MARIETTA— Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) Student of the Month Summer Lynch came to college already knowing what she wanted to do with her life. Her time spent at WSCO not only confirmed her career path, but her internship experience helped her to narrow the field to the specialty where she sees herself thriving.
A social services major, Lynch said she always knew she wanted to work in a field where she was helping people. She grew up with two mentally disabled uncles with whom she was very close. “I saw great care with them, and I just felt like I wanted to help people in the same way,” she explained.
Internships are an integral part of the social services curriculum. Last semester, as she concluded her first year in the program, Lynch worked with adults from the Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Among her duties, she participated in the staff versus the Special Olympics basketball game. She concluded her internship having loved the experience.
This semester, she had the opportunity to work with a new age group, small children. Lynch said she was surprised to find herself favoring her experience with the kids over adults. “I thought I’d like the adults better, but I think I like working with the kids the best…especially the little ones.”
From the classroom to working in the field, Lynch consistently receives high praise. In her internship review, her supervisor, Tanya Hitchens said Lynch is “truly amazing… She conducted herself in a professional manner and brings a welcoming presence. She s understanding, non-judgmental, and very easy-going which helps her to build relationships with our population. She has a bright future in social work.”
Lynch will graduate with her associate degree in social services in December and plans to seek employment as a case manager. She hopes to eventually pursue her bachelor’s degree.
