Though much of my prior experience and education has been largely focused on youth development, a passion of mine has always been senior care and the aging process. When I found Iowa Senior Planning and saw the great work they do for seniors in long term care facilities and their families, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. During my time at Iowa Senior Planning, I have learned a great deal about Medicaid planning. My main role as business office assistant is to complete intakes of potential clients, complete Medicaid annual reviews, manage Facebook and LinkedIn accounts, and support the team in any ways I can be a helpful asset.

After my summer internship with the World Food Prize concluded, I was offered a contracted position as the Assistant to the Director of Youth Leadership. My main role in those three months was to assist with the planning and execution of their youth program, the Global Youth Institute (GYI). I aided in overseeing and taking accountability for approximately 250 high school and college students as well as applying effective problem-solving skills whenever my assistance was needed during the World Food Prize’s week of events. Additionally, I also supported the Youth Leadership Director in preparing for GYI by creating and printing documents, updating the World Food Prize website, and keeping track of information that was submitted by students through Google Forms.

I was lucky enough to stumble upon the World Food Prize stand at a job fair at Iowa State during my senior year of college. As someone who was particularly interested and passionate about youth programming and non-profit work, this turned out to be the perfect internship opportunity for me! Not only did I get to be a part of the planning and organization for one of their youth programs, the Global Youth Institute, but was also given the opportunity to really make my internship my own by customizing my time there based on my interests. With that, I also created and researched educational activities that promote global awareness in high school aged students, as well as assisted in writing and researching for a grant proposal to give underserved youth more opportunities to participate in programs run by the World Food Prize.

For three years, I worked in various roles at AJs Steakhouse. From serving, to bussing, to hostessing, to bartending, it was not uncommon to adjust and adapt to the ever changing environment the food industry has to offer. Throughout my time there, I learned a lot more than how to just take an order and carry a tray of food. I learned how to multitask in a fast-paced environment, address customer complaints, apply appropriate conflict resolution procedures, anticipate customer needs, and engage in meaningful conversations with customers of all ages. A job that I initially accepted as something to help me get through college turned into a series of lessons and qualities gained that I continue to carry with me through my professional career.