Despite the uncertainty of college requirements in the midst of a pandemic, experiential learning is still taking place. Hear the perspectives of three CUAA upperclassmen who are in the middle of clinicals, internships, and student teaching semesters.
Concordia University Ann Arbor offers community connections for students, particularly when it comes to student teaching semesters, healthcare clinicals, and support in seeking internships.
A lot has changed for these upperclassmen in the past year, but they have continued to persevere in the pursuit of their degrees and academic requirements as they experience learning outside of the classroom.
Tina Perumalla (’21)
Nursing
What is your out-of-the-classroom experience this semester?
“I am currently doing my preceptorship on the ortho/neuro unit at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.”
How does your clinical role relate to the education you have received at Concordia?
“During my time in the nursing program, we have been taught how to give proper care for patients, administer medications, keep them alive, and so much more. Clinical has given me the practical experience to be able to practice my skills in a more controlled environment. It is always a great moment when my theoretical knowledge clicks with my practical experience.”
How has COVID-19 impacted your experience so far?
“The beginning of COVID was extremely difficult. We went from being on the floor in-person each week, to doing online clinical experiences. Because it was virtual, I missed the in-person learning that comes with regular clinicals. Our summer semester was the most difficult, because everything was online.”
What has been the most challenging part about this semester? How did you overcome that challenge?
“Time management has been the most challenging part of the semester. I tend to keep busy with different things, so at times it has been a struggle to make sure I am finishing things on time. It’s important for me to prioritize spending time with God in the morning. Then I make sure to keep everything that I need to do in my planner. This has really helped me form a routine and keep on top of most things!”
Related: School of Nursing: Ahead of the virtual learning curve
What has been your favorite part of this semester?
“Clinicals have been my favorite part of the semester. I enjoy helping people and talking to them. I missed interacting with people during COVID, so I always get excited when I meet someone new. Because this is my last semester, I am having many ‘first lasts.’ Even though they are sad, I do enjoy being present in these moments, whatever the moment may be. I also got a new dog, so that that’s been fun!”
What advice would you give to upcoming college seniors who will be doing clinicals?
“I would say, congratulations for making it this far! That is a big achievement in itself. Enjoy your last year. If you are going into a clinical setting, you’ve got this. Trust that you have enough knowledge if you have come this far. Go into clinical with confidence 🙂 Make sure you are taking time for yourself. There is much stress that comes hand in hand with school. You cannot take care of someone else if you are sick! Do a devotional, read a book, have a spa day, take a long nap. It is important that you take care of yourself.”
Caleb Chamberlain (’22)
Accounting and Sport & Entertainment Business
What is your out-of-the-classroom experience this semester?
“I am an Accounting Intern at Bond & Co. in Jackson, MI.”
How does your internship relate to the education you have received at Concordia?
“This role correlates directly to the accounting classes I have taken, am taking, and will take. In my role I am doing numerous tax preparation activities while also looking at financial statements, making journal entries, and analyzing other reports. My education at Concordia has allowed me to understand the foundational aspects of most of the things I am working on.”
How has COVID impacted your experience so far?
“For me personally, COVID has actually made doing this internship a possibility. I play baseball during this time of year so really any other year I wouldn’t have been able to take on this opportunity most likely. With classes being mainly online, or there being an option of Zoom or in-person, it allows me to take part in classes while at the office. I can listen to my classes without having to be there in person which is something that wouldn’t have been a possibility had COVID not happened. I’ve always been a strong student so the added challenge of having classes mainly online with little face to face interaction has been something I have been able to handle very well. Overall, I would say that COVID, especially this spring semester, made it easier for me to take on this internship opportunity.”
What has been the most challenging part about this semester? How did you overcome that challenge?
“The most challenging part of this semester has been managing my workload. I am taking 18 credits this semester, averaging about 20 hours per week for my internship, and the baseball season is starting to get into full swing. I have had to do a lot of planning in advance this semester and fortunately for me, my teachers and coach have been understanding about instances where I have conflicts or I may be late to something. The overall key has just been planning ahead a couple weeks in advance and staying on top of my classes. It allows me to relax a little knowing that I am prepared.”
What has been your favorite part of this semester?
“My favorite part about my semester so far has been my internship. The people are very kind and approachable which has been very important to me. I am learning a lot which I know will help me in the future and I am being exposed to various types of work so I have been able to gain experience in many different areas. Overall, I have really enjoyed the experience I have received so far and the people that I am working with.”
What advice would you give to upcoming college seniors who will be doing an internship?
“My advice to them would be to understand that this experience you will be receiving is very educational. Do not be afraid to ask questions, this is a learning experience and questions are a part of learning and expected. Just work hard and have fun, you will mess up and make mistakes but that is a part of the learning process. Just take the opportunity you are given head on and work hard to learn and grow in your experience.”
Charity Felton (’21)
Elementary Education, Teaching English as a Second Language Endorsement, Lutheran Teaching Diploma
What is your out-of-the-classroom experience this semester?
“I am teaching in a 3rd grade classroom in a Lutheran school in Macomb, MI.”
How does your student-teaching role relate to the education you have received at Concordia?
“Concordia has prepared me for student teaching throughout my time there. In classes and fieldwork, education students learn not only what to teach, but how to teach and how to do so effectively. As a LTD student, the theology classes have strengthened my faith and deepened my understanding of the Bible so that I am able to share my faith with my students. Concordia also filled me with the most important things: a desire to serve God, the relationships that encourage me, and the determination to never give up.”
How has COVID impacted your experience so far?
“COVID complicates teaching. At least, that’s one way to think about it. The more beneficial way to think about it, in my opinion, is that it has made us teachers think more creatively about our classroom. In school we are encouraged to try new things and A few of our students have been online during the past few months due to COVID, so it’s twice the normal work as we teach online and in person. But we do it because the kids are the most important thing!”
Related: Called to the Classroom: CUAA alumni share their reason for teaching
What has been the most challenging part about this semester? How did you overcome that challenge?
“One challenge was the added stress that teachers are feeling right now. To balance that out in the classroom, I have added singing to the beginning of the day – my third graders are learning new songs of praise to God and we are all starting our day with Him!”
What has been your favorite part of this semester?
“Getting to know my students – they are true gifts and precious blessings from God! I absolutely love the time that I get to spend with them!”
What advice would you give to upcoming college seniors who will be student-teaching, doing clinicals or in an internship?
“Don’t be afraid to be yourself during student teaching. It can be easy to become what people seem to be expecting, but just be yourself! Take one day at a time (honestly, take one class at a time!) and trust that God will give you the strength each morning for each day!”
— This story is written by Allie Milot, social media manager for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor. She may be reached at alexandria.milot@cuaa.edu or 734-995-7403.
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