Weber State student’s future in social work rooted in love for serving others
OGDEN, Utah — A junior at Weber State University is already partway into his dream career in social work, balancing two jobs that focus on serving people.
Micah Frickel, 20, works at Utah Neighborhood Connection, where he works closely with youth in the after-school program. He recently took a second job at the Neurobehavioral Center for Growth to help children with autism learn life skills.
Frickel originally planned to study aviation to become a commercial pilot, but changed course after taking the job at Utah Neighborhood Connection. While working with kids from one of the poorest schools in Utah, he realized he didn’t have the tools he needed to help them psychologically.
“There were a couple classes I was taking at Weber, and it just became clear that social work was the right path, and it’s something I’d like to do,” he said.
He was already familiar with Weber State through concurrent enrollment. In high school, he earned 42 college credits via Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering & Science, which gave him a nearly two-year head start toward his bachelor’s degree.
Frickel said the social work program at WSU is building the skills he needs at both his current jobs and in his future career.
“Genuinely, the knowledge I’ve gained in the past two semesters is incredible,” he said. “Our classes are a good balance of book knowledge and the hands-on experience that we need in this field.”
Frickel said his Christian faith plays a role in his desire to enhance people’s lives: “I believe that’s what God calls us to do — to serve people. I love helping people in whatever way I can, whatever form that takes, and just loving them,” he said.
Social work offers plenty of those opportunities, whether in hospitals or schools, working as a therapist or a caseworker, he said.
“The main goal with social work is to empower people and to coordinate with the community to offer them the best resources available,” he said.
In his limited spare time, Frickel loves “anything outdoors” — skiing, camping and rock climbing. He’s also a business owner, running a 3D printing service, Turtleduck Prints.
After he graduates in spring 2026, Frickel plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work. He remains open to job opportunities, but hopes to work with children.
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu