From shadowing nurses to legislation advocacy, seven students are gaining professional experience this semester at the Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC). The center, located in the nation’s capital since 1976, is a program of Eastern Mennonite University.
The semester-long experience is also a “community-building endeavor” with students living together in the Nelson Good House in Northeast Washington, DC. This semester’s placements include several organizations that are long-time hosts of EMU students, highlighting WCSC’s deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC.
Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they are involved with.
Alex Click, a history major from Singers Glen, Virginia, is with the Library of Congress’ US Copyright Office and is currently working on a card catalog data cleanup project. She recently helped finish a large microfilm cataloging project.
Andrew Nord, a political science and math double major from Albany, Oregon, is interning at the Anacostia Watershed Society, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Anacostia River. He is working on policy and legislation analysis and advocacy for beverage container redemption legislation. His most significant learning experience has been “learning how to quickly read and digest legislation.”
Capri Stevenson-Bisom, an art and chemistry double major at Bethel College from Barrington, New Jersey, is with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, a research center of the Smithsonian Institution. Stevenson-Bisom is doing research and making schedules and materials for this summer’s Living Religions Festival.
Ethan McGee, a psychology major from Williamsburg, Virginia, is interning with Pivot Physical Therapy, a provider of physical, occupational, speech and sports medicine services throughout the East Coast.
Jacob Hess, a computer engineering major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with the Smithsonian’s Office of the Chief Information Officer, which equips members of the Smithsonian community with technology tools, services, and applications. He is assisting with “moving people between Smithsonian buildings and updating systems in the new building.”
Joy Parakuo, a business administration major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development. Parakuo has done a variety of jobs so far, creating spreadsheets of organizations and resources available to DC resident entrepreneurs, updating the organization’s business toolkit, shadowing consultation meetings with clients, and researching grants available to minorities.
Noel Parakuo, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with Mary’s Center, a community health center. Parakuo shadows nurses in their daily routines and has also been making and reviewing patient educational materials. “This internship has helped me learn more about the healthcare workplace culture and is preparing me for what to expect in nursing school,” she said.