Sierra was an MSW Therapist Intern for Scenic View Academy during Spring 2025.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
I have been able to have my first experience with having multiple therapy clients at the same time as well as teaching classes and helping create life systems for young adults with autism. I have become a better person, have been a resource for others, as well as providing external resources to people in my community.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
I was not expecting to learn how to teach classes about ACT therapy or life systems. This is a skill that I was not expecting to get practice doing.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
I am definitely more open and interested in working with those in the neurodiverse population. Before this internship I did not have much experience with this population, but I feel much more confident and also drawn to this population.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
I have been challenged as I seek to understand people who have different belief systems from myself. I have become more understanding, nonjudgmental, and have turned to the Lord often in prayer.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
I would recommend this internship to other students. It has been remarkable getting to know and serve those in the neurodiverse community. There is so much to learn from them, and I have felt inspired by those I work with. I also have learned great skills with very supportive staff and supervisors.
Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?
My internship has required me to be uncomfortable, courageous, and prayerful. The discomfort has taught me that I am pursuing a path that will constantly require additional growth, learning, and humility. Though it is an ongoing learning process, it is a process that is helping me become the person I want to be in my work, family, and community.
