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Student Spotlights

Andrea Martinez: Family Studies

Andrea was an autism aide for Wasatch Behavioral Health Giant Steps during Spring 2024.

Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.

I completed notes on students and observed my supervisor complete discrete trial trainings, which is a type of ABA. I followed up with ABA training, completed work sessions with students during the day. I also completed notes on assigned students I had for the day. And I assisted students and teachers the best I could with daily routines and schedule.

Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.

I was able to observe how passionate the teachers were in my workplace. They truly love their work and I admire and also want to find that one day; a work that is meaningful and motivates you to serve others.

What did you learn in your internship that you were not expecting to learn?

How to be more patient with myself and others.

How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?

I still would like to work with children, but I do not think I would like to work with an autistic class full time. Maybe more on an individual level.

Would you recommend this internship to other students?

Yes. You gain real life experience with the mental health world and are able to gain more charity for others and learn more about the experiences of others that come from being on the autism spectrum.

Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?

I am so grateful for my internship and people that I have met and learned from along the way.