“Patience” and “science” are two words that Candice Clossum didn’t especially associate with herself a year ago. Then she enrolled at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and landed an on-campus internship where she’s actually showcasing both skills.
In her part-time role at the E. Desmond Lee Technology and Learning Center in Marillac Hall, the soon-to-be sophomore collaborates on an outreach initiative that serves local middle school students.
“It’s a good feeling, because I thought I wouldn’t be patient with kids, but this has really shown me that I do have patience with them,” Clossum said. “And the fact that it was with science – STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] wasn’t really my strongest, but I now have a growing interest in it.”
The unique opportunity for work experience and mentorship came about when Clossum was an incoming, first-generation college freshman interested in staying on track academically and financially. Director of Student Support Services Yolanda Weathersby, who created UMSL’s StudentPlus Internship Program, reached out to Clossum through the Welcome Center and suggested the idea.
“The StudentPlus program is an investment in our UMSL students,” said Weathersby, adding that the experiential-learning program began in 2013 in response to a University of Missouri System action plan to grow retention and graduation numbers. “It’s pleasing to my heart to know we – the campus community – are truly making a difference in our students’ lives as they take this very important journey with our university.”
After undergoing a panel interview with Weathersby and potential mentors from across various units and departments, Clossum was paired with staff member Amber Bell-Christian, an assistant in the Technology and Learning Center.
As a participant in the StudentPlus Internship Program, Candice Clossum works closely with a mentor in an on-campus job that builds her repertoire while pursuing her degree.
Reviewed 2015-07-14