Kaitlin Ford

Responsibilities

-Assist ISU WellBeing Coordinator with programs, projects, and services -Assist in program delivery and evaluation (HFEB training, Flu vaccinations, Cyday Friday, Friday walk and talks, Adventure2 programming, and Culinary boot camp) -Support Healthiest Ames and other community initiatives (Ames Little Cyclones Camp--gardening project) -Participate in personal and professional development opportunities -Adventure2 data entry and incentive mail out -Meeting attendance—take meeting minutes -Communications—website updates, professional emailing, and program promotion -Independent project—decided between ISU WellBeing Coordinator and intern

Accomplishments

My internship has exposed me to many different sides of public health. I was involved in community outreach, working with ISU employees, and also worked with children through the Ames Little Cyclones Camp. All of these combined allowed me to grow my communication skills, problem-solving skills, and gave me a chance to get creative! My greatest accomplishment has been planning for the ISU Local Foods Festival this coming fall. I was in charge of creating the ISU WellBeing booth, which involved creating promotional items, ordering food, ordering prizes, developing a well-being game, etc. Sadly, I will not be able to see how it all turns out, but the planning process was an awesome experience!

What advice would you give?

Don't settle or wait till the last minute to find an internship. I learned SO much from my coordinator because she was always bringing me into the conversation, validating me, and nudging in the areas I needed to grow. Take this experience seriously because this internship is likely the foundation to your future career.