Engagement and Inclusion: An Internship Supporting My Peers

Throughout my senior year, I completed my internship at Carthage College’s Office of Engagement and Inclusion (EIC). I ran a weekly mental health support group, set up volunteer days for students in the community, met with Carthage Bound* students every week, and organized a mental health support panel.

Supporting undergraduate students both academically and mentally became a top priority for me 

especially in finding them resources and advocating for them. 

Through organizing events and working closely with the EIC staff, I met some of the most inspiring and hard-working people. From them, I learned what it means to be supportive of people with diverse identities and backgrounds, along with how important relationship building is, especially in an educational space. I also conducted research for the EIC, where I collected data from faculty and staff to identify the major challenges students of color face at Carthage. This project not only gave me the opportunity to learn but also to share my research with the Carthage community.

My hope is that this research brings further recognition to the importance of creating a more equitable campus.

Gabby opening door to thee Engagement and Inclusion Center

I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and to have worked alongside such influential individuals.

While the impact of my internship is undeniable, someone who was there to help at every step of the way was Professor Debbie Kelly. She has always been my go-to professor for advice or just a quick chat. Through her dedication to students, her willingness to lend a helping hand, and her love and passion for social work, she catapulted me into the profession. I am so lucky to have had someone with such a genuine heart for both a professor and mentor in my college career. 

After graduation:

Currently, I'm a graduate student at the University of Chicago getting my Master of Social Work (MSW). Along with my Master's program, I have started an internship at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL, working as a social work intern in care coordination.

BY GABBY TANGUAY

Awarded Campus Intern of the Year by the Aspire Center

Footnote:

*Carthage Bound is a program offered to freshman athletes to promote a successful start to their college journeys by engaging with campus supports and building community