Alexis Kauffman, a fourth-year student majoring in political science and minoring in Spanish in the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, has had a strong interest in mental health and self-improvement for as long as she can remember.
It was through Kauffman’s various internships that she gained the skills and passion that will help her become a counselor. Last summer, she worked as a government service intern within the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, specifically in the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She gained invaluable experiences in understanding how her future career path can support other Pennsylvanians.
Kauffman also interned for Allegheny Health Network’s Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion this past fall. She worked as a research assistant where she researched the impact of political and social determinants of health on the mental and behavioral health of individuals across various demographics in Pittsburgh.
Kauffman’s biggest takeaway from these experiences, she said, was how important it was for her to offer accessible mental health resources to her future clients. She explained that these internships educated her on the lives of others and the diversity within our society and how she wants to do as much as she can to support communities. Full Story
