Students Name: Natalie Gonzalez
Parents’ Name: Alvaro Gonzalez and Maria Grajeda
Post-secondary plans: St. Elizabeth School of Nursing
Career plans: Nursing Degree and then become a CRNA
Century Career Center class: Professional Career Internship
Century Career Center instructor: Cynthi Frye
Business name: Logansport Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Center
Supervisor’s name: Paul Soderlund
Supervisor’s title: Department Manager/Radiation Therapist
Student input
Gonzalez: “This internship has solidified my decision to be in the healthcare field, specifically nursing. I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand the quality care every patient in the Cancer Care Center receives. The profound impact compassionate care can have on patients and their families motivated me to choose a career where I positively impact lives. The resilience and gratitude of the patients inspire me to continue this meaningful work. I am so thankful the staff have been very welcoming and eager to share their knowledge. I’ve learned so much.”
Supervisor’s input
What do you think of the internship program? “I think the internship program helps students narrow down the many career choices they might be considering, while potentially sparking interest in an area of study they previously had not considered. I think the intern program should be used by any student who is unsure of their next steps after leaving high school.”
Why were you willing to participate? “I think the Cancer Care Center has a wonderful opportunity to help local students make an important decision about their future and to keep students excited about furthering their education. I think working with cancer patients is an area of healthcare that could easily be overlooked by students if they never had the opportunity so see this care in action.”