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Alumni Spotlight—Monique Mills

March 03, 2021 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Alumni of the College of Applied Health Sciences have myriad career options thanks to the tremendous diversity of programs. We periodically will put the spotlight on an alum to find out what they’re doing now, what experiences they had and what AHS means to them. This week, we talk to Monique Mills, who got her bachelor of science in SHS and a Ph.D. in SHS. Currently, Mills is an associate professor of communication sciences and disorders in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Houston.

Q: Why did you pick AHS?

A: After taking a class in Special Education, titled Exceptional Children, I decided that I wanted to become a speech-language pathologist, to help persons who are nonverbal communicate. This led me to begin taking courses in Speech & Hearing Science.

Q: Which professors had the most impact on you?

A: All of my professors impacted me. Most especially Dr. Ruth Watkins, my doctoral advisor and Dr. Adele Proctor, who first introduced me to subject I’ve been studying since: narrative assessment in school-age African-American children. My dissertation committee deeply influenced my thinking around qualitative research methods (Anne Hass Dyson) and how African-American English was presented in children’s literature (Violet Harris, Betsy Hearne). Then, there were professors within my department who influenced me through their stellar teaching (Cynthia Thompson) and clinical research (Pam Hadley).

Q: What course did you most enjoy?

A: As an undergraduate, I most enjoyed courses in SHS that focused on child language development. I also quite enjoyed the Kinesiology course on ice skating that I took with a friend. As a doctoral student, I most enjoyed coursework in Curriculum & Instruction because I met an interdisciplinary group of friend I remain in touch with. I also very much enjoyed learning situation modeling from Elizabeth Stein-Morrow in Psychology.

Q: Did you enter AHS knowing your career path, or did AHS help you decide?

A: I knew that I was interested in speech-language pathology. It’s interesting, Education led me to AHS.

Q: Did your AHS experience lead to your current job?

A: Yes, I majored in Speech & Hearing Science (SHS) in the undergrad program at UIUC, the master’s program at Ohio State University, and the doctoral program at UIUC.

Q: What is your current job?

A: Currently, I’m an associate professor of communication sciences and disorders.

Q: When did you graduate and with what degree?

A: I graduated with a bachelor of science in SHS and a PhD in SHS from UIUC. So I have two degrees from AHS. At the time, it was ALS.

Q: What was your favorite on-campus experience?

A: My favorite on-campus experience was partaking in all of the yummy food on Green Street and strolling across the quad, of course.

Q: What would you say to recommend AHS to a prospective student?

A: I would say AHS values excellence. As an undergraduate student I was on the Dean’s list a lot, and it felt good to be appreciated publicly in receptions at mom’s day weekend.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.

Tags: alumni, Alumni Spotlight

Public health training gives chaplain a different perspective

Jan. 19, 2021 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Systematic reviews have found that religion is associated with decreases in depression, faster recovery from depression, less drug dependence, less drug abuse, better physical health, longer life, and an increased sense of purpose, well-being, hope and optimism

Kristin Godlin is an ordained Presbyterian minister and a chaplain at Carle and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana. She’s also a PhD candidate in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois.

That confluence gives Godlin a unique perspective in her role, but one she hopes doesn’t remain unique for long. Godlin’s research looks at the connection between religiosity and public health. Godlin, an alum of the Master of Public Health in AHS, said, “From a health standpoint, religion functions primarily as a means of helping people to cope with stress.”

Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families. While most chaplains are themselves religious, they care for people of all faiths, as well as people who are not religious. Within the context of hospital emergency departments, chaplains additionally serve as a kind of go-between for staff members, patients, and their families. They also facilitate meetings between families and physicians.

But the public health portion of the job is one that is still quite new, even for Godlin. At the time she was board certified as a chaplain, there was an announcement made at the Association of Professional Chaplains’ annual conference that the Templeton Foundation had provided a group of chaplaincy leaders called Transforming Chaplaincy a grant of $4.5 million for the purposes of helping to train chaplains to become more research literate. The idea, Godlin said, was that if chaplains were more research literate, they would be better able to guide and evaluate and advocate for their profession.

The money could be used to encourage chaplaincy training programs to include in their curricula courses and lessons in research methodology and statistics, or how to read and understand research, Godlin said. But also, a significant part of the grant was to enable 16 board-certified chaplains the opportunity to pursue Master of Public Health degrees or Master of Science degrees for the purposes of learning how to not only read research but to generate research to support chaplaincy.

“I didn’t know hardly anything about public health when I started,” Godlin said. “I was a blank slate coming in. I think, particularly now that we have been going through the pandemic, I have a much greater understanding of what public health is all about and why they are approaching things the way they did than I ever would have before. And I really do think that’s an extraordinarily important part of the training, which I didn’t realize at the time I was getting it.”

The connection of religion and public health is particularly timely, Godlin said, because of COVID-19. Godlin recently came across a study which found that religiosity was negatively associated with intention to be vaccinated. “It was a sad commentary on how people who are more religious are less likely to take protective health measures,’ she said. “It caused me to think about how important it is for religious leaders to have an understanding of what public health is all about.

“And the National Association for the Advancement of Science has recently started made a significant effort to try to introduce science into the core curricula of divinity schools and seminaries across America. I can see, especially during the pandemic, how important that is for religious leaders to understand how science works and why public health professionals are making the recommendations that they are.”

Godlin, who grew up in Champaign-Urbana, earned two masters’ degrees from Yale Divinity School after doing her undergrad at Northwestern. But she returned to the area and trained as a chaplain and that’s when she got the research grant. At that point, she reached out to KCH assistant professor Robyn Gobin, because of Gobin’s interest in religion and spirituality and its effect on mental health.

“Dr. Gobin,” Godlin said, “has been an extraordinarily helpful mentor and partner along the way.”

“I shifted into the MPH-PhD program to focus more on research,” Godlin said. “Over the past few years, the focus of my research has been on the use of religion in coping with domestic violence. Studies find that up to 97% of women who experience domestic violence turn to God for help; so particularly for that population, religion is exceptionally important. My goal is to help religious leaders, chaplains, counselors, and therapists to strengthen their spiritual support for survivors, to help survivors to use their religion more effectively, and ultimately to improve survivors’ physical and mental health outcomes.”

Overall, Godlin believes the marriage of religion and public health through chaplaincy can help close the gap on misinformation.

“For the vast majority of people who have a religious background, when you say you are a chaplain, it opens doors that do not open for other people. And so people share things that they would not—patients share things and family members share things that they would not ordinarily share with other people.”

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.

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MSHA alum Zaid Ahmed talks about his COVID-19 contact tracing work

Dec. 06, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Students in the Master of Science in Health Administration program in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois have been asked by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Dept. to apply the skills they are learning as contact tracers. Periodically, we will speak with them about how they are doing in these roles. Today, we speak with Zaid Ahmed.

Q: Is the work you’re doing for CUPHD different than what you were trained for in the MSHA program?

A: I would say that the work I did for CUPHD wasn’t really different from the MSHA, per se. Contact tracing is essentially just calling infected cases and close contacts to gather information on their symptoms, job status, family information etc. It isn’t really like anything I learned in my MSHA program but I know that my role is a small part of the study of epidemiology. I’m not applying anything from my academics but I am just a part of the epidemiological system, if that makes sense.

Q: What field/industry were you hoping to work in upon graduation?

A: I was hoping to work in the data/technology/analytics side of healthcare upon graduation.

Q: What kinds of questions do you ask in the work you’re currently doing?

A: I ask people who they’ve come into contact with, if their family members have any chronic disease that makes them vulnerable to COVID-19, basic information like address and birthdays, and whether or not they’ve experienced any symptoms.

Q: Do you find people are willing to respond truthfully?

A: People have been pretty truthful with me.

Q: Any frustrations that people are not listening to the health guidelines?

A: There have been several people who were frustrated with their two-week quarantine and some people have admitted to breaking it by going out somewhere. It is frustrating, but I can’t police them 24/7.

Q: Do people you know ask you for advice on dealing with COVID-19?

A: People have not asked me for COVID advice but they have asked where the cases are concentrated so they know to avoid those locations.

Q: What are you missing out on because of the pandemic, in terms of working face-to-face with people?

A: I’m missing out on the opportunity to see my fellow MSHA students and the ability to meet my professors in person.

Q: What ways has COVID-19 affected you? Have you traveled? Have you been able to go home, see family?

A: COVID made my dad lose his job although he’s managed to find another job. I haven’t been able to see my cousins in a long time. I have been spending these past few months at home with family so it hasn’t been all bad.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.

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Tags: alumni, MHA

Wellness Ambassador Lauryn Praet talks about COVID and campus

Oct. 03, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Lauryn Praet, a student in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.

Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?

A: We were trained as a group in both a Zoom training, as well as in-person training. These training sessions were facilitated by both the directors of the program as well as professionals from McKinley Health Center and the Champaign Public Health Department. We receive ongoing support through bi-weekly Zoom trainings to answer questions and problem solve any concerns. As a team lead, I received additional training specific to how to support my 8 person team, as well as address questions or concerns in between our biweekly meetings.

Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?

A: Our workdays vary as well. We always have free wellness packets to hand out to students and faculty. Sometimes we are handing those out on the quad encouraging everyone to use COVID precautions, sanitizing, mask-wearing, and social distancing. Sometimes we are at the COVID test sites helping to support student testing. In the upcoming weeks, we will be helping to encourage students and faculty to get their yearly flu shots.

Q: How many hours do you work a week?

A: On average, I work 8-10 hours a week.

Q: Where are you stationed?

A: We have the opportunity to work all over campus. We are able to choose where we want to work each day from a list of facilities or areas that request assistance from the ambassadors. I have worked on the quad, at the COVID testing sites, and a variety of other University buildings. Typically, we are places where you would find students, faculty, and activity.

Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?

A: Being a Wellness Ambassador has been enjoyable, and most students are accepting of the information and wellness packets. We have observed most students complying with precautions, however, have experienced a few individuals who do not respect the safety precautions. We can remind and offer safety materials but have no authority to enforce.

Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?

A: I have received very positive reactions from students and faculty. Most students and faculty seem to want to do their part by respecting and complying with COVID precautions. Most people I have spoken to understand the importance of the measures and respect the University for its extensive efforts to keep us safe and on campus. Most students want to be on campus and comply in hopes of staying on campus.

Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?

A: As I stated before, COVID safety is not always easy to enforce. However, knowing that I am making this campus a safer environment for all students to live and learn at makes it all worth it.

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Tags: alumni, COVID-19, Lauryn Praet

Wellness Ambassador Sarah Bittle talks about COVID and campus

April 03, 2024 | Ethan Simmons

Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Sarah Bittle, a student in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.

Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?

A: As a Wellness Ambassador we received plenty of training. While the majority of our trainings have been via Zoom, we’ve talked with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, McKinley and others to make sure we are properly educated on the proper safety measures we should be taking ourselves, as well as encouraging others to do also. We’ve had social media and interview trainings as well.

Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?

A: While we’re on shift we are usually handing out our Wellness Kits and other Covid testing information. We’re currently working on some other campaigns to better support our students on campus and soon we will also be assisting with McKinley’s Flu Shot Campaign.

Q: How many hours do you work a week?

A: I work about 7-10 hours per week.

Q: Where are you stationed?

A: Every day can look different. Some days we’re stationed at testing sites, some days we set up around a more populated area of campus such as the (Ikenberry Commons Residence Hall) or the (Gies College of Business Instructional Facility), and other days we just walk around campus.

Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?

A: Something I’ve been challenged with is just being able to find the most effective way to both reach people and support them during these strange times.

Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?

A: Most students and faculty respond very well when they see us around campus. They’re excited about the free kit and are glad that we have this type of resource on campus.

Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?

A: Personally, it’s knowing that I can only do so much. We can educate and give out these resources, but at the end of the day it will be up to each individual to make the right choices to keep themselves and others around them safe.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.

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Tags: alumni, COVID-19, Sarah Bittle

Wellness Ambassador Rachel Brokenshire talks about COVID and campus

Sept. 22, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Rachel Brokenshire, a student in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health.

Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?

A: For training, all of us (the Wellness Ambassadors) met with our supervisors over Zoom a week before school started to discuss more about the position. We talked about how things on campus would look different, how to be positive influences while at school, and overall what our tasks would be as a Wellness Ambassador. We also have biweekly training sessions to discuss things like being prepared for interviews, how to post on social media, and different ideas we can bring to life on campus.

Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?

A: While we are working, there a variety of activities that can be done throughout our shifts. Our main task since the beginning of the school year has been packing “Wellness Kits” that includes a lot of resources about testing, the flu shot, and fun goodies (sunglasses, masks, hand sanitizer). We go out around campus and hand out these bags to students. We have also been to testing sites to pass out fun temporary Illinois tattoos. As Wellness Ambassadors, we are striving to bring more joy and positivity to campus during these confusing times.

Q: How many hours do you work a week?

A: I work between 6-10 hours a week.

Q: Where are you stationed?

A: Before our shifts, we either meet at the Illini Union or at a testing site that we are assigned to. It really depends what our tasks are for that day.

Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?

A: I think sometimes encountering people who may not want to wear a mask or seeing very large groups of people in a certain area can be a bit hard to see. As Wellness Ambassadors, our job is to not “police” students around and tell them what to do. We are simply being role models for our peers and when some students do not want to comply, it is a little disheartening. Other than that, the job is very rewarding in itself and I am so proud to be helping my college during a time like this.

Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?

A: Mostly, students and staff are so excited that we are handing out free stuff. It is amazing to see others around us happy and thankful for what we are doing. That part of the job is my favorite and knowing that other students are seeing us make a difference on campus is great.

Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?

A: I think the toughest part of the job, as mentioned before, is seeing some people not wanting to comply with the rules on campus. As Wellness Ambassadors, it was hard having to read that email from Chancellor Jones when most of the students here are doing their part to stay on campus this semester. The actions of a few students may cost us the opportunity to stay here for the whole semester and we are trying our best to not let that happen. After the email, we realized we needed to work harder to promote social distancing and wearing a mask while in public, and that is exactly what we did. I am so proud of my fellow Wellness Ambassadors and the amazing work we are doing this year.

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Wellness Ambassador Emily Grayburn talks about COVID and campus

Sept. 14, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Emily Grayburn, a student in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health.

Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?

A: I participated in a four-hour-long, Zoom-based training along with the other Wellness Ambassadors. During this meeting, we got to speak with members of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District as well as Dr. Robert Parker from McKinley Health Center. We also learned what we would be doing during our shift and how to approach people politely. We also need to attend bi-weekly trainings to update our job duties, if need be.

Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?

A: While working, I typically walk around campus with one to two other Wellness Ambassadors and hand out COVID-19 wellness kits to people walking by. These kits include a map of testing locations, a card with information about the COVID Wellness Answer Center, a button or sticker, a flyer containing information about flu shots, and either a mask, sunglasses, or a hand sanitizer.

Q: How many hours do you work a week?

A: I work 8-10 hours a week.

Q: Where are you stationed?

A: I am usually stationed at (Illinois Street Residence) Halls, (Student Dining and Residential Programs Building), or walking around campus.

Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?

A: Some challenges that I have faced while doing this job would be dealing with the small amount of students who aren’t compliant with wearing a mask.

Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?

A: For the most part, students are very excited about receiving free goodies from the university. They are very thankful that we are making a positive impact on our community.

Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?

A: The toughest part of my job would be confronting individuals who do not want to wear their masks. Although it is a small percentage of students, we still need to sometimes tell these people that they need to keep their mask on whenever they are outside of their room to keep others safe and increase the chances of us being able to stay on campus.

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Wellness Ambassador Jahaira Bustos talks about COVID and campus

Sept. 08, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Wellness ambassadors support the University of Illinois’ COVID-19 educational compliance efforts by providing health resources to the university community. The College of Applied Health Sciences is proud to boast several students who are participating in the Wellness Ambassador program. Periodically, we’ll speak with a student about what they have encountered in their role. Today, it’s Jahaira Bustos, a student in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences.

Q: What kind of training did you receive to become a Wellness Ambassador?

A: We had a four-hour Zoom call with my bosses and they notified us of what the job was going to consist of and how we need to execute our job safely. We also (spoke) with a doctor at (the) McKinley (Health Center) who informed us about the virus and how to go about preventative behaviors.

Q: What kind of activities are you performing while working?

A: We pass out bags that include a map of all testing sites, hand sanitizer, a flu shot flyer, a button, a mask, and sunglasses. If we spot someone who is not wearing a mask, we kindly ask them to put it on, seeing as how it is very important for them to abide by the campus protocols.

Q: How many hours do you work a week?

A: I typically work 8-10 hours a week.

Q: Where are you stationed?

A: I have been stationed in the Union, near the (Grainger) Engineering buildings close to a testing site, on the Quad and outside of the (Student Dining and Residential Programs Building).

Q: What challenges have you faced in doing the job?

A: Some challenges I have faced are encountering the very few people who are not wearing a mask, and when asked to put one on they are very dismissive and/or respond with “I’m outside;” “My mask is in my pocket,” or “I’m on the phone”.

Q: What kind of reactions do you get from students or faculty when you encounter them?

A: A lot of the reactions are very appreciative; the students and faculty I have encountered know their role in how we carry out the rest of the year. By spreading that awareness and receiving that positive compliments, it makes walking in the heat worth it.

Q: What’s the toughest part of the job?

A: The hardest part of the job is without a doubt the very stubborn individuals who are coming from Green Street or walking around the Quad without a mask despite encountering several students and faculty. Despite being in a public setting, it’s very crucial to always stay covered to ensure the well-being of yourself and others.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.

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Tags: alumni, COVID-19, Jahaira Bustos

Alumni Spotlight—Skylar Peters

June 15, 2021 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Alumni of the College of Applied Health Sciences have myriad career options thanks to the tremendous diversity of programs. We periodically will put the spotlight on an alum to find out what they’re doing now, what experiences they had and what AHS means to them. This week, we talk to Skylar Peters, who got her Master of Science in 2016 in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, and who is now a 4-H/Youth Development Educator with Penn State Extension.

Q: Why did you pick AHS? 

A: I knew I wanted to choose a master’s program in the Parks and Recreation Management field. I am passionate about outdoor and environmental education and the use of our public land to encourage outdoor exploration, especially in the younger years. While exploring online options for master’s programs with that in mind, I came across this program at University of Illinois. After speaking with Tim Tiger, the academic advisor, I knew that AHS was the place for me! I am so grateful I chose this program!

Q: Which professors had the most impact on you? 

A: Because I completed an online master’s degree so I could work full-time in Extension, I wasn’t able to meet any of my professors personally. They all were wonderful and understanding of our schedules as adult learners and often were graceful when we turned in late assignments. I was always so thankful for that! My advisor, Tim Tiger, had a huge impact on me, he had so much confidence in my abilities and was so supportive that it made the online process a lot easier and more enjoyable! I am very grateful for him and all that he does for his students!

Q: What course did you most enjoy? 

A: I really enjoyed my first class I took, which had me exploring the start of parks in the United States. It set a solid foundation for me to remember the “why” in our goal in parks and recreation programs. When you can understand and appreciate the history behind your passion, it helps to support your goals and vision for the future.

Q: Did you enter AHS knowing your career path, or did AHS help you decide? 

A: I entered AHS already working professionally as an Extension Assistant working with youth development and the 4-H program in Pennsylvania. AHS helped support my professional career so I could be promoted to an Extension Educator (my current role) and support the events and programming that I develop. I knew I had a passion for parks and recreation and knew that AHS would help me explore that passion while I completed my degree. Because of AHS, I know my future career options are wide open in both the agriculture and parks fields.

Q: Did your AHS experience lead to your current job? 

A: My master’s degree and the work I did in AHS aided in my promotion to Extension Educator. In AHS I refined my research abilities and my evaluation skills to finish a project that directly impacted the work I was doing in Extension. Without AHS, I would not be where I am professionally.

Q: What was your favorite on-campus experience? 

A: Because I completed an online master’s degree, I only have one experience on campus. I was lucky enough to be able to make the trip to receive the Outstanding Online Masters Degree Student Award before I graduated. I explored campus, tried local favorites and was able to meet my advisor in person! It was a great trip!

Q: What does AHS mean to you? 

A: AHS means the opportunity to explore my passion, challenge my thinking and develop new ways of thinking about the industry that is near and dear to my heart. AHS means establishing a future for myself while supporting my professional career. AHS was a chance for me to learn more about myself and my capabilities and learn from peers in the field. AHS was a chance for me to grow and become a better educator.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.

Tags: alumni, Alumni Spotlight

RST senior Alex Yi talks about alternate internship in wake of COVID-19

August 02, 2020 | Vince Lara-Cinisomo

Students in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois have had to adjust their internships because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Periodically, we will speak with them about how those changes have affected their summer plans and potentially career paths. Alex Yi was supposed to work at a law firm, but instead was part of the inaugural Illini RST Undergraduate Consulting (IRUC) program, created by RST department head Carla Santos and clinical assistant professor Mike Raycraft. He talked to AHS communications about his experience working for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder and The Specialized Marketing Group.

How are your experiences different from what you expected?

My experience is exactly as I expected. Even though it is my first time participating in a remote internship, I had a good idea of how the internship would proceed.

Are you doing something for your internship than what you originally planned?

Before COVID-19, I was expected to intern at a law firm. The internship I am doing right now does not lead me to think about a different career path because I have always wanted to partake in an internship like this.

Has anything been frustrating about your change in internship status?

Nothing has been frustrating about the change in internship status because this internship is also extremely beneficial for me and helped me create a strong network for myself. I have always wanted to be in a position to network, but just never had the opportunity, so this internship is excellent in that sense.

What are you missing out on because of the pandemic, in terms of working face-to-face with people?

Working with people face to face is definitely the ideal way of getting things accomplished, but in the sports field, I think that people must be able to adapt to any and every situation possible in order to make things work. So, working with other people through video chat is a good experience to have because I will definitely have to do work through video chat or online again.

What advice do you have for future students who might have disrupted internships?

The best advice I can give other students who might have disrupted internships is to constantly try finding opportunities to connect with other people. Working and having an internship experience is extremely important, but knowing a lot of people within your field of work can sometimes be your best weapon or tool when finding an internship/job opportunity.

What other ways has COVID-19 affected you? Have you traveled? Have you been able to go home, see family?

I have been stuck on campus not being able to go home because of COVID-19, but this is still a good experience for me because this time period is teaching me to adjust to unexpected situations.

Editor’s note:

To reach Vince Lara-Cinisomo, email vinlara@illinois.edu.

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Tags: Alex Yi, alumni, Internships, Mike Raycraft

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