The school of life has taught Candice Linehan (’03) many lessons—proof of how challenging life can be. Linehan’s life's work deals in tragedy and sadness, exposed to violence and witness to the worst of human behavior. Even before her career, Linehan experienced her own personal sadness, learning firsthand how the death of a close family member can affect life.
But like a phoenix rising renewed from the ashes, Linehan rises to meet the challenges; in fact, she sees the honor in the struggle, and the hope that prevails when support is provided. These are the lessons she learned in her time at Cabrini, and lessons that have stayed with her throughout her life.
“My freshman year of high school, I told my mom that I just really wanted to help people,” Linehan said. “I wanted to walk our elderly neighbor to and from the grocery store and help her with her groceries; I wanted to help kids; I volunteered through my church and homeless shelters. I just always wanted to help people in the community. It was my mom who really identified and defined that as social work for me.”
Linehan enrolled at Cabrini with her eye on the Bachelor in Social Work program, and spent her early years at the institution adjusting to life away from her family. “What I loved the most about Cabrini was the small community environment and support of the professors, who really became—and quickly became—lifelong mentors.”
Linehan would, unfortunately, learn the depths of the Cabrini support system. Her mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer during Linehan’s junior year at Cabrini; she died the January before Linehan graduated.
“I would not have gotten through that challenging time if it weren’t for the support of Cabrini as a whole—the professors, the staff, the administration, as well as my friends. Not only did Cabrini support me, but Cabrini reached out and contacted my mom and supported her. It was a pretty remarkable experience.”
As Director of Sexual Assault Services at Delaware County Women Against Rape (DCWAR), Linehan is reminded every day how important a network of support is in times of trauma and upset. DCWAR does crisis work with victims of crime throughout Delaware County, providing counseling services and court accompaniment, any and all of the services that a victim might need to go through the justice process.
“It’s great work,” said Linehan, who began with DCWAR 11 years ago as a counselor advocate. “I see people heal, and support them through their lowest moments—it’s a real privilege to join with people at the worst, most vulnerable time of their lives. That’s what I learned at Cabrini: the real honor, the privilege, of being able to join with a human being in their time of need.”
It’s work that Linehan said provides perspective and gives people hope.
“Knowing that there are actually people out there that truly care, that they don’t have to suffer alone, it gives people hope. We do a great deal of awareness and outreach, which hopefully can prevent more trauma.
“I’ve learned perspective through this work. I grew up in a sheltered world, which was great, and safe, but I’ve been exposed to the worst that you can see, and it’s given me a better perspective about life. Everything is important to me, and I’m grateful for what I have. This profession has allowed me to mature emotionally.”
Although she’s grown in so many ways since leaving Cabrini, Linehan still cherishes her time at the institution that started her down the path of honoring the power of support.
“I know everyone wants to get out in the real world, to get their feet wet, but I would tell Cabrini students to really live in the moment and get everything that you possibly can from that institution, because it is a wealth of support and knowledge. Stay connected. People often believe that staying connected is just about donating, and that’s not been my experience.”
Linehan’s connection to Cabrini is personal and professional, as DCWAR has been involved with Cabrini’s annual Domestic Violence Symposium for the last two years, and Linehan herself has been presenting in classes for 11 years.
“I’ve involved myself in doing presentations and volunteering and going to the social events, and that’s how I stay connected. I am proud to be a partner with Cabrini, as well as an alumna of Cabrini, because Cabrini is always one step ahead.
“I loved everything about Cabrini, from the moment I came through the gates,” said Linehan. “I just felt like I was at home. I am literally a better and a different person because of the impact Cabrini had on me.”