When Summer break arrived, Fairfield’s campus grew quiet, but the students didn’t slow down. From academic internships to travel abroad, Fairfield University students made the most of their summers. Some gained hands-on experience that will further their career, while others enjoyed global adventures.
Junior Anna Minino had a blast visiting her family in Galicia, Spain. Minino spends her summers there every year, staying with her grandparents. She explains that “I love visiting Spain. It feels like a nice break from my home life in the busy and bustling New York City.”
Minino’s summer was nothing short of exciting, often going on adventurous hikes and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Her evenings were filled with family gatherings and traditional Spanish culture. Minino appreciates the chance to be around family and friends that she cannot see during the rest of the year.
Junior Jenna Walsh had a very different summer, working at an overnight summer camp. Walsh was a first-time Cabin Counselor for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp–located in Ashford, CT. Hole in the Wall Gang Camp “[provides] medically-supervised summer camps and programs free of charge to children with serious illnesses and their families throughout the Northeast.”
Walsh explains that, “As a counselor, I lived in a cabin with up to nine campers and created a safe, inclusive and joyful environment for everyone!”
Walsh has previously worked at summer day camps, but this was her first experience with an overnight camp. She had a wonderful summer and said, “I got to create and witness so many magical moments that will stay with me forever.”
Not only did Walsh make outstanding memories this summer, but she had such a huge impact on the children. She worked outside most days, forming connections with both campers and fellow counselors. Walsh explained that the new environment of summer camp allowed her to grow as a role model but also as a person.
Junior Emily Lamoureux gained hands-on experience in the Psychology field this summer. She worked at the Well Life Therapy LLC office in Berlin, CT. This office is a muli-specialty counseling center, where Lamoureux got to help with resource development. She explains that, “At the end of the summer, I got to do my own research project that I presented to the entire staff.”
Her project was on SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment. She says, “This experience gave me the opportunity to see what it’s like working in the mental health field and build connections with people in my aspiring field.”
When asked how she landed this internship, Lamoureux explained that she reached out to the organization and asked if they offered any undergrad opportunities. She said, “They worked with me to create a plan that fit my schedule.”
Lamoureux had a productive summer, balancing the Well Life Therapy internship and a part-time job at a restaurant in West Hartford. She explained, “This summer I gained so much knowledge through both experiences.”
All three Stags had very different summers, but each gained meaningful experiences that will help them shape their paths. For Fairfield students summer break isn’t just a time to relax, but it’s a time to learn, grow and make memories that will last a lifetime.
