Frances Fuller graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with her Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 2012. Since graduating, Fuller has worked as a school social worker in Socorro, NM, for seven years. "I really like working in schools," she said. "It's a system I feel really comfortable in."

Fuller develops direct services for kids in schools that allow students and teachers to learn the best practices for mental health. "I believe, as a school social worker, holistically taking care of everybody so that all of the pieces flow more effectively," she explained, "It's about how the whole system can function better to support students and their families."

Fuller is from Albuquerque, NM, and her interest in college started when she was young. She would look at colleges nationwide until her mom mentioned looking for a school closer to home. Fuller was interested in becoming a music teacher and heard about Eastern's music program. She reached out to Dustin Seifert, and he sent her a handwritten letter expressing his excitement that she was interested in the program. "That was the first time somebody took a minute to respond to me as a person," Fuller said, "that just stuck with me."

Once Fuller arrived at ENMU, her goal of becoming a music teacher shifted to other interests and eventually to social work. When Fuller was attending ENMU, she wanted to become a lawyer and was majoring in political science. However, Fuller saw a poster in the College of Business that listed all the opportunities that someone could have with a social work degree. "That was the moment the shift happened," she said.

The rural community that Fuller experienced at ENMU became important to her as she continued her career. She said feeling connected to the community is a great way to network and build working relationships with people from all over New Mexico. "Networking and asset mapping has become something that actually has been a huge impact on my practice," Fuller said. "I really feel like I learned that in Portales." With the support that Fuller received while attending ENMU, she has carried that with her into her career and encouraged her co-workers to communicate and collaborate. "I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing," she said.

Fuller was an active member in the Delta Pi chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha and was involved in the College Republicans student group. ENMU helped prepare Fuller for her career by giving her a place of support and safety. "Having that system of support, it makes all the difference when you're going through those changes in life and trying to figure things out," she said.