Student Internship Program
In the spring of 2004, Hill Country quietly began a program that has grown into one of the best things that we do. A local home school student needed a part-time job and the clinic needed someone with a flexible schedule that could travel with a hygienist from school to school working with kids. We started with this one student intern, but before long there were more needs for part-time jobs in the clinic and more students to fill those positions.
"Since I began working at Hill Country Community Clinic as part of the Student Internship Program I have been able to gain more knowledge and experience in the work field along with many new friendships. As a result of my new position I have also been accepted into a financial training program for youth’s called the I.D.A. program. Not only has my job at Hill Country opened many doors that were otherwise nonexistent but it has also brightened my outlook on future job opportunities. In addition, my time at the clinic has further strengthened my sense of community cooperation and leadership."
-Paige Braum 18, Student Intern
“The clinic has been like a family in so many ways. It is a great work environment that has nurtured my mind in a way that not many other work places could. They tend to what I need for school by working around my crazy schedule and they are always encouraging me to go forward towards my goals as a college student. Having a job that is close to home and enjoyable is a blessing that I didn’t expect. The clinic worked with my schedule and I was able to travel to China and Mexico for missions with peace of mind knowing that I was always coming home to a job. The many different things that I have done in the clinic have made me a well-rounded employee and I now work as the executive director’s assistant. I think that it is fantastic that they are reaching into the community and empowering youth to succeed. I look forward to see the fruits of our labor blossom with the future generations in this community.”
-Sharayah Duzenack 19, Student Intern
The clinic wanted to be able to reach out to students in the community and provide them with a flexible work plan that they could mold around their ever-changing school schedules. It is a great program for students that are seeking careers in healthcare. It is a great boost for students in education. There are now five student interns at the clinic and their jobs range from administrative assistant to front office aid to dental assistant. It has been an incredible experience that opened up the clinic to a younger generation and provided exciting opportunities for students. A recent grant from the Tides Foundation will allow us to expand this program by adding field trips to colleges, help with college and financial aid applications, and expanding the Youth Advisory Board.
“As a teenager straight out of high school, the “real world” started creeping up on me and I wasn’t sure I was fully prepared. Living in a rural town made it very difficult for me to maintain a job, but I knew I’d need some sort of income because I had college fees that beckoned. Thanks to the help from some wonderful people, I was able to get a job at Hill Country Community Clinic, a clinic I had gone to since I was a child. This job has really been a blessing because they have allowed me not only to continue with school by working around my class schedule, but they also gave me grace whenever I had to take time off for family and other personal business. My three minute commute has allowed me to stay living at home and save money. I have been here almost three years now, and can now afford to move out on my own. I have completed my AA degree and will be attending National University in the fall. I’m planning on staying aboard the Hill Country Clinic wagon while I broaden my educational horizon simply because this is one family I never expected to gain. It has been an unexpected and rewarding journey thus far, and I’ll always be grateful for what the student internship program has been able to offer the young adults in this community.”
- Shayna Carroll 21, Student Intern
The Youth Internship Program is another way that Hill Country Clinic is empowering its community to grow. It is an ever-changing, ever-developing program that will impact the up-coming generations. For more information please contact Shay Duzenack at 530.337.6243
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