magic HDFS UNDERGRADUATE AND FIRSTGENERATION STUDENT CINDY NGUYEN, ’25, was challenged to create a community project to complete her human services internship. As an intern at the Corvallis Caring Place, supporting older adults with daily living activities and promoting their independence, a couple of things became clear: Many residents didn’t have a lot of visitors, and they enjoyed spending time with kids. An idea was born. Cindy decided to bring residents together with preschool students at OSU’s Child Development Center to create a memorable moment for residents and children alike, grow a stronger sense of connection between the generations, and help each learn and share life experiences. In May 2025, she did just that with the help of the Corvallis Caring Place’s Crystal Well, human services internship coordinator Tasha Randall, and OSU Child Development Center Director Kathleen McDonnell. “I think Cindy’s event highlights one of the really valuable aspects of an internship, which is that students can get hands-on experience planning and organizing events that enhance the well-being of the clients served at their internship site,” Tasha says. “This sort of real-world experience is valuable for helping students prepare for their future careers. It also allows them to contribute in meaningful ways to local agencies and their clients, which is something that students who are interested in human service careers find especially rewarding.” Cindy — who along with the children brought flowers to residents, made friendship bracelets, sang songs and played with balloons — says the experience exceeded her expectations. “It went so, so well, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity,” says Cindy, who graduated in 2025 with a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with a human services option, a medical humanities certificate, and minors in psychology and music performance. “It was amazing to see residents feel so joyful,” she says. “I am so happy the event was a huge success, and I hope that it will become a yearly tradition.” Cindy has been accepted to graduate school, and her career goal is to become a medical social worker. “I’ve always been interested in advocating for justice for patients in having rights to their own healthcare needs, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. This career would allow me to make a direct impact on the patient not only for their medical needs, but also their social, emotional and psychological well-being.” MULTIGENERATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROJECT BUILDS BRIDGES, CREATES JOY BY KATHRYN STROPPEL When young and old come together, they spark Synergies Winter 2025-26 ▴ 15
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