Lexington, KY — Lexi Lucas knows what it means to step up for others. Shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to others, she is now poised to enter the social work profession ready to make meaningful change in the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Originally from just outside Pittsburgh, Lucas grew up witnessing how substance use disorders can deeply affect individuals and the people who love them. When she lost two close friends to overdoses during her undergraduate years, her commitment to becoming part of the solution solidified.
“What motivates me is the people I’ve lost,” she said.
As a first-generation college student, Lucas learned to navigate academic systems largely on her own. Her determination to further her education — and turn pain into purpose — led her back to Lexington and to the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s Master of Social Work program.
“The MSW program showed me that I am capable of achieving my goals,” Lucas said. “I had to figure out a lot on my own, and it taught me how hard I can work to overcome challenges.”
Throughout her time at UK, Lucas gained real-world practice experience supporting vulnerable populations through roles with Allegheny County Child, Youth and Family Services, Makin Wellness, and Westmoreland County’s Agency on Aging. Those opportunities helped her translate classroom knowledge into direct, person-centered care.
“Practicum education has showed me social work from different perspectives and helped me understand what I want to do in the future,” Lucas said. Seeing clients make progress reminded me why this work matters. I got into social work to help people.”
Balancing a full-time job while serving as the primary income earner in her household, Lucas relied on the MSW program’s flexibility — and the support of faculty who made sure she never had to push through alone.
“I’ve always felt able to reach out to faculty and get the support I needed,” she said. “That made a huge difference.”
As she prepares to graduate with her MSW, Lucas reflects with pride on the progress she has already made toward the career she dreamed of.
“When I started, helping people felt like a goal in the distance,” she said. “Now I can see that I’m already doing it.”
Looking ahead, Lucas plans to pursue a career in substance use counseling, supporting individuals on their recovery journeys.
“I know substance use disorders affect more than just the individual,” she said. “I want to be there for everyone involved.”
Her advice to future first-generation social work students is simple, but hard-earned:
“Ask questions,” Lucas said. “Even if it seems small… ask. There are so many people who want to help you keep moving forward.”
