HSC Interns

Nadia is a senior at UIUC and is studying Molecular and Cellular Biology. While working with HSC, Nadia helped research grants from various drug companies, updated the HSC database and played an integral part in HSC’s annual benefit Cooking up Change. Nadia gave a report on school wellness programs, focused on what types of wellness programs were already in place, how well they worked and what else could be done to create a good wellness program. Nadia also worked on analyzing school funding and looked school districts within Illinois. Currently, Nadia is interning in the trauma department at Cook County Hospital.

"Interning at HSC helped me learn how to work in a professional setting and gave me insight into what I wanted to do in my future career. The staff was amazing and very passionate about what they do. After interning at HSC, I believe that a job does not just have to be a job, but it can also make a difference in the community."

Andrew King

Andrew is a junior at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, majoring in International Studies with a focus on natural resource management. During his time with HSC, Andrew focused on organizing a parents' rally for HSC in May 2006. Andrew also was an important part of HSC's school nurse leadership training program and wrote an article about HSC’s Resource Guide to Healthy, High-Performing Schools.

"The time I spent as an intern for the Healthy Schools Campaign was a very rewarding experience. I had a chance to get integrally involved in several projects and got invaluable first-hand insight into the environmental and health issues that face the State of Illinois. I would highly recommend an internship with the Healthy Schools Campaign to any student with an interest in environmental, health or education policy." 

Kathleen King

Kathleen graduated in May 2007 from Brown University with a double concentration in Community Health and Latin American Studies. While working with HSC, her main focus was on environmental health. In particular, Kathleen focused on reducing school bus diesel engine idling by gathering support for The Illinois School Bus Program. She also was involved with events and meetings on school health and nutrition. Kathleen was an integral part of marketing HSC founding executive director Rochelle Davis’ cookbook, Fresh Choices: More Than 100 Easy Recipes for Pure Food When You Can’t Buy 100% Organic

"My summer internship with the Healthy Schools Campaign served as a foundation for my academic studies of public health.  Looking back, it was most certainly an opportunity that played an integral role in my development as a student, a public citizen, and a person.  I gained incredible real-world experience and was exposed to issues and people that have continued to make me question, reflect, study, and renew my commitment to working on issues of public health and toward social justice."

Jay Laughlin

Jay is a junior at Vanderbilt University, studying Economics and Human and Organizational Development. During his time with HSC, Jay worked on The Quick and Easy Guide to School Wellness, school nurse leadership evaluation planning and preparation, and media research. He also conducted a trend analysis on recess and childhood obesity and worked on a documentary on the communities of Little Village and West Town, and their initiatives to improve wellness.

"I gained valuable experience managing multiple tasks and completing several projects that gave me insight into how an organization, specifically a non profit organization, functions.  Every employee was dedicated to the mission of the Healthy Schools Campaign and this persistence spread to me."

Melissa Logsdon

Melissa received her BA from the University of Kentucky with a double major in Anthropology and Japanese. She expects to earn her Masters in Public Health in May of 2008 from the University of Illinois in Chicago. While working with HSC, Melissa researched the feasibility of establishing a farm to school program in Illinois. In addition to this research she looked into what other states are doing in terms of state reimbursement for using local and/or fresh produce in school meals. She also wrote a book review and a popular blog.

"My internship at the Healthy Schools Campaign has allowed me to transfer knowledge I have learned in the classroom to skills that I can use in the workplace.  Through this internship I have learned the importance of establishing relationships with community organizations and individuals in leadership positions within the community.  The skills that I have learned at the Healthy Schools Campaign will allow me to succeed in my future career path."

Drago Petrusic

Drago is a philosophy major who expects to graduate from DePauw University in May 2008. While interning with HSC, he worked on a trend analysis of school based health centers and community healthcare and further developed our internship program. He also helped organize training sessions for superintendents on healthy, high performing schools and was able to contribute to HSC’s Chicago Marathon outreach fundraising. Drago also was an important part of making a documentary on Little Village and West Town and their initiatives to improve wellness.

"Healthy Schools Campaign allowed me to gain valuable work experience and exposure to issues regarding school and health. My time with Healthy Schools Campaign has been an important step toward a future in education or non-profit work."