College of Education student interns Sepideh Kharrat and Jenny Liu in the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

The Office of Undergraduate Studies offers semester-long internships to selected students.  This semester, two Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) interns, Jenny Liu and Sepideh Kharrat, are thriving with their work in the office as they assist advisors and staff.

Both students are responsible for a variety of tasks that range from assisting with new student orientation, greeting and checking in students who visit the Office of Undergraduate Studies, creating reports, providing insight on streamlining internship procedures, to assisting with the logistics of a myriad of events.

“These young ladies indeed bring a shine to our office,” says constituent events coordinator, Paula Canada.  “They are extremely reliable, confident in their abilities and go above and beyond to complete any task asked of them.  We are quite lucky to have them as part of the team,” she furthered.

While learning a variety of skills, these dedicated students have been instrumental in helping advisors conceptualize and execute the “Take the Fright Out of Interning” Informational Session.  This light hearted Halloween themed event was specifically designed for HDFS and Health majors.  Students gathered on Oct. 28, 2015 to learn what they should expect before enrolling in their internship class.  The idea of this event was formulated by advisor Adrian McClain.

“I enjoy the comradery of the entire staff at the undergrad office, who are all so helpful and friendly,” said Liu.  “I also enjoy interacting with fellow students, and I find a sense of fulfillment when I can help encourage other students to continue in their efforts to stay in school,” she added.

Liu, who had to experience the difficulty in going back to school after more than ten years, advises current students to work hard to finish their degrees.  She knows first-hand that it takes even more work when students leave and then return later to earn a degree.  "I've been a stay at home mom for 10 years and it's just that much more things to juggle once you're married and have kids so I strongly advice young students to work hard, focus on school, and graduate in a timely manner," she advises. "Get to know about the many resources available around campus. A lot of information is available online, and advisors are also very knowledgeable and willing to help all students.  You don't have to go through all this alone.”  She further mentions how COE faculty are, “very nice, approachable and passionate about what they are teaching” and how it has helped motivate her to continue her studies to finish her degree.  Liu’s professional goal is to be a mentor/counselor for abused children who suffer from low self-esteem to help them lead happier more prosperous lives.

“The staff at the office are wonderful and a joy to work with,” said Kharrat as she describes her experience in the Office of Undergraduate Studies.  “The office is always filled with a group of great people that treat you like family. It is overall a great environment.”  She advises students to get to know their teachers and peers well. “You never know who you might meet and what they can do for your future,” she said. “Your future business partner or mentor could be a ‘hello’ away.” 

Kharrat credits clinical professor Janeen Antonelli for being a great intern professor. “Her happiness and understanding towards her students makes one of the most difficult classes a great time,” she said.  “I can say I have learned so much from both an academic and real world aspect.”  Kharrat’s  professional goal is to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy. She notes that Marriage and Family Therapists broaden the traditional emphasis on the individual to attend to the nature and role of individuals in primary relationship networks such as marriage and the family. “I want to improve people’s mental health, children’s development and behavior, and hopefully save marriages.”

Kharrat has a fun anecdote she likes to share with those who plan on working in an office environment:

The new intern stood before the paper shredder looking confused.
"Need some help?" the secretary asked.
"Yes," he replied. "How does this thing work?"
"Simple," she said, taking the report from his hand and feeding it into the shredder.
"Thanks, but where do the copies come out?"