Finding my Calling as an Intern at Foxdale Village Retirement Community
“The experiences that I have had with residents at Foxdale Village are very near to my heart.”
A Summer at Foxdale Village
Now that I am back at school, I reflect on my summer internship experience, working with older adults at a local retirement community.
When I embarked on this internship experience, I didn't want to check a box or add a line to my resume. I wanted to learn more about a new field and build professional skills.
My internship at Foxdale Village Retirement Community, made possible by Friends Services Alliance (FSA), brought my academic experience as a health policy administration student at Penn State University to life beyond the classroom.
My interest in working with aging adults started in high school when I realized how much someone from my generation could learn from and relate to an older generation. When I arrived at Penn State, I matched my interest with my academic field of study, encouraging me to explore career paths in health policy.
Although my interest in working with aging adults has been consistent since high school, gaining first-hand experience and interacting with residents at Foxdale Village has further cultivated this passion. I fondly recall helping numerous residents by accompanying them to personal appointments. I loved hearing about their lives and experiences as we traveled, realizing I could connect to them in many ways despite the large age gap. After this experience, I know that working with seniors is my calling because nothing makes me happier and more passionate.
Discovering my Calling
My first goal through this internship was to learn more about healthcare and health policy, mainly how a healthcare services department works. I also learned essential lessons in the power of connections, navigating a fast-paced environment, and uncovering potential career options in the field to pursue after graduation.
Moreover, I may have discovered my calling.
Before starting this internship, I considered pursuing an accelerated nursing program. Through my work with Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in this internship, my ambitions for nursing have grown. Upon completing my undergraduate degree at Penn State, I am confident of my path forward to pursue an accelerated nursing program, hoping to pursue a nursing home administrator license.
The lively nature of my internship at Foxdale Village made every day different. Being at Foxdale Village was always interesting, as it is a rapidly changing environment, and there were new daily challenges and goals. One of the most significant benefits of this internship was the opportunity to wear many different hats. I worked with nearly every department through the health services department lens. One of my most significant learning experiences was helping to run the COVID-19 clinic. The tasks included checking residents in, updating their booster cards, filing paperwork with the pharmacy, and managing the flow of residents coming in and out.
The Value of a Mentor
I would be remiss if I didn't emphasize the encouraging and invaluable relationship I developed with my preceptor, Meg.
Meg imparted so much wisdom to me during my internship as a preceptor and mentor. I have never had a mentor in that capacity. I am beyond grateful for the time I spent with her, and I know it will make me a significantly better manager. Her commitment to Foxdale Village and the residents was infectious and furthered my passion for working with older adults.
Indeed, Meg, along with other mentors in the community, were always eager to answer my questions and work with me on projects. This collaborative nature has had a positive impact on my interpersonal skills. Additionally, the latitude to work independently on tasks helped me become more autonomous.
The Value of an Internship
In a recent LeadingAge poll, many senior living operators reported a severe workplace shortage. One way to recruit more employees is to offer opportunities to people like me – college students looking for a way to do something challenging and meaningful.
This internship experience was rewarding, incredible, and life changing. I witnessed how a talented and cohesive team collaborates to provide quality care. I was blessed to experience a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming environment. I am so thankful to my coworkers at Foxdale Village for helping nurture my passion for helping the aging adult population and advocating on their behalf. This academic endeavor far exceeded my goals.
I’m also pleased to share that I have continued working with Foxdale Village in addition to my schooling at Penn State. My roles include transportation, reception, and dietary aide. It’s been a fulfilling experience, and I’ve had many opportunities to further connect with residents.
To learn more about FSA's internship program, visit https://www.fsainfo.org/education/fsa-internship-program.
Phillip Hanold is studying Health Policy Administration at Penn State University. He recently completed an internship with Foxdale Village Retirement Community arranged through Friends Services Alliance.