LINDSAY HAS BEEN INTERNING WITH US HERE AT THE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER OF LAPEER COUNTY FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS. DURING HER TIME HERE, SHE HAS EXPERIENCED A WIDE RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HOPE WILL HELP PREPARE AND GUIDE HER THROUGHOUT HER FUTURE CAREER. LINDSAY SHARES SOME TIPS FOR FUTURE INTERNS BELOW:
My name is Lindsay and I grew up in Davison, MI and graduated from Davison High School in 2014. When I first graduated, I knew that I wanted to go to college but I was still undecided on what path I wanted to take. Eventually, I declared my major as social work and developed a passion for it.
Hearing and learning about the various social injustices and abuse that goes on every day right in our own communities made me become interested in a career that works to promote social justice. I had learned about the different types of social workers in school and I thought an advocacy job sounded like something I would enjoy, so that I could support and speak on behalf of people without a voice.
I have enjoyed the work I’ve been doing here at CAC Lapeer and I have gotten to see a little bit of how an Advocacy Center works from behind the scenes. I have had the opportunity to sit with children and families during the forensic interview process and help the children feel more at ease while they are here. I have also gotten to observe forensic interviews with the Multidisciplinary Team, as well as witness sentencings in court. I have conducted follow-up calls, written blogs, and compiled resources for the CAC to use to refer clients to. I am grateful for the opportunities and the learning experiences that the Child Advocacy Center has provided for me.
Here are some tips I have for future interns at CAC Lapeer:
-You will meet with your supervisor before and after your activities; use this time to ask any questions or share any thoughts, feelings, or fears you may have
-You’ll get out of your internship what you want to; let your supervisor know if there are things you would like to experience more or things that you would rather not do
-Don’t be too nervous when meeting with the families; they are just people, who are probably more nervous than you are
-Have your own list of resources in the community available in case you need to refer clients to them
-Ask questions about the agency or anything that you are particularly curious about so you can maximize your learning experience throughout your internship
CAC LAPEER WOULD LIKE TO THANK LINDSAY AND ALL OF OUR INTERNS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE CENTER! WE APPRECIATE YOU ALL!
