Helping people
11/23/2020
Kori Frey is ready for her social work field placement at Hope House in Findlay, Ohio.
Embracing growth opportunities
When deciding a path of study to pursue in college, the choice was clear for Kori Frey ’21, a social work and psychology double major from Kirby, Ohio. Frey’s grandmother was diagnosed with dementia and watching the disease progress was heartbreaking.
“To see her forget who I was and to forget the rest of my family and the important parts of her life was so hard,” explained Frey. “I realized that I wanted to do something that could help my grandma and the people like my family get through those experiences better. I figured social work and psychology were the best routes for me to do that.”
However, her choice of college wasn’t so easy. Initially planning to attend a large state school, Frey’s parents convinced her to visit Bluffton—where her older brother Paul Frey ’18 (now a police officer in Findlay, Ohio) was studying criminal justice and social work.
“I met with some of Paul’s professors and it just seemed like home,” said Frey, whose younger brothers Wayne ’22, a criminal justice and psychology double major, and Miles ’23, a middle childhood education major, also chose Bluffton.
While Frey was only interested in working with the elderly population at the start of her college career, her interests have expanded.
“College really opened my eyes to realize there are so many areas where social workers are in demand,” said Frey. “There are so many places I can go.”
The first place Frey will go is to Hope House in Findlay, Ohio, for her social work field placement during the spring semester. The agency serves homeless and impoverished families and individuals in Hancock County.
“I’m really excited. I’ve been studying up on their programs. They help people with disabilities and they do emergency housing for women and children experiencing domestic violence,” said Frey. “They do a lot for the community.”
On campus, Frey is a member of the Social Work Club, plays flute in Concert Band, is an Honors student and C. Henry Smith Scholar, and has performed in the “Beaver Monologues” and the 2018 fall play “Helen.” She has also served on the residence life staff for three years and is currently the hall director for Hirschy Complex.
“When I first started out in residence life, I thought of it as being like working at a social work agency and helping people connect to resources. It was another step toward my future career,” said Frey. “But I’ve had so many opportunities and growth experiences at Bluffton. I’m really grateful for everything I’ve been a part of.”
As she prepares to enter her final semester, she is beyond grateful that her parents steered her toward Bluffton.
“My relationships with my brothers are stronger than ever, and I’ve made so many close friendships. Bluffton was definitely the place for me.”