Intern Insights

Education Through Service
By Zachary Hacker

Corey Straus works with students in the classroom helping to build and reinforce constructive problem solving.

The College of Mount St. Joseph features a terrific Co-op Program, supported by a grant from the SC Ministry Foundation, which funds 26 students working for 19 different non-profit organizations, which include many notable local organizations and schools.

One noteworthy co-op employer is Resurrection School in Price Hill. The elementary school’s councilor, Dr. Becky Lilley, supervises two students doing social work. Students Sherri Kleinholz and Corey Straus are provided the unique opportunity to learn and put into practice what they learn in the classroom, all the while making a difference in the lives of the Resurrection students.

Dr. Lilley describes what they do as “interacting in very creative ways, and telling the truth with love and encouraging problem solving.” The interactions Kleinholz and Straus partake in include classroom presentations on manners and social skills, discussions with at risk students, playing social skills training games, taking part in the after school Friday program, and serving as a behavior coach in a classroom setting. Through books, videos, games, role-playing, puppets, crafts and music, “we try to use examples the kids can relate to,” says Dr. Lilley. Indeed, Kleinholz, a senior psychology major, attests that they must “teach skills other than fighting to get through problems; and reinforcement is crucial.” Dr. Lilley and the two co-ops spend time going over problem solving techniques and help the Resurrection students see the value of making positive choices, instead of easier destructive ones.

The SC Ministry Foundation supports Resurrection’s social work program, which includes Dr. Lilley, Sherri and Corey, as well as all supplies. This program is a win-win for the community as well as the students. “A lot of kids don’t realize the opportunities they have, so we try to open their eyes. There are 170 students here, and no one gets lost. They know that the faculty cares about them,” co-op Kleinholz assures. Sure enough, the students love Straus and Kleinholz, giving them respect during classroom presentations, and participating actively in the discussions. That sense of care and help that the students of Resurrection receive is not the only benefit of the program. While helping the children out, Kleinholz and Straus both benefit in their education as well. Kleinholz says, “I’m blessed. It all comes down to the teachers I have, both Dr. Lilley and the students. I’ve learned in college and been able to apply that here.”

Thanks to the SC Ministry Foundation, both the co-ops are able to learn and grow under the direction of a licensed, experienced social worker, and the students benefit from an increased amount of activity in the numerous facets that Dr. Lilley, Straus, and Kleinholz use in their day-to-day interaction with the children. “What you learn in school gets expanded through experience,” Kleinholz claims, summing up the importance of the program for the College of Mount St. Joseph students, as well as the Resurrection students they mentor and work within classroom settings and social settings.

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Zachary Hacker is a sophomore at the College of Mount St. Joseph majoring in history and English. He is a cooperative education student in the SC Communications Office this fall 2009 and spring 2010. The co-op program is funded by an SC Ministry grant through the College of Mount St. Joseph.

 

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