Laura Santos
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Class of 2014
What have you been up to since you left Crandall University?
After graduating from Crandall University in 2014, I moved back home to Massachusetts and started working within my local community. My first job after graduating was at a local non-profit. I worked as a care manager assisting at-risk adults within the community. It was during this role, that I realized I really enjoyed working with older adults. Since discovering my passion for helping and serving seniors, I have pursued roles that allow me to make a meaningful impact in this field.
In 2017, I changed jobs and started working exclusively with seniors as a care manager/social worker. In this role, I initiated, managed, and oversaw in-home services for elders still living at home. Currently, I am working as a Clinical Navigator for a health insurance plan specifically for adults 65 and over. This insurance plan is considered a Senior Care Option in the state of Massachusetts, which is a comprehensive health plan that caters specifically to the needs of elders. Through these roles, I have grown and learned so much. This work is incredibly rewarding and impactful.
During my last year of Crandall I met my husband, David Mugenga ’15 and in 2018 we got married. After we got married, I moved back to Canada to be with him, but we quickly realized we wanted to be in the United States. Right before the global pandemic, we decided to relocate to the US and are currently residing here in Massachusetts about 45 minutes south of Boston. David and I have enjoyed our time here exploring areas near our home, finding new hobbies and spending time with family.
How did Crandall prepare you for your future ?
One of the biggest impacts on my life thus far has been the people I met at Crandall. When I first arrived, I was struck by how much Crandall made me feel at home, despite the fact that I was in another country and 10 hours away from family. I never expected to meet so many wonderful people in and out of the classroom, but I’m incredibly thankful to say that I did and that I have stayed in touch with many of them, with some of my closest friends being former classmates and pod-mates. These relationships have changed my life and shaped me into the person I am today.
During my time at Crandall, I was a member of the Youth Leadership Program at Lewisville Baptist Church from my second year on to graduation. Being part of this church while also mentoring the youth was incredibly impactful and opened my eyes to the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of the community that I was a part of. I didn’t know it at the time, but this program would go on to act as a stepping stone in my career, equipping me with skills I use in the workplace.
My decision to attend Crandall University was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was truly such a great experience that I look back on with nothing but beautiful memories. I am proud to be an alumna.
