When I first learned about Camp Lakeside, I immediately knew it was somewhere I wanted to be involved. A summer camp created for kids of all abilities, with a mission focused on equity, inclusion, and belonging, aligned so closely with the values that are important to me. Throughout my experiences in healthcare and service, I have developed a strong passion for advocating for people whose voices are not always heard or whose abilities are sometimes underestimated. Being able to spend my summer in a place where every child is valued for exactly who they are has been incredibly meaningful.

Before starting my internship, I expected to learn about planning activities, supporting campers, and being part of a team. While I have gained all of those skills, I have also learned so much more from the campers themselves. Camp Lakeside has shown me that true inclusion is about much more than simply allowing someone to participate. It is about creating a space where every person feels welcomed, respected, and like they truly belong.

One of my favorite parts of this experience has been seeing how much joy comes from creating
opportunities for everyone to be involved. Many people with disabilities experience barriers because of inaccessible environments, misconceptions, or assumptions about what they can and cannot do. At Camp Lakeside, the focus is not on limitations. Instead, the focus is on finding creative ways to support each camper and make sure everyone has the opportunity to have fun, build friendships, and create memories.

This experience has changed the way I think about advocacy. Advocacy does not always have to be a major action or a public statement. Sometimes it looks like listening, being patient, learning what someone needs, and helping others see a person beyond their disability. Working at Camp Lakeside has reminded me that small actions can make a lasting impact. A welcoming attitude and a willingness to understand others can completely change someone’s experience.

As a Health Sciences student on the Pre-PA track, this internship has connected deeply with my future goals in healthcare. I have always wanted a career where I can support and advocate for others, especially individuals who may face challenges having their needs recognized. Camp Lakeside has reinforced that caring for people is not only about knowledge and skills; it is about compassion, empathy, and recognizing the value of every individual.

One thing that has stood out to me this summer is how often people with disabilities are judged based on misconceptions rather than who they truly are. Camp Lakeside challenges those ideas by creating a place where kids can simply be kids. They can laugh, make friends, try new things, and experience the same moments of growth and connection as anyone else.

I am so grateful to be part of a community that reflects the values I hope to carry throughout my future career. My time at Camp Lakeside has strengthened my passion for inclusion and advocacy while helping me better understand my purpose: creating spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued. I look forward to continuing to learn from this experience and carrying these lessons with me long after the summer ends.

Grace Vaughn, Camp Lakeside

This summer, I have had the opportunity to serve as an intern with By The Hand Club for Kids, and it has already been one of the most meaningful experiences of my college journey. As someone who values service, leadership, and helping others reach their full potential, this internship has given me a chance to see firsthand how a caring community can make a lasting impact on young people and families. Each day has brought new opportunities to learn, grow, and reflect on my own purpose and calling.

Working at By The Hand has allowed me to contribute to an organization that is deeply
committed to supporting students academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Throughout the
summer, I have assisted with various activities, supported staff members, and helped create a
positive environment for students. Whether I am helping with programming, interacting with
students, preparing materials, or assisting with daily operations, I have learned that every task
plays an important role in the organization’s mission. Seeing the dedication of the staff and
volunteers has inspired me to approach my work with greater intention and care.

One of the most rewarding parts of this experience has been building relationships with the
students. Their energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm remind me why organizations like By The
Hand are so important. I have enjoyed getting to know the students and encouraging them as
they participate in activities and learn new skills. Even small interactions can make a difference.
A simple conversation, word of encouragement, or helping a student complete a task can help
build confidence and create a sense of belonging.

I often think about questions related to purpose and calling. This internship has encouraged me
to reflect on how my personal values connect with my future career goals. I have always been
passionate about helping others and creating positive change within my community. Through
this experience, I have seen how meaningful work can impact lives in ways that may not always
be immediately visible. It has reinforced my belief that success is not only measured by personal achievements but also by the ways we support and uplift others.

My experience at By The Hand has connected to many of the lessons I have learned through
my classes and leadership experiences. In school, I have studied the importance of community
engagement, service, and leadership. This internship has allowed me to put those concepts into
practice. Rather than simply reading about the importance of supporting others, I have had the
opportunity to witness it every day through the work being done at By The Hand. One thing that has surprised me is how much growth can happen in a relatively short period of time.

As the summer continues, I am excited to keep learning from my supervisors, coworkers, and
the students I serve. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization that is making a real difference in the lives of young people. This experience has reminded me that purpose is often discovered through service, relationships, and a willingness to invest in others. I look forward to continuing this journey and carrying these lessons with me throughout my future career and leadership experiences.

Angel Johnson, By The Hand Club for Kids

It’s been just two weeks since I stepped into Jacob’s Ladder, in Chesterton, as a CAPS Fellow, and this experience is already shaping me in ways I didn’t expect. Walking through the doors, I’m reminded why I chose a path rooted in service, learning, and community. There’s something special about this place, something you can feel before you can fully explain it.

Jacob’s Ladder has a mission that resonates deeply with me: helping children reach their fullest potential through compassionate, evidence‑based therapy. Seeing that mission lived out in real time, in the patience of the therapists, the joy of the kids, and the trust of the families has been one of the most grounding parts of my fellowship so far.

My role here blends observation, creativity, and connection. I’m learning how to capture the moments that matter: the small victories, the breakthroughs, the smiles through photography and videography. It’s a privilege to document stories that reflect resilience and growth. Every image feels like a reminder that progress doesn’t always look big or loud; sometimes it’s a child trying something new, or a parent exhaling with relief.

What I appreciate most is the environment. The team is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely invested in each child’s journey. They’ve made space for me to learn, ask questions, and contribute in meaningful ways. I feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

As I continue this fellowship, I’m excited to keep growing as a nurse, as a storyteller, and as someone committed to serving families with dignity and compassion. If the first two weeks are any indication, this experience will leave a lasting mark on how I show up in my future practice.

And honestly, I’m grateful. Grateful for the opportunity, the people, the mission, and the chance to be part of something that truly matters.

Armelle S. Ndemanou Dongmo, Jacob’s Ladder

This morning, the first thing I did after waking up was go outside, let some chickens out of their coop, throw a cup of corn into their enclosure, refill their oats and water, and then get started with my actual work for the day. My work with Compass International [Family Center], as of now, has largely been virtual; the nonprofit’s needs primarily relate to social media and data collection, which I have taken joy in fulfilling. Some of my prior work with the university, such as my role as volunteer coordinator of St. Teresa of Avila’s Cafe Manna, has exposed me firsthand to many of the most vulnerable living within Valparaiso; however, my role at Compass has exposed me to a new angle by which I can approach caring for a population in need. My role is more administrative in character, at least as of now, and as such, it deals more directly with addressing issues that Compass faces as opposed to immediate care. I believe this is a good path for me to explore because it allows for the professionals who do volunteer work with us to do their job more easily and effectively.

From my economics and math background, I’ve had a lot of experience with research and problem solving, especially in terms of efficiency and complex language and terms. I believe that my time at Compass has given me a unique opportunity to implement that into a setting that actively benefits and assists those on the front lines of care that is needed in Valpo. I’m looking forward to work that I will be doing in the future, particularly both the work I’ll be doing on the ground with Compass participants, but also other ways I can assist the nonprofit administratively. Furthermore, I also appreciate the mission driven and Christian character of Compass International; as a Peer Minister at the St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center, faith is important to me personally, and I view the work that I do as an extension of it. Being able to work for such an important mission as helping international families and individuals grow accustomed to life in the United States is, to me, a textbook example of Matthew 25:35 (“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me”) being applied in modern life. Working for a mission based cause such as this excites me, and spiritually prepares me for what the rest of adulthood will eventually provide.

I would like to end by stating my gratitude toward everyone who has allowed me to thrive at this stage in my life. I would like to thank my family, friends, housemates, and faculty at Valparaiso University for giving me the opportunity to be a positive force within the greater Valparaiso community. Without your support, I surely would not have been able to make it as far as I have. May we all be inspired to live out the Gospel message and see Christ in each and every one of our neighbors.

Matthew Landum, Compass International Family Center