As my internship at Compass International Family Center continues, I’ve had the chance to reflect on everything I’ve experienced over the past few weeks. When I first started, I was
excited to learn and contribute, but I didn’t realize just how much work happens behind the scenes to make every program and event possible. Looking back now, I have a whole new appreciation for the people who make that work happen, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to be part of it.

Throughout the summer, I’ve worked on a variety of projects that support both children and
families. One of my favorite responsibilities has been creating lesson plans for the children’s
programs. I enjoy thinking of ways to make learning fun, interactive, and engaging while also
encouraging children to build confidence and curiosity. As a psychology major with a minor in
social work, it’s been exciting to connect what I’ve learned in my classes with real experiences
and see how thoughtful planning can make a difference in a child’s learning.

I’ve also spent a lot of time working on projects that most people never see but that are just as
important. I’ve designed flyers for programs and events, built databases of community support
organizations, and researched resources that can help international families find services like
food assistance, healthcare, housing, legal support, employment assistance, and other community resources. Knowing that these tools can help families connect with organizations
that may make their lives a little easier has made every hour of research feel meaningful.

Another part of my internship that I’ve really enjoyed is finding educational resources for the
children. Whether I’m looking for books, activities, or printable materials, I love knowing that
these resources will help create positive learning experiences. It’s rewarding to be creative while
also thinking about what will best support the children who participate in Compass programs. Right now, I’m also helping prepare the welcome bags that Compass will use at upcoming events. I’ve been coordinating many of the materials that will go inside them, and it’s exciting to
know that something I helped create will be one of the first things new families receive when
they arrive. I hope those welcome bags help people feel welcomed, supported, and excited to
become part of the Compass community.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this summer is how much happens before an event or
program ever takes place. Working alongside my supervisor, Kathleen, has given me a new
appreciation for everything that goes into serving a community. I’ve seen the amount of
planning, organization, and dedication required to make each program successful. Before this
internship, I don’t think I fully understood how many hours of work happen long before families
walk through the door.

Being able to help with those behind-the-scenes projects has honestly been one of the most
rewarding parts of my internship. Even tasks that seem simple, like creating a flyer, organizing a
database, or putting together welcome bags, require a great deal of time and attention. Knowing that I can take some of those responsibilities off Kathleen’s plate and contribute to the team’s work makes me feel like I’m making a real difference. I may not always be the person leading an event, but I know the work I’m doing helps make those moments possible, and that’s something I’m truly proud of.

This experience has also changed the way I think about service. Before this summer, I often
imagined making an impact through direct interaction with people. While I still value that, I’ve
learned that supporting a community also means preparing, organizing, planning, and creating
resources that allow others to succeed. Every lesson plan, every flyer, every database, and
every welcome bag is another way of helping families feel seen, supported, and connected.
That realization has made this internship even more meaningful to me.

As someone who hopes to build a career working with children and families, this experience has strengthened my passion for serving others and reminded me that every contribution matters, no matter how big or small. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to learn from Kathleen and the entire Compass team. As the summer comes to a close, I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together, and I know the lessons I’ve learned behind the scenes will stay with me long after this internship ends.

Sofia Gomez, Compass International Family Center

Around Valpo’s campus are labyrinths. Much like a maze, these elaborate pathways have many twists and turns. Yet, every step forward brings you closer to the center. My academic and professional journey has been anything but linear, full of twists and turns! More importantly, it has been full of lessons. My time at Shirley Heinze Land Trust through the CAPS Fellowship program has been no exception to this. During my internship, I’ve pondered many of the questions posed at its outset. The foremost of these inquiries has been, “How can I connect my work to the needs of others?”

The answer to that question has not always felt close; but it has become clearer through the
most unexpected, grounding, and profound experience in conservation as a CAPS Fellow. Every week, I had the opportunity to learn from conservation professionals whose careers have shown me just how interdisciplinary this field truly is. Alongside restoring habitats and protecting natural spaces, I’ve grown to understand the business strategies that allow conservation organizations to fulfill their missions. I found meaningful applications for the skills I am gaining in my undergraduate studies, including the power of storytelling. As amazing as the mission of advancing conservation is, it’s only as impactful as the people who hear it, identify with it, and support it. Through marketing, grant management, and data analytics, nonprofit organizations like Shirley Heinze attract the support they need to continue expanding their community impact. That is something I can actively contribute to.

Perhaps the most meaningful lesson I learned this summer was how to let curiosity guide me through unfamiliar territory. Coming into this experience, I brought a love of nature, service oriented work, and analytics. I never imagined a career existed that could bring those passions together in a meaningful way. As impactful of an experience as these last few months have been, I would never have pursued this opportunity if I had stayed in my comfort zone. If I had carved a traditional path for myself (college, major-focused internship, networking, full-time job), I would have missed out on the extraordinary gift of the unexpected. Instead of trying to course correct, or find a straightforward path to employment, I’ve learned to embrace each twist and turn life sends my way. Exploring service-oriented work through the CAPS program has equipped me with a rich and varied experience that I can bring with me into my career after graduation, and my lifelong commitment to service. I can say with confidence that a career in nonprofit is not only desirable, but possible.

I am incredibly grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and fellow studesnts who challenged me
and trusted me with meaningful work throughout this experience. They created space for me not only to contribute but to ask questions, explore new ideas, and grow as a young professional.

I am moving along in my journey; still learning how to recognize the opportunities that align with my purpose and provide ways to connect my work to the needs of others. I am grateful that this stop in my journey led me to the CAPS Fellowship Program, to Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and now to a purpose-led career path in nonprofit work.

Aria Davis, Shirley Heinze Land Trust

Art is always something that’s been pushed onto us as it connects the ideas of humanity and history. When we’re children, it’s in our nature to be infatuated with creativity; how does something work? Can I make it work better? That work frames creativity and builds the base for art. Art represents our humanity and our creativity, and I’d forgotten how freeing it can feel. At the Grunewald Guild, you begin to realize that a lot of day to day hobbies and activities can be traced back to its root of art. Art is everywhere, in the trees that waver, in the conversations that make you laugh, and even in service. At my organization it’s nearly impossible to not come into contact with art, and that has impacted my mentality. I’ve noticed that because of art, things seem brighter, my emotions feel freer, and I am able to ground myself. Art reminds us of our human nature, it makes us feel and ask questions and that’s why it’s so important. As burnout came and went, I had repressed my artistic side and the Guild has really helped me ignite it again and use it to help others. Art becomes, therefore, connected to the idea of serviceship.

Service becomes apparent when you notice an impact that you may have had on your own life, or on somebody else’s life. At the Grunewald Guild, we prioritize allowing people to be themselves, step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Since my last blog post, I’ve participated in varying activities such as ecstatic dancing, diving into a cold river, jewelry making, and crocheting. The activity that stuck out to me the most was the act of ecstatic dancing. Now, a direct definition is “Ecstatic dance is a form of dance in which the dancers, sometimes without the need to follow specific steps, release themselves to the rhythm and move freely.” But I personally don’t think that fully sums up the elevated feeling ecstatic dancing brings up. As you move freely to the rhythm of music, that inner child starts to come out, that shameless kid inside of you that is still there begins to dance. Your inner emotions begin to free itself all in the name of music. It’s a “feel-good” activity that I highly recommend for people to try. But through it, I felt no judgement and a sense of safety in the community. To feel those emotions has been a privilege, to continue to be part of a community that serves each other is freeing.

The activities I’ve experienced have had an impact on me mentally and from the past couple weeks of hearing people say that their experience at the Grunewald Guild was irreplaceable, reminds me that I actively participate in service to others. In the Guild’s mission statement this year there is a theme of resonance which includes paying attention to the vibration and energy of those around you. Resonance has become a key to the service I am actively participating in. We are being encouraged to slow down, spend time with each other, listen to ourselves and to others.

Nickie Smar, Grunewald Guild

This summer at Jacob’s Ladder in Chesterton has been a journey of watching growth happen right in front of me. My role here is simple on the surface. I take pictures and videos during therapy sessions and turn them into stories that help the world understand the work being done in this place. But the more time I spend behind the camera, the more I realize that something deeper is happening. I am changing too.

Every session feels like a window into a child’s world. I see their effort, their determination, their frustration, and their joy. I watch them arrive with challenges that sometimes feel heavy, and I watch them leave a little taller because they accomplished something that once felt impossible. Being present for these moments has shifted something inside me.

There is a rhythm to the sessions. A child takes a step that is shaky and uncertain. A therapist offers encouragement. The child tries again. I capture the moment. Later, when I review the footage, I notice details I missed in real time. The way a child’s eyes brighten when they realize they did it. The way a therapist celebrates even the smallest improvement. The way parents watch with hope that grows session after session. These details stay with me long after I leave the building.

I did not expect to be moved so deeply by what I see. I came into this fellowship thinking I would learn about storytelling and social media strategy. Instead, I am learning about resilience. I am learning about patience. I am learning about the quiet power of showing up consistently. Watching these kids work through their challenges has made me reflect on my own. If they can keep trying with so much courage, then I can too.

There is something sacred about witnessing progress. It is not loud. It is not dramatic. It is steady and honest. It is a child taking one more step than they could last week. It is a smile after a hard moment. It is a therapist saying I knew you could do it. These moments remind me that growth in my own life does not have to be perfect or fast. It just has to be real.

As I create posts that share these stories with the world, I feel a sense of responsibility. I want people to see the heart behind the work at Jacob’s Ladder. I want them to understand that what happens here is more than therapy. It is transformation. It is connection. It is hope.

This fellowship is shaping me in ways I did not expect. It is teaching me to slow down and pay attention. It is helping me understand that calling is not always found in big decisions. Sometimes it is found in the quiet act of witnessing someone else’s courage and letting it inspire your own.

Step by step, I am connecting the dots. And I am grateful for every moment.

When I found out I would be working with Compass this summer, I was excited because I have always enjoyed serving my community. I never imagined I would become part of an organization whose mission aligns so closely with my own values. Compass International [Family] Center is dedicated to welcoming and supporting international individuals and families, and being able to contribute to that mission has made this internship especially meaningful.

One of the biggest highlights of my internship has been working with my supervisor, Kathleen.
She has been an exceptional mentor throughout this experience. From the very beginning, she
has trusted me with meaningful responsibilities while always being available to answer questions and provide guidance. She encourages me to take initiative, be creative, and contribute my own ideas, which has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Having a supervisor who believes in my potential has made this internship both enjoyable and incredibly rewarding.

One thing that makes my experience at Compass so unique is realizing how much happens
behind the scenes at a nonprofit organization. Before starting this internship, I did not realize
how many different programs, resources, and services Compass provides to support international individuals and families. Although Compass may seem like a small organization from the outside, it is constantly working on new initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the community.

I especially enjoy that no two days are the same. Kathleen is always developing new ideas
and projects, and I have the opportunity to contribute to many of them. From creating
educational materials and researching community resources to organizing information and
supporting new programs, there is always something meaningful to work on. I love that every
project challenges me to learn something new while allowing me to contribute, even in a small
way, to helping families feel welcomed, connected, and supported as they build their lives in a
new community.

One of my favorite parts of the internship is every Tuesday, when I work directly with the
preschool children. I help plan activities while also participating alongside the children as they
complete crafts, games, stories, and other hands-on learning experiences. Although these
moments are fun and rewarding, I have come to realize that they represent something much
bigger. By creating a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment for the children, we are also
supporting their parents and caregivers, giving families a place where they can build
relationships, learn together, and feel connected to the community.

The children constantly remind me why I chose this career path. They are naturally curious,
excited to participate, and eager to share what they know. One thing that amazes me is how
much they remember from previous lessons. Whether we are talking about plants, reading a
story together, or introducing a new activity, they often connect new ideas to things we explored weeks before. Watching those moments happen has shown me how powerful early childhood learning can be when children feel encouraged, supported, and excited to learn. It has also reminded me that meaningful learning happens through positive experiences that children carry with them long after the activity is over.

Beyond working with the preschoolers, Compass has shown me that service comes in many
forms. Sometimes it means researching community resources, designing educational materials,
preparing activities, or welcoming someone who is new to the area. Other times, it simply
means creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and connected. While my
individual role may seem small, I know that each task contributes to the larger mission of
helping international families feel supported as they build their lives in Northwest Indiana.
Knowing that my work can make even a small difference in someone’s experience has been
one of the most meaningful parts of this internship.

As I continue my internship, I look forward to learning even more from the incredible people at
Compass International [Family] Center. Every project, every new challenge, and every Tuesday with the preschoolers reminds me why I chose psychology and why I hope to dedicate my career to serving children, families, and communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that makes such a meaningful impact, and I am excited to continue growing through service.

Sofia Gomez, Compass International Family Center

I’d forgotten just how much I love nature. As a little girl, I spent a lot of time outdoors–looking for creeping bugs, playing in the dirt, and collecting flowers. I have countless memories of being filled with pride as I’d run up to my parents and show them my discoveries. Yet, as tends to happen, the further away I got from childhood, the more I lost touch with the refreshing and deep joy nature gives me. Here at Shirley Heinze Land Trust, I’ve reconnected with the natural world–only now, I understand the value of protecting it.

When I started my internship in June, it became immediately apparent that this summer would
not only be reflective, but fun. Alongside 13 other interns, I have explored an entire world of
biodiversity, research, and conservation that I had no idea existed. From hiking the Indiana
Dunes, to exploring botanical gardens and nature preserves, I have gained a new, deepened
appreciation for creation. I approached this summer experience with an array of questions, most of which have to do with my professional growth and trajectory. Yet, the answers I’ve found are more profound, grounded in purpose.

I’ve found joy in the quiet, reflective setting here at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve. Going on
near-daily walks in the forest, and spending time disconnected from my devices during my lunch period offers moments of introspection that I might not have taken otherwise. I notice more, now. Creation has taught me to worry less, and see how even the smallest of birds always have what they need (Matthew 6:26,27). In just a few meaningful weeks, I’ve returned to that little girl who loved to play in the dirt.

It’s been a gift to see how my work at Shirley Heinze impacts their work and mission. They’ve
spent decades reconnecting others in the community to nature; helping people from all
backgrounds to have similar moments of reflection, appreciation, and awe. This is a legacy I
now have the privilege to be part of. Initially, I was unsure how I would align with and contribute
to the work here at Shirley Heinze. I faced feelings of inadequacy and a fear of the unknown.
Yet, the guidance, support, and greater purpose I’ve explored through the CAPS Fellowship
Program has allowed me to see past these fears; channeling them into momentum and growth.
Knowing that I support such an impactful mission with deep roots in my community has given
me added motivation in my internship. I show up to work each day excited to learn and create
something new.

One of the questions I asked myself at the beginning of this Fellowship was, “How can I connect
my work with the needs of others?” I have learned a new skill in my experience this summer: the art of noticing. Slowing down, observing a need, and being intentional about the way I support it. I’ve learned to be more adaptable, and try to integrate compassion, empathy, and humility in everything I do. That aligns with my purpose, and is something I can carry with me to every stop in my journey. This summer internship, and more profoundly this fellowship have been uniquely formative in this chapter of my life. I can’t wait to see what other lessons and shaping moments remain.

Aria Davis, Shirley Heinze Land Trust

What a summer this has been! Now in the midst of my internship, my experiences have become more varied and often more consumed with meaning than before. Arguably my most impactful experience has been working with the local community through not only my position as a van assistant, but also and primarily through grant writing. In order to best serve the community, assuring proper funding for programming is critical, and as such, my grant writing work attains a level of spirituality to it that doesn’t necessarily apply to other applications; since I’ve been able to see firsthand the kind of work that Compass does, I’ve seen what I am writing for and why what I am doing is essential for the wellbeing of the community. Compass’ work isn’t and cannot be free, so as such, grant writing becomes a lifeline that is required for the continuation and propagation of the ideals of the founders. I am able to further the objectives of the nonprofit, the organization giving the grant, and ultimately, the Kingdom of Heaven by fulfilling the ideals of the Beatitudes of Matthew 5. Furthermore, my continued social media work also ties into this; I’ve been able to expand Compass’ outreach considerably, and as such, we will be able to reach more people and better administer Christ’s love to the Valparaiso community.

In addition, due to the location of my internship, I’ve been able to maintain my bonds with my
Church and community in town. I have been able to continue volunteering at Cafe Manna, the
community meal offered at the St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center, in conjunction with
developing the young adult community at that same parish. Northwest Indiana is blessed to
have a thriving group of young Catholic adults, and because I’m located in Valpo, I’ve been able
to spend time with them while furthering my understanding of the needs of Valparaiso citizens.
Seeing what drives key aspects such as employment, food stability, as well as funding has
made a significant impact on how I view needs within the community. The lack of monolithicity (or diversity of perspectives) and the individual encounters I have had with so many people have shown me the multifaceted ways in which Christ is present in others, and because of this, I have come to better understand the necessity of organizations and events that build strong supportive communities.

I hope to utilize these skills in my professional life by applying the amount of knowledge I’ve
gained about organizational leadership and community building to the workplace. I believe doing so will empower both me and allow me to better fulfill my purpose of establishing Christ’s
kingdom on earth. I again would like to thank everyone who has helped me come this far;
without your support, I would not be where I am today. Thank you!

Matthew Landrum, Compass International Family Center

At the time that my first blog post surfaces, I will have completed my first week of internship at Grunewald Guild. While being here I have surfaced a new passion for art, creativity, and have welcomed the idea of spirituality with a community. My experience the past week has already been unforgettable and though I have around five more weeks left, I haven’t had any doubts about feeling that my placement was right for me. When writing this, I have been here for three full days, in those three days I’ve flourished more than I ever thought was possible. I’ve been on a hike, swam in a river and lake, made block stamps, and practiced their mission statement of resonance. The Guild’s mission statement is all about resonance, “Community, at its truest, is a resonant body. Each person brings their own frequency—their grief, their joy, their curiosity, their questions—and somehow, when held with care, these differences do not cancel one another out. They create harmony. Not uniformity, but consonance. A shared field where no one voice dominates, and no one is lost.”

In my journey, I have recently grappled with issues of what my calling or service truly is to the community. While others around me focus on social and political affairs, helping children, environmental conservation, I found myself questioning if what I was doing had any point. Of course one could argue that self-working is service to yourself, but there was a voice in the back of my mind questioning if what I was doing was selfish. Everything feels so easy here, so am I really doing any social work?

As I grappled with my idea of “selfishness”, I had meals with some familiar and some new faces. After getting past the introduction stage of “Where are you from?” or “Is this your first time in Washington?” you uncover that these people in your community are here to be present. As you talk, you start to uncover the struggles in people’s lives slowly. You’ll hear people of all ages talking about loss, grief, guilt, and worry. Every person has a story of why they’re here, some are dealing with the death of someone close, others work a laboring job. Each and every individual here is not only just here for themselves, they’re here for others. Every meal spent a new conversation and a new fact surfaces. Every class period of art there’s the group talking casually or about the activity. Every morning Matin and nightly Vespers’ intentions we’re brought together to ground ourselves. The place is oozing with the intimacy of being present and feeling your inner and outer resonance while listening to each other.

Going into my internship, I was still dealing with the loss of my grandmother and the sense of community you feel is freeing. Each week there is a new group of people, some familiar and some new, that in itself creates more opportunity to show up. The people have writing workshops on their own, teachers create pop-up events for others who don’t get to experience their class, and every day we’re brought together. None of that would be possible without one’s presence. A quote from the Wednesday Matins by Mary Oliver read that “Attention without feeling, I began to learn, is only a report. An openness – an empathy – Dear pine cone, let me hold you as you open.” Which spoke to almost everyone in that room because it reminded us all of our presence. When we hold each other close and stay attentive, we are open and we feel all of the emotions being let out whether it be through art, writing, speaking, or our thoughts. In creating art, we express the true beauty of the world, but in being here we are creating art. Being present in itself is an art that many take for granted, you never know what will happen in the next few minutes, so be present now, not in your future or past. The mission statement of resonance resonates with where I am in my journey, leaving space for community and others to be present not only in my life but their lives.

While others deal with the social issues rapidly changing first hand, the guild serves as a quiet act of rebellion against them. It brings together a community of people, has them express themselves through art, and allows for opportunity to be present for ourselves. As I continue my internship, I look forward to serving the local community and practicing the art of being present.

Nickie Smar, Grunewald Guild