This summer was filled with exciting new opportunities that led me to grow into a more well developed and presentable future employee. Throughout my internship, I accomplished many goals like gaining more knowledge about my future career, strengthening my professionalism, and connecting with my community. I achieved these goals through simply experience. All the amazing opportunities that I was offered this summer allowed me to reach these goals. I shadowed Speech Pathologists, practiced being professional, and got to know the caring and supportive people of my community.
I interned with nine people and organizations that each majorly benefited me in a different way. My second term was mainly focused on gaining experience in the Speech Pathology and medical field. I shadowed Lisa Gore where I observed one of her classes at Texas Tech University, watched her work in home health, and toured her office that she started for speech impaired children. This was one of my favorite things during my time in my internship because I learned so much about my future career. I also shadowed Cassie Cleavinger who is a Speech Therapist at the Highland Elementary in Tulia. It was very interesting getting to see how she worked with many children on their speech while having fun. Also in this field, I received the opportunity to intern at the Swisher Memorial Hospital, Covenant Hospital in Plainview, and Calvert Home Health in Plainview. I loved experiencing and seeing different departments of the hospitals, home health, and connecting with the nurses and patients. While I gained experience in health, I also learned so much in other areas of work involving children. I interned at the Kress Summer School for two weeks and helped the students with their reading and math facts, while also having fun on the playground. Next, I was at the Summer Reading Program where I read, made crafts, and played games with the children of my hometown for a week. The final business made a huge impact on me and grew my love of working with children. At the Tulia Child Development Center, I helped prepare meals and cared for children from the ages of six months to ten years old. Each person and business gave me something special and overall made me a well-rounded person. I am so thankful for this amazing opportunity Ogallala Commons gave me and the support I received from my sponsors. I learned valuable lessons that will help guide me through life, and built relationships with my community members that will last a life time.
Picture 1: During my time at the Covenant Hospital, I shadowed the nurses of Same Day Surgery.
Picture 2: I enjoyed wearing scrubs and a badge at the Covenant Hospital because I got the full nursing experience.
