By Attending a United Negro College Fund Student Leadership conference in D.C. this summer prepared Clark Atlanta University social work student for a memorable experience.
Kandis Thorpe, was selected to participate in the Health Care Apricity Resources Scholars program in Margate, FL for nine weeks. Thorpe explained how the program catered to a variety of majors, giving students the opportunity to gain experience in long-term and post-acute care industry while working with the geriatric and elderly population.
“A typical day working in Margate Health & Rehab skilled nursing facility
was unpredictable and very entertaining,” she said. Working as a social services intern, my colleague and I went in to speak to residents and short-term patients conducting psycho-social assessments to evaluate their coping through this life change into a nursing facility away from their home.
The internship package included a full-time paid position, airfare and travel
expenses on top of a recurring $5000 scholarship for the academic school year. Thorpe learned of this reoccurring summer internship program through the UNCF website.
“I facilitated a project for the facility that was an interactive event for the
residents titled, ‘Incredibles Day: What’s your superpower?’,” she shared. “This event was made to identify the residents’ strengths and challenges to allow them to see how your flaws doesn’t define you but it is what generates your strength.”
The open dialogue surrounding mental health awareness was unique to the facility and incorporated into the life enrichment of the residents’ stay. Thorpe looks forward to returning as she was able to overcome her own personal challenges while making new friends.
