Gabby Olson

Responsibilities

At my internship at Independence Village, I assisted with a wide range of responsibilities focused on resident engagement, wellbeing, and daily support. I helped plan and facilitate activities for residents, encouraged participation and social interaction, and worked closely with both assisted living and memory care residents. Through building meaningful relationships with residents, I supported their emotional wellbeing and helped create a positive, welcoming environment. My role also involved collaborating with staff, adapting to residents’ individual needs, and contributing to the overall quality of life within the community.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship at Independence Village was building strong, meaningful relationships with the residents and helping create an environment where they felt supported, engaged, and valued. I was able to connect with residents in both assisted living and memory care, encourage participation in activities, and contribute to their emotional wellbeing and social connection. Seeing residents become more comfortable, involved, and excited to participate because of the relationships I built with them was the most rewarding and meaningful accomplishment of my experience.

Learning experience

One of the greatest lessons I learned from my experience at Independence Village was the importance of patience, empathy, and adaptability when working with older adults. Every resident has different needs, personalities, and experiences, so I learned how important it is to meet people where they are and communicate in ways that make them feel respected and understood. I also learned the value of building genuine relationships and how much social connection can impact a person’s emotional well-being and quality of life. Working with memory care residents especially taught me to be flexible, compassionate, and present in each interaction. Overall, the experience strengthened my communication skills, professionalism, teamwork, and confidence in working in a caregiving and supportive environment.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students in my major is to take every opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build relationships with the people you work with. Some of the most valuable learning happens outside of the classroom through internships, field experiences, and everyday interactions. Be open to trying different responsibilities, ask questions, and do not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. I would also encourage students to practice patience, empathy, and strong communication skills, because those qualities make a huge difference when working with others. Building genuine connections and staying adaptable will help you grow both personally and professionally. Most importantly, remember that even small interactions can have a meaningful impact on someone’s wellbeing and quality of life.