STUDENT NAME: Ellen Hinck
MAJORS: Literature with Writing Emphasis and Psychology
CLASS OF (GRADUATION YEAR): 2017
NAME/ LOCATION OF INTERN SITE: Women’s Resource Center of Winona – Winona, MN
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Attending court hearings and filing paperwork, writing grant proposals, creating presentations for an advocacy training course, meeting with clients, and receptionist duties
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THIS INTERNSHIP?: I originally heard about this internship in Internship Planning for my psychology major, then I heard about it again through my English academic advisor.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST FAVORITE PART OF THE INTERNSHIP: My favorite part about the internship is being able to work with powerful and intelligent women who passionately advocate for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE INTERNSHIP: I regularly attend court hearings on the behalf of clients, and it is often difficult to hear about the severity of a perpetrator’s crimes and witness how it affects his or her victims.
WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST LESSON(S): I’ve been at my internship only for a short while, but I suppose the biggest lesson I have learned thus far is that even a small action like listening can create a positive impact for survivors.
ADVICE TO OTHER STUDENTS PREPARING FOR AN INTERNSHIP: Find an internship that encompasses and nurtures a passion of yours.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE: If you’re a survivor of domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking and need an advocate’s assistance or just someone to talk to our 24-hour crisis number is (507) 452-4453.