A few weeks ago during Winterim, some of our students went outside the classroom and into real-world internships. This group focused on Education, spending time in classrooms at St. Jude Catholic School – Peoria , Banner Elementary School, and St. Thomas the Apostle School.
Kayla Kinning interned at St. Jude and shared how working with both younger and older students helped her better understand her strengths. She reflected on how patience, communication, and meeting students where they are truly matter, noting that not everyone learns at the same pace and that sometimes re-explaining makes all the difference.
Effie Williams interned at Banner Elementary and came away with understanding what it takes to pursue a career in education. Through conversations with teachers, she learned that loving kids is just the beginning, and that dedication, preparation, and a willingness to keep learning are essential. She also gained valuable life lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and staying positive on challenging days.
Laura Winschel interned at St. Thomas and said the experience helped confirm her desire to become a teacher. Being in the classroom showed her what the day-to-day responsibilities of teaching really look like and helped her develop important skills like patience, flexibility, and classroom management. While she recognized challenges, especially beyond the classroom, she shared that working directly with students made her feel like she was exactly where she was meant to be.
