Eight from HPU participated in Mission Waco’s Poverty Simulation. Pictured from left to right are Amara Harris; Lexy Uribe; Baylee Burns; Ciera Ray, assistant professor of social work; Shantel Oplotnik, assistant professor of social work and program director; Crystal Winn; Aniyah O’Neal and Maya Rivera.

Howard Payne University’s Department of Social work recently took part in Mission Waco’s Poverty Simulation, an experience in which the Social Work Program has participated for nearly 15 years. The immersive experience places students in real-life scenarios where they must navigate difficult choices faced by those living in poverty or facing homelessness.

The group was led by Shantel Oplotnik, assistant professor of social work and program director, and included Ciera Ray, assistant profe

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