Anna Balch
The Benjamin Franklin House
Study Abroad & International Student Services

During my study abroad experience in London, I had the opportunity to intern with The Benjamin Franklin House, an organization who dedicates itself to the education and history of Franklin during his stay in London. My time at the house gave me an interactive experience into the history of Benjamin Franklin and the important histories within London. My architectural tours gave me a greater understanding of the importance of historical British architecture. I plan to further my knowledge of art by working with collectors and museums since the Art History field is so broad.

Fred Banuelos
Austin State Hospital Capstone Internship
Center for Career & Professional Development

Austin State Hospital is a historical psychiatric hospital that treats patients of all ages and illnesses. ASH also offers forensic services such as competency restoration. During my academic internships, I would co-teach a competency class and tutor individuals, shadow providers while they assess and treat patients, and assist Spanish speaking patients with speaking to the treatment team. Throughout this internship, I’ve learned how those who are seriously mentally ill are cared for. I also learned the unique challenges that come with treating individuals with a criminal charge. There were patients who improved and some who remained stagnant but the staff kept on trying. This experience was not only a psychological one filled with evidence based treatments but a philosophical one as there are moral problems with involuntary commitments and treatment of patients. ASH has been a proponent of person centered care which lets patients engage more with healthcare providers and define what improvement would mean to them.I am now convinced that I can work with this population and that clinical work in psychology is what I am passionate about. Now, I am preparing to apply to programs that best fit me and hopefully work in a similar setting.

Kendall Barton
St. David’s Round Rock Cardiac Rehab Internship
Center for Career & Professional Development

I interned at the cardiac rehab clinic in Round Rock. We saw patients recovering from various cardiac incidences. Exercise and education were utilized for patient rehabilitation. At the clinic I was given education on blood pressure, heart anatomy and EKGs, stents, CHF, OHS, exercise prescription, medications, stress testing, and diabetes. I was also able to view stress testing and an open heart surgery. On top of the education and work requirements from my internship, I set up a Relaxation Station for patients to use post-workout. Working at the clinic, I met people whose only risk factor for cardiac incidents is their stress levels. That also seemed to be an area that was not a huge focus at the clinic. After taking note of this, I set up a meditation app as well as handouts on a station at the clinic. I also provided education on stress and meditation to patients. As a whole, this internship provided me with great insight to the clinical world that will be valuable in my future career.

Paola Bazan
Witte Museum Summer Internship
Center for Career & Professional Development

The Witte Museum was established in 1926 and is located in Brackenridge Park in San Antonio, Texas. It is dedicated to telling the stories of Texas, from prehistory to the present .While working at the Witte Museum with Dr. Byran Bayles, I felt that I had a deep connection with the Botanica collection. It was not only fantastic to recognize or to learn more about the products and herbs that were sold and used in the Botanica, but the majority of the items were made and sold from a Mexican-American culture that is familiar to me as a born and raised San Antonian. Since I come from a Mexican-American household, it was comforting to analyze these items and have it feel like home. In my experience at Southwestern, many of my classes really helped in understanding the cultural significance in every artifact, and to take into account their importance on history and culture.

Chareena Crawford
The Effects of Illiteracy on African American Males
Manor Elementary Learning Center
Dana Luna, Center for Career & Professional Development

The state of Texas started an initiative in 2015 to improve the quality of Early Childhood Education. MEELC is a part of this initiative and is the first of its kind in the Austin area. During my internship, I wanted to increase my knowledge of delivery instruction as it pertains to early literacy. I also wanted to gain more insight about culturally responsive pedagogy and how that looks when incorporated into a classroom. I was able to see how early childhood education is different from other grades. The whole facility of MEELC is dedicated to children 3 -5 years old, which entails equipment to support their specific needs including a gross motor lab class, activities to encourage their curiosity, and a safe place to discover who they are as individuals. My goal is to continue this effort and open more ECE public educational facilities like MEELC.

Haley Druart
Koestler Arts
Study Abroad

While studying abroad in London, I interned with Koestler Arts. They are a charity which helps ex-offenders, secure patients and detainees in the UK to express themselves creatively. The organisation promotes the arts in prisons, secure hospitals, immigration centres and in the community, encouraging creativity and the acquisition of new skills as a means to rehabilitation. The Koestler awards were founded in 1962 and the organisation became a charitable trust in 1969 following a bequest from the British-Hungarian author, Arthur Koestler.I gained an understanding of the intersections art can have with social justice, while cultivating professional connections, experience with curation, and an understanding of how small, non-profit offices function. This internship has sparked my interest in civil law and non-profit work, which I might not have pursued without this experience. This internship had many connections to what I have learned at Southwestern. Through my liberal arts classes, I have gained an understanding of intersectionality and social justice, which allowed me to approach an internship like this with the necessary empathy and work-ethic. I am now continuing to pursue my degree in Aztec Art History, but am considering applying to Law School after graduation or obtaining a PhD in Art History and curation. I would like to pursue future opportunities with Koestler as a volunteer or as a member of staff.

Lois Durant
Environment Texas
Center for Career & Professional Development

Environment Texas is a citizen-based environmental advocacy group that works to protect and preserve the environmental values and spaces within the state of Texas. During my academic internship I monitored and served as the point person for climate action plans under development in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. I prepared testimony and fact sheets, and regularly visited offices at the Texas Capitol to build support for our legislative agenda. I was able to participate in strategy meetings with coalition partners. This internship was largely a research position, spending most of my days reading case studies and preparing fact sheets for my director to use while lobbying lawmakers. I was able to witness environmental litigation and sit in on meetings with the leading voices of environmental policy, as my director used the fact sheets I had prepared. I owe my dependable critical reading and writing skills to Southwestern and the Environmental Studies department. This internship gave me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge of environmental policy, and gave me the experience to continue working towards becoming one of the voices in these crucial discussions like my director. After graduation, I hope to continue working with non-profits like Environment Texas, fighting for fair public policy and protected environmental values in Texas.

Antonio Esparza
Civic Engagement on Campus
Community-Engaged Learning

The primary goal of my CELSA position was to provide Southwestern students opportunities to become more civically engaged on and off-campus, increasing student voter turnout on election day, and organizing locally to participate in the political process. I started working this spring under Dr. Sydnor in the political science department, initially assisting her by writing a weekly blog post for her American Politics class. It was my job to research local opportunities for young people to get involved in the political process; this included Williamson County GOP and Democrat events, Volunteer Deputy Registrar trainings, campus events around election day, and more. These posts help the students in their class requirements, but the research benefits me, too. Since becoming aware of local events, I’ve become more active with the SU College Dems club, registered as a VDR for Williamson County, and reached out to local campaigns for future work. Being aware and engaged in local politics is critical for a young person looking to get involved as a career, and this CELSA position provides a chance for me to help myself and others in our pursuit of the political process.

Nissi Frutos-Ramos
City of Houston Southwest Environmental Center
Center for Career & Professional Development

My academic internship during the summer was at the City of Houston Southwest Environmental Center. This center allows local residents to properly dispose of various recyclable materials. The center also hosts educational programs that promote proper recycling ethics. I was able to Manage databases and input information, data and records. In addition, I attended networking events, podcast interviews and meetings. I was able to shadow several office and field positions and train in a variety of tasks and arrange educational class topics on recycling. I gained critical experience in a field of work that interests me. I also gained valuable lifelong connections with people in my field. This internship experience connects with my academic experience in many ways. Particularly by allowing me to gain a better understanding of my future career and education, and by teaching me the importance of time management and effective problem solving. I plan to continue with my studies after Southwestern, and attend graduate school so I may pursue a career in Environmental Research.

Emily Rose Gottsman
Retro Report - New York Arts Program
Study Away

Retro Report publishes short-form documentaries that provide meaningful context to today’s headlines by connecting them to the past. At my internship, I worked with producers and reporters on researching stories, archival footage and photos. I organized archival photos and footage, searched through public records and tracked down influential people for stories, and fact-checking specific research. I also had the opportunity to work as an assistant producer for a short documentary and help plan and set up a launch party for Retro Report on PBS. Before this experience, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do careerwise, but over the course of the semester, I became incredibly passionate about journalism and production. This experience opened up a large number of opportunities for me both professionally and personally.. I took a risk and decided to produce my own documentary, and with that, I had the opportunity to interview the officer who was responsible for taking down one of the Boston bombers. I am walking away from this experience with a passion for journalism, the knowledge and tools I need to kickstart my career, and a finished documentary that I produced. I hope to get another internship focused in television production in another large city, such as Los Angeles or Chicago. I plan on going to graduate school for journalism in order to become a film or television producer. Until graduation, I am continuing my studies and producing documentaries during my free time.

Guy Greathouse
Apogee Telecom
Center for Career & Professional Development

Apogee Telecom is a company that provides internet and cable networks for colleges and universities around the United States. This internship experience has helped me gain real world knowledge of the networking field of computer science and technology. This internship has also helped me understand concepts in my Computer Organization class because of the usage of IP addresses and where they come from. Moving forward, I would like to get my CCNA certification to work in the networking field after school. I am also continuing my internship in the Spring of 2020.

Katia Grenaille
C3 Presents Internship
Center for Career & Professional Development

C3 Presents is one of the largest music festival producers in the world, including festivals such as Austin City Limits, Lollapalooza, Voodoo Music & Arts Experience and more. They are headquartered in Austin, Texas and promote/book more than 1,500 concerts annually in arenas, casinos, clubs, and other large capacity venues throughout the United States. My internship responsibilities at C3 Presents included performing target market history research for specific artists, creating pitches for artists and their prospect venues, and writing advertisements for their ticket sales once they were already booked at a venue. The most rewarding responsibility, however, was booking all of the talent myself for the Austin Music Foundation benefit concert put together by all of the interns, and acting as one of the main coordinators. Throughout my internship, I gained an in-depth understanding of what it is like to work in the entertainment industry and put on a concert or festival from start to finish. I learned how to take the initiative and always make connections by meeting new people! The more people you know, the more doors that can open for you and create unique opportunities to further your knowledge and experience in any professional industry.

Devyn Hightower
New York Public Radio in New York, NY
Study Away

New York Public Radio in New York, NY produces innovative public radio programs, podcasts, and live events that touch a passionate community of over 23.4 million people monthly on air, online and in person. Interning at NYPR allowed me to experience firsthand what it is like working for a large organization. I made connections with those around me and gained friends that I will have for a lifetime. Working in a business setting allowed me to witness what I have been learning about in class, but nothing could prepare me for how it feels to help an organization expand just from the research I put in. With NYPR being a non-profit, my efforts to continue finding donors is what helps keep it going!I learned in class that the behavior of an organization has a direct correlation with it’s success, which I witnessed working at NYPR, an organization with large success in part because it is dedicated to producing content for the right reasons: listeners enjoyment and sharing news with the world. I have found my calling working in business development, and am cut out for expanding companies in my future professional career!

Colton Hunter
City of Georgetown - Economic Development Internship
Center for Career & Professional Development

I was an intern for the City of Georgetown’s economic development department and mainly worked under the downtown development manager, Kim McAuliffe. Her responsibility is to manage the Main Street Program and the economic development efforts in the Downtown Overlay District, including business retention and expansion as well as new business recruitment. Overall, the purpose of this department is to focus on emerging and existing businesses that will aid in stimulating Georgetown’s economy.

This internship offered the unique opportunity to engage with business owners on a personal level, allowing me to connect what I’ve learned about marketing in the classroom to real-life scenarios. I have a better understanding of the mutually beneficial relationship between the economic development and small business owners.

Sarah Johnson
Meaningful Experiences as a CELSA at The Georgetown Project
Community-Engaged Learning

I served as a Community Engaged Learning Student Associate for Southwestern University at The Georgetown Project. I worked at both the NEST Empowerment Center and Bridges to Growth. The NEST is a safe haven that offers basic needs, counseling, academic and enrichment support for GISD high school students who are homeless, at-risk or living in transition. Bridges to Growth provides developmental programs for Georgetown parents and childcare providers to create nurturing early environments. At the NEST, I created a fundraising campaign to raise money for the students and organization. Through this experience, I was able to create notecards for donors and the surrounding Georgetown community. This provided me with a great learning experience as I got the opportunity to work with the students, hear their voices and opinions, as we collaborated on something that was meaningful to the both of us. This experience will have a lasting impact on me because I was given the opportunity to learn how to implement a fundraiser under the guidance of a local non-profit, which is something that I hope to do again in the future. My work as a CELSA has connected with my various communications courses, as I have been able to create and market a product, using skills I have learned in class. My experience at The Georgetown Project has solidified by interest in non-profit work, as I have had the great opportunity to connect and learn from mentors who work there currently. Through my experience as a CELSA, I am sure in my decision to further my commitment to non-profit work by obtaining a degree in nonprofit management after I graduate from Southwestern University.

Tanmai Korapala
Paris, la Princesse et la Pizza
Study Abroad

My study abroad experience was during Summer 2019 in Paris, France. I took two courses while in France: Art & Architecture in Paris and French III. One thing that made this a meaningful and memorable experience was exploring the city, especially the Hôtel de Soubise and the Hôtel de Rohan. This place had such an effect on me because it is a hidden gem of the city. It is in the center of Paris, but it’s not a major tourist attraction and completely in French. It made such an impact on me because my insistence to just explore the city and check out various places in the city allowed me to find this awesome place. It taught me to just let go and explore the various places or opportunities that are given to me. I will never be able to predict what will happen so why not try everything presented to me? This program allowed me to explore the most fascinating aspects of the architecture of Paris, while also learning about why it has been created the way it has.

Gracie Little
CELSA - The Georgetown Project
Community-Engaged Learning

I had the opportunity to be part of the Georgetown Project. I was able to work with Bebe Johnson who is apart of NEST in the fall semester of 2019 as well as directly with Leslie Janca in the spring semester of 2020. With the NEST, I created a snapshot of all the accomplishments that the NEST has achieved as well as get to hang out with the kids after school. With Leslie, I am helping with the powerpoint for the Youth Voices Summit that will take place in March. Through both experiences, though they are similar yet different, the most impactful thing was getting the approval of the snapshot from the kids. They told me their opinions and how I can better compliment the NEST through their eyes. I believe I enjoyed this so much because it felt like I had created content about the kids that was also accurately representing the kids. Through my experience throughout both semesters, I have realized that I really enjoy collaborating with others. I have experienced this in most of my classes with group projects and communicating throughout school but to actually be working on my own projects and getting to hear others opinions on my work has made a huge impact on me.

Regan Mashburn
European Cultural Explorations and Public Memory
Study Abroad

This summer I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the European Cultural Explorations program. The great thing about the program I was able to go on was, we studied in three different locations, Lisbon Portugal, Grenoble France, and Budapest Hungary. These are three very different locations with very different histories and cultures. At the end of my study abroad, we had the chance to compare the cultures, this helped me get a sense of what I had experienced and learned. Something I noticed when I was abroad is how different cultures remember history or their approach to public memory. European nations are vastly larger than the timeline of the United States. Because of this, Europeans hold their history a lot closer. This made me think about how Americans view history, we are more removed from our history and we fell that it is not connected to us, whereas Europeans understand the connections because they have a wider timeline to look back upon. Now that I’ve seen places of public memory from other cultures, I understand a little better how they function. I can also look at the artifact and understand how it is contributing to a public memory.

Olivia Montreuil
The Wonderful World of the Disney College Program
Study Away

I participated in the Disneyland College Program in Anaheim, California in Fall 2019. I worked as a Retail Sales Cast Member at the World of Disney in Downtown Disney. By working in merchandise, I was able to see first hand various marketing tactics, such as Force Friday, a midnight shopping event to promote the new merchandise for the upcoming Star Wars movie. I was able to use my knowledge of consumer behavior to identify why the marketing tactics Disney used were so successful. While on the program, I applied and was accepted to participate in the Data Analytics Cohort Experience where I was able to network with Disney executives in data-focused fields. Because of the cohort experience and working at Disneyland, this internship solidified my interest in marketing for the Disneyland Resort. I am grateful for my front-of-the-line experience that will improve my perspective when I work at a corporate level. Since my program ended in January 2020, I am currently applying for marketing positions in the Austin area as well as Professional Internships at either the Walt Disney Studios or Disneyland Resort that will begin in Fall 2020.

Jay Nava
Interning with Rockwood Music Hall and Christopher North
Study Away

I had the opportunity to intern with two different sites in New York City with the New York Arts Program. I’m a music student. Throughout history, musical ideas and innovations were spread by human to human contact. The ideas were separated by vicinity, and took a long time to spread. I learned that in my music history course. In New York, everything is close - closer than a southerner that hasn’t been here can imagine. Here, ideas are plentiful and move fast. As an all-encompassing sentiment, I gained confidence from this experience. The moment that it hit me was when I played a show at Rockwood as part of my independent project. I earned the opportunity by connecting with my co-workers, and showing them my music. I’ve given myself a 94 on the performance - not bad after a 6 month stage hiatus, and my first show in NYC! After honestly gauging myself against other acts I’ve seen at the venue, I came out the other side with a newfound, humbling respect for my field and the motivation that comes with believing that my dream is possible and realistic.

Dani Oskam
Working with Designer Georgine Ratelband
Study Away

I went to New York as part of the New York Arts Program during the fall semester and was able to intern with Georgine. Founded in New York in 2014, Georgine is a luxury womenswear label created by designer Georgine Ratelband and her partner Chris Roshia. Georgine evokes the power of femininity through seductive silhouettes enhanced by intricate detailing and extraordinary fabrics. As an intern, I assisted with Assist with line sheets, production distribution, brainstormed ideas to increase social media exposure, and assist with logistics such as shipping and deliveries to clients. I also assisted with the preparations of concept boards and tableaus. Through my internship at Georgine, I've learned what it takes to manage a luxury fashion studio correctly and efficiently. I’ve loved working closely with Georgine and Chris. They are incredible and some of the most dedicated, hard working people I know. I really enjoyed having the chance to visit fabric mills and pick out swatches of fabric that Georgine will be using in her 2020 Fall/Winter collection. This internship provided me the opportunity to travel almost everywhere around New York as well as travel by myself to places like New Jersey using the train and subway! I've enjoyed being independent figuring out what I'm good at and what I like in the fashion industry. I've made wonderful connections with people and learned a lot about how to communicate with people professionally as well as learn about the different types of jobs in the fashion industry.

Patrick Sinclair
Dallas Stars
Center for Career & Professional Development

During the Summer 2019, I did an academic internship with the Dallas Stars. In 1993 the Minnesota North Stars hockey franchise moved to Dallas. Since then the Dallas Stars have represented Dallas and Texas as a whole in the National Hockey League. This internship showed me all of the behind the scenes of a professional sports franchise. As an intern, I received lots of training on the sales process, as well as different programs that make the ticket office successful. On top of learning a great amount about the industry, everyone I worked with helped me in any way possible, and wanted to see my success.After I graduate I plan to pursue a career in sales. After my experience this summer, I am looking to dive deeper into the sports industry and focus on sales.

Anna Teekell
Focus Info
Study Abroad & International Student Services

While in London during the fall 2019 semester, I interned with FOCUS, a nonprofit organization that helps expats from all over the world settle into life in the UK. From plumbers to child care, FOCUS gives their members the resources to thrive in their new home. My internship with FOCUS allowed me to enrich my professional skills, from technical know-how of Wix and MailChimp to the soft skills of teamwork and reliability. I knew I wanted to work with the writing and marketing aspects of FOCUS, and I was able to contribute several articles to the FOCUS Magazine, online blog, and various newsletters and outreach publications.The variety of communications allowed me to practice adjusting my writing style according to my audience and message, a valuable skill for an English major. After graduation, I plan to enter the book editing and publishing industry, and this internship assured that I do want to keep pursuing writing. I hope to begin as a content or copy editor and work my way up the professional ladder.

Demitra Tomasides
Mediablaze
Study Abroad

During the Fall 2019 semester, I studied abroad in London and had the opportunity to do an internship with Mediblaze, a content marketing agency with a passion for tech storytelling, and the song Africa by Toto. I only had to make tea and coffee once! Other than that, I wrote blogs, social media posts, did competitor research, brainstormed marketing strategies and dabbled in some website structuring. This internship helped me explore different career paths within the comms field. I used my SU-acquired knowledge about the effects of social media throughout my job. Most importantly, I learned how to make the perfect cup of tea. For now, I plan on gaining more practical experience and exploring other aspects of the communications field. I will continue writing and scrolling through social media...for study purposes, of course.

Diana Treviño
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Internship
Center for Career & Professional Development

TRLA is the largest legal aid provider in Texas. They provide free legal services in fields including family, employment, foreclosure, bankruptcy, subsidized housing, farm worker, civil rights, and environmental law.While interning at the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, I worked closely with a staff immigration attorney working mainly on VAWA and asylum cases. My main duties included interviewing and working with witnesses to put together their affidavit, and translating documents to be used in the case. I also had the responsibility of putting together an index regarding the political state of Honduras, and a specific area in Honduras, as well as a grassroots movement that a client was involved with. My experience at TRLA taught me so much about the legal system and a day in the life of a staff attorney. I was fairly sure that I wanted to attend law school before my experience, but my internship definitely solidified my passion.

Miranda Yannon
Williamson County Juvenile Services Internship
Center for Career & Professional Development

Williamson County Juvenile Services is a government organization that works with juveniles in the justice system. Through the services they offer, they aim to create opportunities for positive change through hope, empowerment, prevention, and accountability.This internship provided me with so much insight into the juvenile justice system and the many ways that psychology is integrated. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this internship, but I especially enjoyed meeting with kids and their families. Because I was an intern for several months, I was able to see the growth of many of the kids and that was so rewarding. I also enjoyed being able to make real-world connections with my psychology classes and research I had conducted in my capstone. After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school for psychology to further pursue my interest in adolescent risk-taking prevention and intervention. This internship helped me realize that I am very passionate about this, and I hope that one day I can be in a career that helps improve the juvenile justice system.

Jacob Wiebelhaus
Stillwater Central Railroad
Center for Career & Professional Development

The Stillwater Central Railroad (SLWC) operates over 275 miles of track. Their track stretches from Duke, OK all the way to Tulsa, OK. The SLWC provides transport for minerals, fuels, and industrial products. Organization of crews, equipment, and materials not only save time and increase productivity, but also saves money, and keep all employees safe from potential dangers caused by misunderstandings.

Working with the Stillwater Central Railroad has given me a better understanding of the railroad industry and how pivotal it is in the economy of the US. I gained experience in looking at projected revenues, expenses, and contracts. This aspect of my internship really connected with my academic experience because I was able to tie all of the revenues and expenses to past accounting classes I have taken.I was also able to tie some of the contract discussions to my intellectual property class. The experience I gained by working on both the labor and business operations side, has given me a better picture of the railroad as a whole, and I am very grateful for this opportunity. Moving forward, I could see myself working in the railroad industry.This is the second summer I have worked with the Stillwater Central Railroad. I am excited to get back to school to learn more about the world of business, and apply it to my next internship as I did at the Stillwater Central Railroad.

Samantha Woolverton
Austin Fire Department Wellness Center
Center for Career & Professional Development

During the summer I interned with the Behavioral Health section of the Austin Fire Department Wellness Center who focuses on promoting and preserving mental and emotional well-being for firefighters and EMS workers. They provide a range of no-cost services to first responders including mental health counseling, Peer Support, & Chaplaincy. I spent time reading about ethics, theories, multicultural issues, confidentiality, and therapy structure. I also learned about specific ethical dilemmas that arise in the first responder setting. The bulk of my time there consisted of research over PTSD and other mental health issues relevant to public safety and resiliency/coping. I presented two 30-minute presentations relevant to behavioral health to the Wellness Center staff throughout my time there. I went on ride outs with AFD, EMS, and Dispatch, and assisted with the Wellness Center website Perhaps the biggest part of the internship was assisting in the clinic with the behavioral health check-ins. I overall gained a better understanding and appreciation for behavioral health in the first responder setting. I had prior understanding of some of the therapies utilized in the department from psychology courses at Southwestern. I had the opportunity to help build a case in favor for a firefighter getting and having a PTSD service dog on duty, and it was approved. This was particularly impactful for me because I was able to directly move a process forward and make a difference. After I graduate, I still plan to go to graduate school for criminal psychology.