Jovanna Palma
What school/program are you in?
University of Minnesota Duluth, double majoring in Criminology and Psychology
What interested you in interning at Sojourner?
I realized that Sojourner, an emergency shelter, receives women in immediate danger. Therefore, I would be able to learn the first-hand effects of domestic abuse and the perspective of a woman coming straight from an abusive relationship. I knew I could learn a lot interning at a facility like Sojourner.
What background/experience do you bring with you to the role?
I had worked with children and families through the previous non-profit I worked with, People for PSEO. Additionally, taking courses through my criminology and psychology degree helped me become prepared for this role. I found abnormal psychology, Psychopathy and crime, marriages and families, and advanced writing help with the type of situations I came across.
What have you enjoyed or learned so far at Sojourner? Any particular experiences or stories stand out?
I have enjoyed working with kids a lot. Although I came into the field wanting to work with adults, I liked working with children. After working at Sojourner, I realized how much I would like to work with children and their development through traumatic situations.
How do you hope to use this experience in the future?
I hope to continue to grad school and apply this experience to my grad studies and future internships. I aspire to work with adults and children in serious mental health hospitals or prisons post-graduate. I believe the communication skills I learned and how to form relationships will help me anywhere I choose to go from here.
Samantha Mertz
What school/program are you in?
I am attending Minneapolis College and studying Human Services.
What interested you in interning at Sojourner?
I was aware of Sojourner’s impact in the community, advocating and supporting domestic violence survivors. I wanted to gain more knowledge and insight into domestic violence to prepare myself for a career in crisis intervention.
What background/experience do you bring with you to the role?
I have experience working as a mental health support specialist for a long-term residential program, a crisis line operator, and an assistant for a youth crisis program. Through these roles, I have learned how to assess clients’ mental/physical needs and address various barriers. I strive to be an active listener and approach people with compassion.
What have you enjoyed or learned so far at Sojourner? Any particular experiences or stories stand out?
I have enjoyed getting to know residents and spending time with their children. My background also includes childcare and nannying, so playing with kids is always a delight. Talking with shelter advocates and learning about available resources for domestic violence survivors has been very educational as well. I have been making a list of this information that I am sure to use moving forward in my career.
How do you hope to use this experience in the future?
In the future, I hope to use this experience to better support and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. I know by pursuing a career in mental health means that I will be working with people affected by domestic violence. I am grateful for this opportunity to intern at Sojourner and look forward to applying the knowledge I have learned.