When you think of a summer job, what comes to mind? Sun, pools, time relaxing, Netflix binging. For Rachael Wernsman a summer internship means getting the chance to make a lasting impact on your university through civic engagement.
Wernsman is the communication intern at the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CESL). She first began working at CESL last winter as a student receptionist. Her passion for civic engagement only grew when she discovered an internship opportunity at CESL. Wernsman assists with communication and programming projects like Alternative Break Alumni Weekend, September Service Saturdays, and the Alternative Fall Break weekend, among other things.
“The best part about working for CESL is that I really get to explore my passion for service and share that same passion with the people I work with and my university. Coming to work and starting new exciting projects that will benefit Illinois State University motivates me to share with others about the great things CESL is doing,” Wernsman said.
Wernsman is a junior interpersonal communication major with a minor in civic engagement. “Having the civic engagement minor compliments my major very nicely because it allows me to see what sort of career I would want in the future,” said Wernsman. She said that interning at CESL has made her realize what she wants to get out of a job someday.
“This opportunity has made me realize that a job should not be just about the money you make, but about the impact you make on others and how they impact you,” she said.
