A summer internship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio gave two aspiring teachers from Ohio University Chillicothe an opportunity to work directly with local children while developing skills for future careers in education.
Alli Boggioni and Gabby Pernell, both graduates of Southeastern High School, said the experience showed them how meaningful relationships can help young people grow and succeed, according to a community announcement.
The education program encourages experiential learning through internships, community engagement opportunities and substitute teaching assignments. The summer placement with Big Brothers Big Sisters allowed both students to work directly with children while applying lessons learned through their coursework.
Pernell previously participated as a mentor, known as a "Big," in the organization's school-based program at Southeastern High School. That experience and a connection with school-based coordinator Nicole Pickerrell led to the internship opportunity.
"It's so much more than I thought it would be," Pernell said. "We get to learn a lot more about what the program does. I am very grateful and the internship opened my eyes."
Boggioni said the experience helped reveal the scope of services provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters.
"It's shown me that they do so much more than people realize and they put so much care into helping children in our community and making sure they always have someone in their corner to go to," she said. "Seeing that firsthand was really inspiring."
The students said their responsibilities varied from day to day and included outings with children, organizational projects and relationship-building activities.
"Building the relationship with the kids ... that is the biggest component in getting down to their level, making sure that they know that we're here and that we want them to have fun," Boggioni said.
Pernell said the role encouraged personal and professional growth.
"You have to be open-minded to everything going on, and you also need to be very compassionate, because every one of their home lives is different," she said. "It's definitely got me out of my comfort zone and brought me out of my shell a little bit."
According to the announcement, the students also contributed ideas and support that helped strengthen programming offered through the organization.
"Alli and Gabby are bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to our work as we plan curriculum and create meaningful experiences for our Littles," Executive Director Erin Allsop said. "We are fortunate to have two incredible students spending the summer with us to strengthen our programs and make a lasting impact on our Littles."
Boggioni and Pernell credited Ohio University Chillicothe faculty members Jeannie Dalton, Jillian Manson and Amy Wolfe with encouraging them to pursue experiences beyond traditional coursework.
For Boggioni, that support extended beyond academics during a period when she was balancing school, work and parenting responsibilities. She said faculty members helped connect her with resources and coursework flexibility that allowed her to continue her studies.
"They helped me get through all of that," she said. "I'm so grateful for them. They are very understanding. They always listen."
Pernell said that level of support is common within the program.
"They've always said if we need extra time or if something's going on, they definitely have open arms for us," Pernell said.
Both students said Dalton's encouragement to begin substitute teaching early helped prepare them for future careers.
"She was very realistic," Pernell said. "Teaching is hard. At the end of the day, it's hard. She was the one who really pushed me to get into subbing ... you need to get experience before you actually get into a classroom."
Teaching experiences also helped clarify career goals. Boggioni said working alongside Manson, who teaches gifted education at Zane Trace Elementary School, inspired a desire to pursue gifted education.
Pernell said substitute teaching in a preschool special-needs classroom reinforced an interest in early childhood education.
The internships and substitute teaching assignments provided more than résumé-building opportunities. The experiences allowed the students to apply classroom concepts, develop professional connections and gain confidence in educational settings.
As they continue preparing for careers in education, both students encourage future teacher candidates to seek real-world experience.
"Definitely get into subbing," Pernell said. "It helps you see from a whole new perspective."
For more information about Ohio University Chillicothe education programs, visit ohio.edu/chillicothe.
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This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Internship helps Ohio University Chillicothe students prepare to teach