“An experience that can push STUdents to find their calling”– Shelbie Tansley Interns with John Howard Society
Fifth-year STUdent Shelbie Tansley from Nackawic, NB, had many uncertainties about her future career path, but that all changed during her internship with the John Howard Society.
"After spending time with my internship, I realized this was my calling,” said Tansley who studies Native Studies at STU.
Without STU’s internship program, Tansley believes she would have never discovered her passion or felt fulfilled in her chosen career path the way she does now.
The John Howard Society is a community-based organization that assists inmates, ex-offenders, and those at risk of offending (due to economic, emotional, social, or other factors) to reintegrate back into mainstream society.
In her role, Tansley supports outreach activities, builds rapport with struggling clients, and shadows various areas—including peer support, case management, shelter, and outreach. Her main responsibilities include assisting clients, supporting colleagues, and combating homelessness stigma in the community.
Applying in-class learning to the real-world
Tansley said her Native Studies classes prepared her with understanding of many community struggles and the suppression of marginalized groups.
“My Native Studies education at STU is important because it sheds light on minority communities and the challenges that come with their unique positions,” she said.
“Being educated in this area with these lenses give me the integrity and passion I need to truly excel at my role.”
Advice for STUdents
Tansley enthusiastically recommends the internship program to fellow STUdents.
"I would 1000% recommend the STU internship program. I believe this is an experience that can really push students to find their calling. You can explore your interests, and even discover your career goals.”
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Tansley’s internship was made possible through the Future Wabanaki program and STU’s Office of Experiential Learning and Career Development.