When JaBria, a Master of Social Work student at the University of Texas at Arlington, was looking into internship opportunities, she was planning on working with children. But when Well Community board member Tiesha White suggested she consider an internship at the Well to broaden her perspective, she trusted the recommendation. Though it wasn’t what she’d originally planned, it’s been an experience that has deepened her understanding not only of the people the Well Community serves but of herself.
JaBria’s day as an intern at the Well’s Community Life Center begins with greeting members and checking in with Ericka, the Manager of Operations, to see what needs to be done. That’s followed by devotions led by members and then a game like bingo, a creative project such as journaling, or an interpersonal skill-building or self-care activity, led by interns or staff. All are punctuated by conversation and connection. Then comes lunch and more chatting with members. “I think that’s what I’ve done the most: talk with them,” JaBria says.
Through those many conversations, JaBria has gotten to know members’ joys and struggles and seen how the Well provides a place of community for them as they navigate life with serious mental illnesses. “You’re learning in the moment,” she explains, adding that her experience has given her a bigger passion for people living with serious mental illnesses. “The spotlight needs to be on them a little bit more in society.”
In addition to learning about the men and women who come to the Well, JaBria made a discovery about herself: “I’ve learned that I don’t just want to work with children,” she shares. “So, it did exactly what I thought it wasn’t going to do and really changed my perspective. … [Well Community members] really taught me to look to myself a little bit more and just understand that everybody is on different levels—their capacity is different.” That understanding has taught her about offering grace to others and being open to their journeys in life.
This includes being open about her own journey. “Although I’m there to do social work, I really learned a lot about myself working with them that I don’t always get to see in myself with kids.”
She encourages others considering an internship at the Well Community, “Definitely do it, but also be prepared for change for not only yourself but for the members. I think you should always bring your best self to them.” And, she assures, “It is kind of easy to just come in and be a part of it without feeling timid about the situation. … Come in with an open mind. … Be ready to learn, be ready to change and transform yourself, but also the experiences that you’re offering to them.”
In addition to all they can learn through involvement in the Community Life Center, JaBria shares that serving at Thursday Night life provides additional and valuable perspective. “You’ll learn a lot there too, because you get to see [members] in a different space and capacity. … You kind of get to see them in another light, and I like that as well.” She adds, “Even when I’m not interning anymore, I’m still going [to Thursday Night Life] because I really, really enjoy being there with the members and making relationships with them.”
The joy of building these relationships has been a common, if unexpected, theme of JaBria’s internship. “I think the biggest surprise was me enjoying it so much. … I’m really grateful,” she emphasizes, thanking Ericka and Executive Director Alice Zaccarello for making the internship experience enjoyable for her. “They said, ‘Do your thing; see what works for you.’ And I was able to do that, and I loved it.”
We in turn are so thankful for JaBria! “It’s a joy to have her as one of our interns,” says Alice. “JaBria’s enthusiasm and deep respect for our members have made her such an asset to the Well.”