Ella Rouse

Responsibilities

I assist the Amanda The Panda staff with various programming and outreach activities that are geared towards providing comprehensive, trauma informed grief support services for the community. Including running support groups, school groups, community fairs, and supplemental activities. These activities branch from, cheer box to day camps. Along with office management, supporting day to day operations, answering phone calls and emails, and maintaining records related to participants. I also help brainstorm programming ideas and organize/write out curriculum for various ages.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my time with Amanda the Panda was running my own school support group. Along with connecting with the community through hosting our booth at multiple community events. Connecting and helping grieving kids within the school space is very rewarding, within the six weeks they open up, grow, and learn about grief. Building that trusting relationship, helping them realize they're not alone, teaching coping skills and general grief knowledge is a huge accomplishment for me.

Learning experience

I learned a ton of valuable lessons during my internship. From time and office management, to communicating professionally, building confidence in public speaking and outreach, and learning how to work as a team towards a common goal/event. Beyond those professional growth lessons, I learned that if you work with your heart, you can truly make an impact on others, and that's the most rewarding part of any job. You don't have to be perfect, if you're willing to work hard, grow, and stay passionate about what you do, you will succeed.

What advice would you give?

Don't worry if you don't know what you want to do right away, there's many opportunity's to grow and get experience to find out the right fit for you. Human services can be heavy work, make sure you take care of yourself. If you're in this degree, you most likely want to help others, this will take you far and make you're work more meaningful then just a paycheck.