Flint Study Away Internship Spotlight – Alex Carron

July 30, 2024 - Shelly DeJong

Meet Alex Carron, a junior psychology major with minors in Human Behavior and Social Services and a minor in graphic design. This summer, Alex is interning with The Disability Network in Flint, Michigan. This internship is through the Flint Study Away Internship Program, a credit-bearing summer internship program where MSU undergraduates live, work, and study within the city of Flint for 8-10 weeks. Learn more about Alex’s internship experience below.  
 

How did you end up with psychology as your major? 

Ever since taking AP Psych in high school, I've been drawn to psychology. I was debating whether I wanted to pursue something in the field of therapy, as I believe therapy is one of the most helpful forms of self-care. Upon reflection, I realized that being a therapist might be too emotionally draining for me.  I admire those who can do therapy and find it enjoyable, but I think it might be overwhelming for me. Despite this, I am still fascinated by understanding how people work and am particularly interested in classes related to child psychology, developmental psychology, and similar subjects offered at MSU.  

I’m also drawn to graphic design and think that it pairs well with psychology.  I think that graphic design for a nonprofit could be a likely route for me to take as it would combine my creative side with my empathetic desire to help people.   

 

Tell us about your internship! 

I'm interning at the Flint Disability Network this summer. The Disability Network aims to promote advocacy and equal access for individuals with disabilities, so they can engage in regular activities just like everyone else. At our office, I've noticed various small but impactful changes, like wider bathroom doors and an emergency cord that reaches the ground for assistance. These thoughtful additions really enhance accessibility. I find it inspiring because they are not commonly seen in public or private restrooms.  

As part of the advocacy team, I've come to learn about the various services and support provided by the organization, including outreach, referrals, and assistance with transitioning from nursing homes. My specific internship responsibilities include setting up and planning events, researching our representatives, advocating for people with disabilities, among other things creating graphics and flyers. I’ve also had the opportunity to engage with the Flint community, where we organize various classes at locations like the library or the Flint Art Institute. I'm genuinely enjoying my time here and the meaningful work that we do.  

  

What surprised you the most about your internship so far?  

This is my first office internship, so I’ve been surprised at how relaxed and casual the office environment is. It's a good balance for me, as it's not too formal but still prepares me for future internships or jobs that may have a more professional atmosphere.  

This is also my first experience with disability advocacy. I've realized that disability advocacy covers a broad range of issues, including mental health and mobility challenges. People often have a narrow view of disabilities, but invisible disabilities are just as important as visible ones. I hope that the work we're doing can change people's perceptions in the Flint community. I've found the community to be resilient and close-knit, and my experiences here have really opened my eyes.  

 

What have you liked the most about your internship so far? 

I've really enjoyed the hands-on experience, which is not surprising considering how much I love talking to and helping people. It makes me feel good. I particularly enjoyed going to the Flint Art Institute and taking part in the pottery classes.  Interacting with people felt great. It's a refreshing change from sitting at a desk all day and staring at a screen.  

I’ve also appreciated being able to explore my interest in graphic design here by making flyers and infographics. To get that practice and have examples for my portfolio is cool. 

  

Have you felt like your psychology like education or classes have helped prepare you for this internship? 

My psychology education has helped me in this internship in terms of how to treat people and how certain disabilities affect them. I took Psych 280 during my first year and it really helped me understand things like OCD and different types of it, such as trichotillomania, which is a hair-pulling disorder. I also gained insight into how different diagnoses can affect how individuals perceive instructions. For example, some people may need more direct instructions to comprehend and follow through. This understanding was particularly helpful when working with a community member who needed clear and specific instructions due to their condition. Overall, the class has been very valuable in helping me better understand and support individuals with various psychological conditions. 

  

Why did you end up doing the Flint Summer Study Away Program and how has your overall experience been with it? 

I was scrolling through my email and came across an email from Cathy White about an information meeting happening after my class, so I decided to check it out. Cathy made the whole process seamless, so it didn’t feel like an overwhelming process for my first time applying for an internship. Overall, this process has been less stressful than I expected and has felt like valuable work.