Sammie Casper- Mensing (she/her)
What school/program are you in?
I am going to be a senior at St. Olaf college next year and am studying Psychology and Spanish!
What interested you in interning at Sojourner?
Getting the opportunity to support my community in a really meaningful way all while learning new skills and ways to interact with people! It has also been great learning about different resources so I can help people in the future!
What background/experience do you bring with you to the role?
I don’t have much experience with victims of domestic violence, but I am ready and eager to learn in order to support Sojourner as best as possible this summer!
What have you enjoyed or learned so far at Sojourner? Any particular experiences or stories stand out?
Getting to know the kids and women staying at the shelter has been my favorite part! I really enjoy playing with the kids and giving the moms a break, especially in the summer when the kids will be with them all day every day for the most part! Getting to chat with full time staff and learning more about DV resources has also been super interesting and valuable!
How do you hope to use this experience in the future?
Having the opportunity to work with a diverse population of people is valuable in any circumstance, so I am excited to continue working and supporting our residents throughout the summer! I also know that all of the resources I have been learning about can be helpful as I continue through life since you never know when someone you know might need these supports!
Ash Cardinal (she/they)
What school/program are you in?
I’m a Communications major with minors in Psychology and Gender Studies at Simmons University in Boston, MA.
What interested you in interning at Sojourner? What background/experience do you bring with you to the role?
I recently took a class on Intimate Family Violence in which I learned about how violence is perpetuated in our society and used as a form of control in intimate relationships. This class solidified my passion for violence prevention and gave me foundational knowledge to begin working in this field. Sojourner stood out to me when looking for a place to intern because of their emphasis on advocating for survivors. It's important to give survivors options and work with them to determine the best steps for them, which Sojourner does very well.
What have you enjoyed or learned so far at Sojourner?
I have enjoyed getting to know the families staying at Sojourner and being able to help them in the small ways I can. Each resident has their own unique needs and goals, and Sojourner staff work hard to help each person seeking shelter here. I've learned that it's vital to approach all situations with kindness, patience, and compassion.
How do you hope to use this experience in the future?
I hope to use this experience in my future career and personal life. I am passionate about violence intervention and prevention, so I hope to continue my career in this field. I am learning more about myself every day here and will take this experience with me wherever I go next!