Mom, Student, Advocate — Zoneice Does It All

When Zoneice Grose ’25 graduated this spring, she didn’t just earn a degree — she showed her son, and herself, what’s possible. A first-generation college student, mom, and advocate for equity, Zoneice’s path to social work hasn’t always been clear, but it’s always been full of heart.

“I started at PLU in the nursing program and I just did not have the urge to continue in that route,” she says. After some reflection and help from an advisor, she switched to social work. “Ultimately, I knew I wanted to still help people. Social work was a better fit.”

Since then, she’s made the most of her time at PLU. She recently completed a year-long internship at Franklin Elementary in Tacoma, supporting students in real and meaningful ways. “I am giving those students what some may be lacking: my listening ear to hear them, consistency, and praise for trying.”

At PLU, Zoneice serves as co-president of both the student Social Work Club and the Phi Alpha Honor Society. Under her leadership, the clubs have organized Narcan kit assemblies, clothing drives, and domestic violence awareness events. “We just want to promote that social work is more than what people think it is,” she says.

Outside of PLU, she’s a PTA board member at her son’s school. “My calendar and notebook are my BFFs,” she laughs. “I have a checklist of what needs to be done on certain days and I stick to it 80% of the time. The other 20% is me recharging.”

Through all of the meetings and schoolwork, being a mom shapes everything she does. “When my son came along after being told I would never be a mom, I wanted to be the best role model… Be a good person, honest, work hard, be humble, stand your ground, and always look out for others.”

Her next step? Zoneice started PLU’s Master of Social Work program just five days after graduation. “The end goal is to work for a non-profit organization that helps address injustice towards minorities or become a school social worker.”

Her story is one of reflection, long hours, joy, and care. And for Zoneice, social work isn’t just a career — it’s what she’s all about.