. Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment Carl.
Congrats Carl! That is quite an accomplishment! Many people will benefit from your example on how you handled your difficulties and turned them into something positive. We are very proud of you!
Congratulations! Carl, you have been and continue to be an inspiration to me, staff, and so many others! Very best wishes and continued success. Thank you always for your sharing your story and heart so openly with so many people!
Wow, Carl, I am so proud of you, as you must be of yourself. Now, on to another step in your dream.
Carl, You are one hell of a Man. Knew that from the minute I met you! You have worked hard & climbed many hills to get where you are & not many people have as much determination as you. I admire you greatly! I am so glad that Dylan got to have a class with
you, now he knows what a little stinker you are in class!!!!! Love ya Carl
What a honor for you to be recognized by WSU for your accomplishments! Hold your head high, lots to be proud of Carl. Miss you.
Way to go Carl. You have always been a so positive and an awesome person. I am so happy for you and your family you have always been such a hard worker. You are the best.
It is great to have you as a friend.
Congratulations big brother!!!! I’m very proud of you!!! Love you!!