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Featured Interns
Kelsey Torchia-ASED: Association for Social and Environmental Development, Kolkata
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Kelsey Torchia, a Senior CSB Environmental Studies major, took part in an unforgettable internship opportunity this Spring Semester as a Project Assistant with the Association for Social and Environmental Development (ASED). ASED is a non-profit organization in Kolkata, India, that works for the development and betterment of society and the environment. Its mission includes "working to achieve biodiversity enhancement through public awareness, action research, and people's participation as well as assisting in building sound civil society organizations through capacity enhancement, documentation, and action research."
During her time in India, Kelsey provided impoverished children and their families in the Sundarbans, located approximately three hours south of Kolkata, with solar powered lights. Many people living in India do so without accessibility to electricity. Thus, after the sun goes down, they have no access to light. As part of her internships, Kelsey was given the responsibility of creating a documentary video about her experience traveling to the Sundarbans and delivering the solar powered lamps. Her documentary includes powerful images of the landscape, as well as poignant footage of the interviews she conducted with recipients of the lamps.
According to Kelsey, this experience was a life-changing opportunity that she will never forget. She stated that
"[t]his internship has provided me with a direct look into what it would be like pursuing a career working for a [non-governmental organization]. The work is challenging and often times carried out in an environment doing work that is often neglected by governments. However, the work is extremely rewarding and the most needed towards the development of a greater society today. Through this internship, I have seen that NGO's work act as a guide and a facilitator to the creation of change. In the case of ASED, it is not only the solar lamps that are changing lives, but the awareness and education that the children are given about environmental conservation that ultimately promotes a sustainable future."
Kelsey was also featurned in an article in her hometown newspaper! Click here to view the article.
Ashley Farrington - Breakthrough Saint Paul, Saint Paul
During the summer of 2010 I had the privilege to work with Breakthrough Saint Paul. Breakthrough Saint Paul is an enrichment program for under-privileged and under-resourced youth in the Saint Paul Public Schools. Each year the program recruits 60 sixth-grade students who are highly motivated, but overlooked in their classrooms due to over population in the Saint Paul Schools. These students become part of a six year program consisting of two summers of rigorous Math, English, Science, and Social Studies classes before moving into the high school program where they receive laptops and complete weekly assignments. Finally, the program assists the students with getting into college by helping them through the college application process. The thing that makes Breakthrough unique is its "students teaching students" model. In order to be eligible to teach at the program, one has to be a junior or senior in high school or in the process of completing their undergraduate studies. Teachers and students are able to make connections and the students look up to these teachers as role models.
For the past two summers, I did this challenging, but very rewarding internship. I taught Social Studies to two sections of 10 students each. I designed a 6-week curriculum around elections, teaching students about how Americans gained the right to vote, the election process, and government. Students were able to participate in a mock election and to complete research papers. The main goal of the social studies department was to assist students with developing research, writing, and discussion skills. As I watched the students' growth through the summer, I felt I'd been successful.
Teaching was not my only role with the internship. I was also responsible for planning Friday events, participating in all school meetings, holding conferences with parents, and helping the program run daily. Despite working long hours every day, I had a ton of fun doing my job. Every day I woke up at 6 am to get to work, but knowing that I was going to be with Breakthrough students really gave me the inspiration to get through the day. I loved every minute of my job because it involved kids, who really needed the extra help. It was even more impressive because these kids came to Breakthrough daily during the summer when they could be off doing fun things with friends. It shows that they are dedicated to getting to college even though they are only in middle school. I can resonate with these kids because I had to do similar things on my path to college.
I love Breakthrough Saint Paul because is a program filled with energy. The kids are involved in hands-on activities that take learning to the next level and make it more fun. Breakthrough has an atmosphere, filled with cheers throughout the day and transition music to classes. Lunch time is loud, all school meetings are loud, and students really benefit from this environment because it is much different from regular school. I can truly attribute my development as a person and educator to the entire Breakthrough Saint Paul community. I would recommend this internship to anyone who loves working with kids and is interested in their development as an educator as well as a human being.
Meghan Krantz - Youth Enterprise, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Meghan Krantz, a CSB Senior Management and Theology major, interned at Youth Enterprise in Minneapolis this past summer. Youth Enterprise is a Christian faith-based organization whose main purpose is equipping youth living in urban communities with significant life and business skills grounded in the hope of Christ. Their goal is to teach students that they are important and can make a difference in the world. The program offers students a part-time job printing Christian t-shirts and other Christian-based apparel. There is also time for students to work on homework and learn about Jesus through Bible study, prayer and discussion.
The responsibilities for Meghan at Youth Enterprise varied from day to day. Mondays would include working with three other people; another manager and two students. This group of four would be in charge of a group of volunteers that varied from week to week. The day involved packing boxes of shirts, organizing then, addressing them and having those boxes shipped out by three o’clock. The four constant workers were able to develop a system to ensure that this was done. Tuesdays and Thursdays were tutor days for Meghan. She went to three different shops and helped small groups of students with math and ACT preparation. Fridays were the days that she would usually run errands for the company. If she wasn’t doing that, she helped out around the warehouse and was in charge of data entry. Great memories include just spending time with the students and getting to know them and seeing their excited faces.
The internship at Youth Enterprise helped Meghan in her career path. She learned what it is like to run a small non-profit ministry and observed the difficulties involved. Her decision to work with inner-city kids in the future was reinforced as she worked with the students at Youth Enterprise. She was in new situations and learned from them. “My internship really helped me enforce my passion for working with these kinds of kids,” said Meghan. She has already started to look for new non-profit organizations to work at in the future. Through her work at Youth Enterprise, she has developed many new skills and has a good selection of networking connections for future jobs and opportunities.
Andrew Braith - Centri Civilnih Inicijativa, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Last summer, some CSB/SJU students chose to intern abroad. Andrew Braith, a senior History major, was one of them. Andrew interned at Centri Civilnih Inicijativa in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Andrew spent most of his days editing grant reports and publications for grammar and content. He also performed research on a variety of subjects, including public relations and the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constitution. He had the opportunity to sit in on press conferences on occasion. Some of his time there was spent setting up a database of contact for the office, a difficult task as he was writing it in a different language! At the end of Andrew’s internship, he spent a great deal of time working through parts of an $8 million grant from USAID, which he says is “an experience I could not have anywhere else!”
Andrew learned a great deal about the culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina while interning. He said, “In the evening I would practice language and work with my co-workers on speaking during morning coffee.” He also said he learned a great deal about how the BiH government functions and what role the international community plays in aiding and reconstructing Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I came to understand corruption, nationalism, and ethno-religious discrimination on a personal level. Although I was exposed to primarily well-educated individuals, some people I met either in person or on paper helped me realize that several individuals think dangerously close-mindedly. Through these chance meetings, I learned about the value of education in reducing ethno-religious hatred, and how people can change through knowledge,” Andrew said.
Andrew’s experience was life-changing overall. Along with meeting incredible people that became like a family, he said, “I learned about international affairs and aid which has expanded both my outlook on life and my worldview. Learning about grants from organizations like USAID has given me renewed fervor for increasing international aid projects throughout the world. This experience benefited me greatly and I am a better person for the experience. I have made lasting friends and gained valuable experience in the grant writing process; I simply could not ask for more!”
Vanessa Yeager- Minnesota Zoo, Minneapolis, MN
To some people, training dolphins might sound like a dream. To Vanessa Yeager, it was not only that, but the opportunity of a lifetime as well. Vanessa is a junior Liberal Studies major, and this past summer she worked as a Marine Mammal Intern at the Minnesota Zoo. Vanessa’s summer days consisted of spending long hours in a wetsuit, sorting through hundreds of fish…and training bottlenose dolphins. Not only did Vanessa play with and train the dolphins, but she also got to direct dolphin shows at the Zoo. During the shows, Vanessa’s favorite part was doing Semo’s (one of the dolphins) fluke splash. A fluke splash is when Vanessa would hold a target pole over the pool, and as Semo swam by, she would slap the water with the pole. This would cause Semo to splash his fluke in the water, causing a “monsoon” of water to drench Vanessa.
Although Vanessa had a wonderful time during her summer internship at the Zoo, it wasn’t all fun and games; she learned a lot as well. There are many important ideas that go into dolphin training, such as operant conditioning and using positive and negative reinforcement. Vanessa said that, “trainers need to be really conscious of what’s going on, because just being present in the pool area can be reinforcement for the negative behavior of a dolphin”.
After graduation next year, Vanessa wants to go to graduate school to become a marine mammal veterinarian. Her internship at the Minnesota Zoo has given her valuable experience in her field of interest, as well as helped her meet people who may play a pivotal role in her acceptance to graduate school.
Kristin Haubrich - Waterman Broadcasting, Fort Myers, Florida
Current CSB senior Kristin Haubrich recently had the opportunity to work as an intern for Waterman Broadcasting in Fort Myers, Florida. While some may have been relaxing at the beach, Kristin was hard at work for the television stations ABC-7 and NBC-2. Over the course of a month, Kristin saw first-hand all of the elements that make up an evening news program.
A typical day for Kristin started at 9:15 in the morning with an employee meeting. Each reporter pitched the story he or she wished to investigate for the broadcast later that evening. Kristin listened to each story and decided which one she would like to work on. She then paired up with that reporter and spent approximately an hour researching facts and background information for the story. After Kristin and the reporter had all of the information they needed, they loaded up the news truck and headed out to the site. Exciting experiences for Kristin included: interviewing the President of the Department of Children and Families about the murder of a child under their care; riding in the Police Department’s new $80,000 speed boat; and visiting the backyard where a dog barely survived being viciously attacked by an alligator. She also wrote stories for the NBC-2 website. To do this, she filmed interviews and voice-over sound bytes, then went back to the station to write and put the story together. After Kristin turned in her finished project, it was edited and put on the website within twenty minutes.
This internship experience made Kristin aware of the demands of being a news reporter. Reporters are always on the go and out on the field and they must be willing to move. Kristin also knows that appearance is a large factor on where a person gets placed to work. After this internship, Kristin is excited about pursuing a career in reporting. To view Kristin’s work.
Katie McMurray - The Community of Sant 'Egidio, Rome, Italy
“When in Rome” is a popular saying that many of us have heard but there are only a few of us have actually been able to say it and mean it. Fortunately for her, Katie McMurray is one of those lucky people. Over the summer of 2007, Katie spent seven weeks in Rome, Italy interning at the Community of Sant ‘Egidio serving the Italian community through various forms of volunteer work. Katie stumbled upon this internship through family friends who were able to experience the uniqueness of the Italian community and started a similar one here in Minnesota. Katie jumped on the opportunity to make a difference in the world and off she went to Italy.
One of the best things about Katie’s internship was her ability to connect with people. “I liked telling people about the community, sharing its history and explaining what the community does today internationally and in Rome,” says Katie. Her daily tasks, besides enjoying her beautiful surroundings, included: working at a soup kitchen, making food packages for the homeless, working at “School of Peace” an after school program, and spending time with people of the community.
While she was in Italy, Katie stayed with a host family whom she met through her family friends. She described her experience as eye-opening and enjoyed her sense of independence and her opportunity to constantly meet new people. Katie has used this internship toward her goal of a Peace Studies major but also has walked away with so much more. This internship has provided Katie with a diverse world experience and has made a positive difference in her life and the life of the community. As Katie says, and many of us would agree: “Peace is wonderful”.
Summer 2007 New Friends
Enjoying Rome Spending time with the Locals
Kristi Curry - CMT Radio Network in Nashville, TN
Interviewing country music stars like Rascal Flatts, Gretchen Wilson, and Joe Nichols is just part of the job description for CSB senior, Kristi Curry. Interning this spring 2007, at CMT Radio Network in Nashville, Tennessee, Kristi says has been a “dream come true”. Kristi heard of this internship on a St. Cloud radio station. Kristi decided to go to the CMT website and send in her application for fun. Much to her surprise, CMT contacted her and before she knew it, she was on her way to Nashville.
Having always loved country music, Kristi knew she would love applying her work to her hobby, and in what better place than country music city! Kristi works with multiple other interns sending out daily prep sheets containing information on country artists, CMT and entertainment. She writes history and random facts pertaining to each day and interesting facts about the top 20 countdown artists. “I definitely have learned so much about the country music world and communication field,” said Kristi. “Also, since I live out here by myself and moved here without knowing anyone in this area, I have become very independent.”
Kristi was easily able to find affordable housing through her boss at CMT. She’s hoping to get a job with CMT, or another organization, in Nashville after graduation. “I really like the area and would enjoy working in country music for a long time.” As for now, she’ll continue living out her dream and interviewing stars such as Toby Keith, Sammy Kershaw and Sugarland all because of a spectacular internship opportunity!
Interns at the Big and Rich Concert Lance Smith and Joe Nichols
CMT Building in Nashville, TN Lance Smith and Gretchen Wilson
Interns with Joe Nichols Interns with Eddie Montgomery
Lance Smith and Bucky Covington Taylor Swift
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Jennifer Korevec – House of Resurrection, South Africa
International Medicine. Volunteer HIV/AIDS work. Beautiful South Africa. These are just a few of the factors that called 2007 senior sociology major, Jennifer Korevec, back to South Africa. During her study abroad experience in the country, Jennifer provided service work at a local elementary school and a local AIDS Haven. House of Resurrection, the AIDS haven, provided Jennifer with the opportunity to perform research on the effects of HIV/AIDS on women in South Africa. “I really wanted to continue my research while in South Africa,” Jennifer said. “I plan to enter a career in international medicine, so I thought that doing an internship would provide me with a more comprehensive experience.”
Whether helping adult or child patients, Jennifer’s responsibility spans an array of duties. She helps with basic care needs; sometimes something as small as a hand massage or helping to feed some of the patients. She also helps the children with homework or serves as a playmate. Other responsibilities include kitchen and outside maintenance work. “My favorite part is definitely my interactions with the patients,” Jennifer said. “When some of the patients show their appreciation for the little things that I am helping with, I feel that my internship is more than worthwhile.”
Fitting an international internship into a four-year plan? Not a problem. Jennifer says the experience will provide her with the tools necessary to further enhance her future goals and endeavors. As one of the best experiences of her life, this internship has “solidified my desire to work in medicine and has helped me to personally develop in many different ways” Jennifer said.
Jen with a kid Jen and a kid in a swing
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Ben Kaster -- URF|USA in Uganda
Ben in the local community Ben farming the land
Ben learning to dance Ben with local boys
Town in Uganda Marketplace in Uganda
Frank Jadwin - Centro de Educacion Creativa in Costa Rica
Frank Jadwin is a 2005 SJU graduate with a degree in Peace Studies. During his senior year here, he interned with Centro de Educacion Creativa in Costa Rica. His internship included working with elementary-aged school children, teaching special education science, and substituting for various subjects when necessary. His internship gave him an appreciation of different cultures, better understanding of the Spanish language, along with increased confidence in front of large groups. When asked what the most valuable part of the internship was for him, he responded, building relationships, improving my Spanish, living near the rainforest, and learning about a different culture.
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Mary Scheeler - WorkForce Center at Sauk Rapids/Rice High School
Sometimes the most valuable internships aren’t located overseas or across the country, but right in your backyard. During fall '06-spring '07, Senior Psychology and Communication major, Mary Scheeler found an experience-filled internship with the area WorkForce Center at the Sauk Rapids-Rice high school. The WorkForce Center is a very popular place to intern through our office and provides great contacts and support in the area.
Calling colleges, meeting with students to discuss post-high school plans, and helping students research majors, careers, and colleges are just a few activities in a typical day for Mary. Her work is highly student focused, which she says is her favorite part of what she does. She enjoys “meeting with the students and talking to them about their interests, and helping them understand what they want to do with their lives.”
Currently, Mary is working on a Sophomore Open House, which will welcome sophomore students into the Career Center to get to know the staff and learn about their resources. Mary’s internship has allowed her to incorporate both her majors while gaining great experience. While advising and counseling students, she also gets to advertise and market the Career Center. Mary said, “Having an internship as part of my academic plan has been beneficial in preparing me for future work experience.”
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Jessica Bankers - United Way of Central MN in St. Cloud, MN
Currently a senior at the College of Saint Benedict, Jessica Bankers is majoring in Communication. Interning at United Way of Central Minnesota in St. Cloud during spring 2007, Jessica was able to land the internship using her networking skills obtained through her on-campus job. Combined with an 8-credit class load, she works 4 hours a day at United Way, maintaining an 8-credit internship. Her typical day includes staff meetings/updates, weekly project assignments, which she is currently creating a brochure geared toward men. Then Jessica spends the rest of her time researching a project that she and her supervisor have been working on. They are trying to figure ways to better target generations X and Y because of their lack of non-profit donations.
Jessica chose to include an internship in her 4-year plan to gain more experience in the world of marketing and advertising. She said having an internship “not only gives you the opportunity to network, but can help you narrow your career path”. “I know that I want to work for an organization that truly values the community” said Jessica. “It is very gratifying to know that I help with improving people’s lives and that the small amount of work I do will impact someone, somewhere”.
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According to Kelsey, this experience was a life-changing opportunity that she will never forget. She stated that "[t]his internship has provided me with a direct look into what it would be like pursuing a career working for a [non-governmental organization]. The work is challenging and often times carried out in an environment doing work that is often neglected by governments. However, the work is extremely rewarding and the most needed towards the development of a greater society today. Through this internship, I have seen that NGO's work act as a guide and a facilitator to the creation of change. In the case of ASED, it is not only the solar lamps that are changing lives, but the awareness and education that the children are given about environmental conservation that ultimately promotes a sustainable future."
Kelsey was also featurned in an article in her hometown newspaper! Click here to view the article.