Texas Tech Student Wins FASD Scholarship, Highlights Need for Better Understanding in Social Work

Amelia Hernandez, a junior at Texas Tech University majoring in Social Work with a minor in Apparel Design and Manufacturing, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Scholarship by the law firm Bogin, Munns & Munns. The scholarship recognizes her academic dedication and personal commitment to advocacy for individuals and families affected by FASD, a disorder she has witnessed firsthand through her siblings' experiences.

Hernandez grew up as the oldest sibling in a family that adopted three children diagnosed with FASD. This background provided her with direct insight into the daily challenges and resilience associated with the disorder. In her scholarship essay, she highlighted a significant issue: behaviors linked to FASD are often misinterpreted by educators, caregivers, and social workers, sometimes leading to unnecessary interventions or misplaced blame. "Situations like this are often misread because too few people truly understand the disorder or its complex presentation," Hernandez explained. Her goal is to become a social worker who understands FASD's various manifestations, aiming to bridge this gap in understanding through better training and resources.

At Texas Tech, Hernandez serves as a student representative for the Department of Social Work and Anthropology and leads outreach programs through the Volunteer Service Team at the Wesley Foundation, organizing community service in Lubbock. After completing her bachelor's degree, she plans to pursue a master's in social work, with aspirations to work in hospitals serving rural and underserved populations. "I hope to provide resources and a sense of hope to patients and their families," she shared.

The FASD scholarship is part of Bogin, Munns & Munns' broader mission to promote fairness and compassion beyond the legal system. Since 1979, the firm has focused on respect, dignity, and awareness for those facing challenges through no fault of their own. By supporting students like Hernandez, the firm aims to inspire understanding and advocacy for FASD-affected families. More information about the firm can be found at https://www.boginmunns.com.

This scholarship award matters because it highlights a critical gap in social work and caregiving: the lack of adequate training and awareness around FASD. Misunderstandings can lead to inappropriate responses that harm families already navigating complex needs. Hernandez's story underscores the importance of lived experience in informing professional practice, suggesting that empathy and firsthand knowledge can drive more effective support systems. For the social work industry, this points to a need for enhanced educational curricula and professional development focused on neurodevelopmental disorders like FASD. For affected families, it offers hope that future social workers will be better equipped to provide compassionate, informed care, potentially reducing stigma and improving outcomes in communities nationwide.