What organization did you intern with? What was your role?
LiveWell Institute, Intern in Residence (Public Health and Policy Intern).
Where was your internship located?
Plantsville, CT.
What is your career goal?
My career goal is to drive meaningful change through public health and policy advocacy, specifically in the areas of aging populations and dementia care. I am committed to working alongside the government to influence and shape policies that address the needs of older adults with cognitive changes. By advocating for policy reforms, I aim to make a lasting impact on improving care standards and building inclusive communities that prioritize brain health and dignity.
What was your internship funding source?
YSPH funding.
What were your duties/responsibilities during your internship?
Collaborating with the LiveWell team to research co-housing models that offer a social construct of worth and contribution as a driving force for building community.
Supporting the development of community agreements for each household.
Assisting with the implementation of the LiveWell Approach, a strength-based philosophy empowering those who live, work, and visit LiveWell to develop self-care skills and plan for their health and well-being. (AP style is to hyphenate.)
Assisting with the implementation of an impact project, selected by residents, family, and staff to work on.
Supporting community advocacy presentations in partnership with LiveWell’s Empowering Partnership Network.
Engaging in developing partnerships to enhance LiveWell’s capacity and reach in creating a Dementia Positive movement.
Support the creation of student internship immersion program to include roles and job description.
What did you take away from your experience as an intern? What was the value of the internship to you?
My internship provided me with invaluable insights into the intersection of public health and policy, especially in dementia care. I gained firsthand experience working with older adults with cognitive changes, which deepened my understanding of the real-world challenges they face. The internship allowed me to engage in advocacy, community-building, and policy research, all of which strengthened my commitment to creating positive systemic change. It taught me the importance of developing inclusive, compassionate policies that address the diverse needs of aging populations, and reinforced my desire to contribute to meaningful reforms in public health.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your internship? What was the most challenging aspect? The most surprising aspect?
This was not your regular internship. I was the resident and fellow housemate with the elderly living with dementia. I was a resident/intern/volunteer/ friend, as the work and situation needed. I had an opportunity to work and live with the age group that I want to work with, and the experience was invaluable.
The most rewarding part was contributing to community-building efforts and witnessing the positive impact on older adults with cognitive changes, knowing my work helped drive systemic change.
The most challenging aspect was balancing empathy with objectivity, especially when navigating the emotional realities faced by individuals and families affected by dementia.
I was surprised by the level of community engagement, enthusiasm, and zeal from the residents, which inspired new ideas and reminded me that those with cognitive changes are key contributors to the solutions.
How has YSPH prepared you for this internship?
YSPH provided me with a strong foundation in public health policy and research, equipping me with the skills to analyze complex health issues. The emphasis on practical experience and advocacy at YSPH directly prepared me to engage in impactful policy work during my internship.
What would you say to a student who’s considering a similar internship?
Lived experience is worth it. I’d encourage any student to pursue a similar internship, as it offers invaluable hands-on experience in public health and policy. You’ll gain deep insights into working with diverse communities, especially in aging and dementia care, while making a tangible impact through advocacy and research.