Laura DeKok

Responsibilities

My primary responsibility is to answer incoming crisis line phone calls. While I am working at the shelter, I am responsible for providing support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. My final responsibility is to maintain optimal living conditions of the emergency housing shelters.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment from this experience was when the clients who were staying in shelter began to open up to me about their past experiences. It might not sound like a lot, but it takes a lot of courage to feel comfortable enough to share traumatic experiences with someone else.

What advice would you give?

My advice for future students is that they should choose an internship that allows them to be out of their comfort zone. While it might be scary to do so, it allows you to expand your experiences. Along with this, you might be surprised and end up finding something that you enjoy.