Future Connections

“For our second placement we've been placed at McGregor Home. Aliyah and I are launching a Music and Memory Program. Music and Memory is a personalized music program that has helped thousands!

You might be wondering, ‘How will music help?’

Well, music is embedded in the neuro-network system of the brain. While various diseases damage the ability to recall facts and details, the lasting connection between a favorite song and memory remains. When a melody is heard, it is connected with a meaningful memory. As a result, we are helping residents to reconnect to their past."

-Jordan Banks

"On Tuesday, Jordan and I started the interaction with patients portion of our project. We took patients that have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to a room, which is where Jordan played a few songs with a piano at the McGregor Home. I recorded how the patient reacted to the music and what they felt about the genre. The patients' preferences in songs ranged from classical music to modern R&B music. It was very neat being able to watch how they responded as well. To conclude, Jordan and I plan to gain a lot more patient interaction and determine what song preferences work best for them throughout the remainder of their experience in the Music and Memory Program."

Since I have been interning at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office, it has only been an unforgettable, humbling experience. My time at the prosecutor’s office has made me so eager to begin my college career. This internship has well exceeded my expectations and not only have I gained knowledge on the field of law, but I have gained suggestions on how I should work my way through college and try to make things move more effectively and efficiently. My internship is at the Juvenile Justice Center where I work specifically with the prosecuting department. The Juvenile Justice Center handles many cases with adolescents committing different types of crimes. My first week here, I watched a trial where a teenage male was sentenced to juvenile jail, also known as Ohio Department of Youth Services, for robbing an elderly man. That case being the opener of my internship here has made me even more eager to see future cases that may be more severe.

Observing numerous trials is not the only reason why I enjoy interning here, but there are a lot of other factors that have played a huge role. I have met Judges, Magistrates, Prosecutors, and Defense Attorneys that have taught me how to view things from different perspectives. In fact, through this internship a Defense Attorney and Magistrate have told me about other potential internships I could do with them after my completion here. Magistrate Je’Nine Nickerson told me that I could put in my resume after this internship and hopefully intern with her during one of my following summer vacations. I have seen different sentences to jail, trials, pre-trials, arraignments, and made phone calls to people that had been subpoena to court, and overall analyzed law for this brief period of time. Seeing all of this has allowed me to develop my own opinion on law which plays a huge role in my future. This plays a huge role because everyone would like to enjoy where they work and be happy with what they do.

This internship has taught me how to perform in a professional manner at all times and how to build relationships with different people that could potentially lead me to a future job. Most people feel that your interest will change when you get to college, but having high doubts, I feel that so far I have seen so much that adds on to why I would like to someday become a Prosecutor or Defense Attorney, and then a Judge. This experience is rare and since it was wonderful, it has made me proud to say that I have interned with such amazing people. Once again, this has been unforgettable and I only have positive things to say about the field of law. 

For the past 6 weeks I've been working in NASA's Multi-scale Multi-polar Physics Modeling division doing science and other related things, and it's been quite the experience. When I first arrived, I was put through a dizzying series of orientations and regulations that come with working for the government, though after the storm of red tape cleared, I emerged on the other side to meet my mentor, Fred. Fred, and now I, works in the Materials Research building with other scientists of differing affinities, and are members of the Areonautical Thermoelectrics Team, which has been the focus of my work so far.

The purpose of our 10-person team is to test the viability of implementing thermoelectric and thermoionic devices on areoplane turbines, specifically the Boeing 737. In essence, we are trying to save the 40% of the energy that is lost in an areoplane turbine (the other 60% being used for thrust) and turn it back into energy for the plane, reducing fuel usage and increasing efficiency. To do this, we are testing a great number of thermoelectric materials in the lab and using the test data to form databases on the materials. The hope is to deduce the most efficient and cheapest material for the job.

My time so far has been quite enjoyable and educational, teaching me that above all, school does not prepare you for the real world. Don’t get me wrong, school is fine, but when everyday you are given problems with answers A,B,C, or D, being handed a problem and told to 'Solve it,' is a daunting task. The only way to get better at real work is to actually do it yourself, and to that end Future Connections has given me an invaluable opportunity to do just that.

I haven't just been spending all my time cooped up in the lab or my office though. NASA has hosted a plethora of events over the time I've been here for me and all the other interns to understand all the different types of work that goes on here at NASA. I've trekked out to the SMiRF laboratory, where they simulate the effects of outer space on satellites, walked through the giant icing tunnel where the biggest air conditioner in the world simulates the icy currents of the upper atmosphere, and seen the blast cambers, where an ion engine that had been burning for 8 years was being taken out of containment. It has been an enlightening and very enjoyable experience so far, and I look forward to what is yet to come.

In the brief amount of time I have been working at the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, I have learned a great deal.  My internship is at the Justice Center Courts Tower location, which handles adult felony cases.  Downtown can be pretty intense because every day I am experiencing something challenging.  The first day I came downtown, my mentor, Jonathan McDonald, was in the middle of a trial. I was able to watch an actual trial on the first day of my internship, which was very fascinating. The verdict came back as guilty and the defendant received 49 years in prison.

I have been assisting the prosecutors in the office in any way necessary. My assignments have ranged from calling witnesses, listening to inmate jail-calls, reviewing cases, studying case law, and analyzing arguments and facts of cases. I have been able to watch bench and jury trials, sentencings, and an appeal.  Each assignment and experience has taught me something new.  I have learned case law, cases, and what it takes to become a good lawyer.  Most importantly, I have learned what is required to work in a professional setting.  I will be able to apply the skills I have started to learn here to any organization I work for in the future.  I have plenty more to learn, but this opportunity has put me further ahead than in my age group. I am even more certain I want to go into the law field now and maybe even become a prosecutor or judge.

I have met numerous people that can help me in my future.  Judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs, and more.  During the first trial, I was able to meet Judge Saffold and receive a tour of her chambers from her bailiff.  Each person that works here contributes to justice no matter their job title, and that is what I like most about working here.  Most of the cases here are events people never knew took place.  Several incidents occur every day and prosecutors are a part of the small group of people that try to prevent it.  My mentor is great and he continuously passes on his knowledge to me. This is an amazing opportunity, and I am positive it will only get better as the summer progresses.

My experience at the Music Settlement was amazing. In the beginning, I was very nervous because we didn’t know how the children would act. Being around thirty-five children and group leader for twelve children (of ages six and seven), was nerve wrecking, until I believed in myself and the children did the same. It had become the greatest four weeks in a summer that I’ve ever had, once I finally learned the camps songs and interacted with them. Talking to the children, I’ve learned so much and vice versa. Their minds are greater than one will ever know. They are up-to-date with the same music, dances, and language as my generation. These children are not to be underestimated. Children respond to positive reinforcement. When their good behavior was rewarded and their bad behavior was not, the good outweighed the bad. The best part was teaching the kids. Helping them learn a variety of music styles, instruments, dances and how to speak and understand a different language was inspiriting.

-Jordan

While Jordan’s experience was nerve wrecking for reasons applying to the kids, mine was nerve wrecking in ways where working at the Music Settlement was something I’ve really wanted to do since 9th grade and I wanted the experience to be perfect and it was. My time at the Music Settlement was nothing short of endearing and amazing. I learnt so much about the kids there and now have such a fondness and bond with them. I know for sure four weeks was enough time with them but I want more. I am also thankful for the co-workers I was surrounded by they made me feel cared for and if ever needed help, that help was available. We all looked out for each other. I am also thankful for the leading ladies at the Music Builders, Ms. Jenna Hall and Ms. Jessica Valentino for being such silly, brilliant, and resilient women that I look up to and also Ms. Kathy for always making mornings a quick and easy transition. Without them, I’m not sure these past four weeks would have sailed as smoothly as they did.

-Brionna

To conclude this article Jordan and I would like to say thank you to The Music Settlement and our amazing Music Builders for an amazing four weeks, we hope to see them again next summer!  

This is my first year with Future Connections and I have to say it's awesome. My first internship is at the Botanical Garden and not only is there a lot to do but it's also a fun place to have a lot to do. Since I'm an intern in the education department, I get to help do different things every day. A few examples are arts and crafts, learning certain things about plants, working with a great team, and more. One thing I learned is this is definitely a family place.

There are seven gardens and some have tree houses! My favorite tree house is The Seasons where kids can write poems for the power tree that hangs on the walls. It's also filled with books on the walls and is made from an old technique of burning wood. While that is my favorite tree house (located in the Woodland Garden), my favorite garden is Hershey's Children Garden, which was actually designed by kids!  Even the tree house in the children's garden was too.  The children's garden is also a great place to have activities like mud painting, mud pie baking and decorating. These are not all; they're just the activities in the children's garden I like best.

While there's a lot to do there's also a lot to learn. If you don't know how to make bees with paper, scissors and glue, take care of plants or how to hold and pick up new butterflies, you'll learn here. There are some things that stay constant like checking the tree houses and kid’s nook but usually throughout the day things change up. While it's hard to say what I enjoyed the most, working in the children’s garden is definitely at the top along with working with my team, reading to the campers, seeing all the frogs and chipmunks and the tree houses. Sure we get some perks like discounts at the store and café, but it's the societies and people that really make this place fun.

I have been granted the opportunity to be an intern at University Hospitals Lakeside 50 for four weeks. I have experienced great deal that has allowed me to have an amazing time and gain new knowledge that I will need and use in my future. Lakeside 50 is a unit that specializes in Renal and Telemetry. Lakeside 50 ensures that patients are well taken care of before they are even considered to be discharged. Some patients are returning visitors which allow the nurses to create bonds that lead to an everlasting friendship, which I feel is wonderful.

The first day I was able to shadow a nurse around the floor. I got to see how she interacted with her patients and the way she cared for them. I was able to help patients learn about medication safety by talking to them and showing them a video. I have met countless people who have been nice enough to enlighten me with knowledge such as how a tally monitor works and where it's placed on the body. Each person I have been around has impacted me. That’s why I value them and what they have to offer.

Every assignment that I have been giving has been something new. It has opened my eyes to all different types of things. I have gained so many skills that I know I will need and use. This opportunity is something that I would do all over again. Not only was it great, but it helped me enhance my communication. This job placement showed me that you cannot be shy because if you do the patients will know and try to take advantage of you. This program can only get better for me because it has been amazing and beneficial.

Throughout the past couple of days, I've learned and experienced a lot. From patient care to secretary type jobs, I've done them all. With the nurses, doctors, secretary, and other dedicated workers, I witnessed hard work and dedication. I've been inspired to become someone like them one day from all that I've done in the past few days at University Hospitals.

   In my assigned location, Lakeside 55, at University Hospitals, it is specifically for GI patients; however, occasionally there are different kinds of patients. Each day, I come in and sit down with the secretary and help her and answer calls. Then, I make the morning run with one of the nurses. I help the nurses assist their patients by helping them give their patients medication or maybe do something specific like helping the nurse rewrap bandages or help the nurse put in an IV. After the morning run is complete, I usually go back and assist the secretary with her paperwork, discharges, calls, or whatever she might need. Meanwhile, if a doctor isn't busy, I will talk to them or assist them if necessary. For instance, I talked to a doctor about the voluntary research he does. I also viewed an X-ray of someone who swallowed a fork. However, it's not always the same. One day we had a code blue, an adult medical emergency, on our floor and it was chaotic but also a helpful experience.

   Overall, I was introduced to things I've never seen or experienced at University Hospitals. I learned something new and did something new each and every day. And although one thing may not be as exciting as something else, at least I can say I experienced all sorts of jobs within my division to make this internship memorable. 

My experience at UH was extremely interesting. Because I wasn't informed on exactly what I was going to be doing, I didn't really know what to expect, therefore I couldn't prepare myself correctly. On the other hand, observing here at UH has actually turned out really well. I followed a nurse most of the time and then after lunch I would work on a small video project with the patients, only if they wanted to though. Some patients didn't want to watch the videos, which I did understand, and others just didn't really care whether they watched them or not. So, doing those things with the patients was a fairly interesting experience. 

I think the best thing that I have done whilst being here at UH was shadowing the nurses. I had two nurses that I shadowed when they were working and then I also shadowed an NA when she was working. That was very fun and I learned so much from watching them. While shadowing the nurses I was able to ask them questions whenever or they would walk me through what was going on. With that, I was able to understand easier the things the nurses were doing and why they were doing those things. I remembered what some shots and medicines were for and it was interesting to know what they administered and why they administered them. 

I am wildly grateful for having this experience to observe here at UH. I'm glad that I was able to witness the care given to the adults and I hope to be able to have the experience to care for children. I'm also glad that I was able to experience this department and it helped me to see what it's like and helps me to decide on what I really want to do. I'm obviously still a bit unsure about what I want to do in the medical field whether it is my choice to be an RN for adults, or an RN for pediatrics. Once again, my time here at UH has helped me gain more knowledge in the medical field and helped me further in determining what I really want to do before I begin college. 

Hello my name is Craig Brooks and I am a student at Euclid High School. During these first few weeks of the program I have had the privilege of interning at the Leonard Gelfand STEM Center at Case Western Reserve University. Over the course of the four weeks here at Case, my peers and I have been studying infectious diseases and the ways that they are transmitted, spread, and prevented. This particular internship has more of a classroom setup than a work one because of the fact that there are 16 Future Connections interns and two mentors, Jenna Smith and Elizabeth Elmore. This setup has been beneficial for me because I love interacting with different people and over the four weeks we’ve had plenty of time to do that.

Most of what we do here at Case is lab based, so we wear lab coats and gloves on a regular basis. We have been divided up into lab groups of two with one group of three. Working with my partners, AJ and Elijah, has been a great experience and I’m glad I got to meet them. We’ve done numerous labs where we have done things like test different antibiotics and how effective they are on certain types of bacteria, as well as testing different types of household cleaners to see which ones kill the most bacteria. In many of our labs we have to sterilize our equipment so it does not contaminate whatever we are testing. We do this by either holding the piece of equipment over a flame until it burns red, or soaking the piece of equipment in ethanol, an alcohol based solution, and then pass it quickly through the flame to burn of the ethanol.

We’ve also taken a few field trips. Most of these trips have been to different places around the campus with one trip off campus to a Sewage treatment plant. My favorite trip that we went on was one that we took to the Simulation Center which is used for many different things from first responder training to medical training. Since we have been studying infectious diseases the center was set up to train us to detect or determine what disease someone is infected with. There was a student trained to act as though she was infected with a disease and our job was to ask her questions and try to figure out what her symptoms were and what she had been doing lately. We figured out that she was infected with Hepatitis A.

We did another activity similar to the first one except instead of an actual person, we had to try and figure out what was wrong with a mannequin that they had set up in a fake emergency room. Before we went into the room, I had to put on protective equipment which includes gloves, a face mask, covers for your shoes, and a protective coat. In the practice emergency room there was a mannequin, a fake person, which was coughing very loudly and aggressively. It was made to mimic a real person so it was breathing and talking. You could even feel its pulse! I’ve had many great experiences here at the STEM center and none of it would have been possible without Future connections, so thanks!

My name is Johniesha Jackson and I go to Martin Luther King Jr. High School. My experience through this internship was wonderful and I’ve learned so many new things. At the Leonard Gelfand Stem Center, I learned all about infectious diseases. I’ve done many labs with my lab partner, Cedric Geeter. We tested things like soil, pens, and bacteria. Also my partner and I have been doing our own research project on salmonella. We found when it was discovered, how to prevent it from happening and much more information. The reason why I like this program is because it gave me a professional laboratory experience and it gave me the opportunity to look in to microbiology and infectious diseases.

I’ve learned how diseases are spread and how the diseases are treated. I think Cholera was the most interesting infectious disease I’ve learned about. Before this placement, I absolutely knew nothing. Now I know that Cholera is mostly found in water contaminated with feces from an infected person or animal. Washing your hands, drinking healthy water, and cooking food properly are the best ways to protect yourself from bacterial infection. Over the last four weeks my partner and I completed many different lab experiments. We looked for microorganisms in soil. Doing this project helped me learn that the numbers and types of microorganisms in soil depend on the nature of the soil, the water context and the temperature. We tested to see if the soil produces antibiotics. Cedric and I tested different things in the laboratory to determine what objects have the largest number of microbes. We tested samples like a phone, a pen, the light switch, and faucet. We took samples of these things because these are what people touch throughout the day. These activities helped me develop and improve my writing and research skills.

Cedric and I have been researching an infectious disease for the last four weeks. We are writing a research paper and presentation together that is due at the end of the four week program. The project is on salmonella and it will reflect the knowledge that my partner and I gained over the four weeks. We researched why the disease is a concern to the people, how to prevent it from happening to people, and how to treat it. I’ve learned a variety of things about this infectious disease that I didn't know before this program.

Liz and Jenna are very nice they made this wonderful opportunity amazing by passing on their knowledge to me. The Future Connection internship was one of the best things this summer because I gained so many new skills that I will be able to use in the future.

When someone asks, “What was your first job?” there are the typical answers like cashier, dishwasher, janitor, and fry cook, just to name a few. But I will have the distinction of saying that my first job was at the Western Reserve Historical Society.  My experience working here at the museum has been one I will never forget. Who would, when your office space is one of the historic mansions of Cleveland? Just walking into the office in the morning is surreal because there is this mixture of the present with the past that is visible in the architecture of the museum, and it’s amazing. And don’t even get me started on the exhibits and collections here. There is so much that I love about this place that I can’t even say it all in this article. I really am going to miss coming here and contributing to the agenda of this great organization, but all good things must come to an end, right?

My role at the Western Reserve Historical Society was to update and reformat PowerPoint presentations, but it became so much more than that. The topics of these presentations were so interesting, and working on them taught me things I never knew about Cleveland, things I probably would have never known had I not worked here. For example, who knew that a Plain Dealer copy editor from Willowick, Ohio embarked on one of the most heralded voyages of the 20th century in this tiny boat that is on display here? His name was Robert Manry. Or who knew that there were protests at Euclid Beach Park regarding management’s policy of segregation as early as 1946? Both of these interesting tidbits of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio history are things I learned while working on these presentations. PowerPoints weren’t the only thing I worked on while at the History Center, either. Noah and I also helped take down an exhibit and set up for events at the History Center. Overall I feel that as interns we accomplished a lot in our time here and I am grateful for the opportunity.

This internship has been a learning experience and I think it has ultimately made me a better person. It certainly has given me a greater appreciation for the past than I had already. Working here made me appreciate my hometown a little more, too. Just to be surrounded by all the artifacts and memories of the city I call home is just indescribable. One day, while researching for a presentation, I actually looked through Garrett Morgan’s scrapbook. Only at the Western Reserve Historical   Society is that possible.

I was placed at The Free Clinic of Greater Cleveland for my first placement. I have been helping Ms.Lisa in the H.I.V department. On our first day, Camila and I were surprised that there were so many departments! I never knew they had the behavior health department or dental department. After the tour, Ms. Lisa gave both of us a binder so that we could get familiar with H.I.V/A.I.D.S. 

By reading and taking notes from the binder, I learned what A.I.D.S and H.I.V stands for. A.I.D.S stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and H.I.V stand for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. H.I.V and A.I.D.S can only occur during birth or after birth if the mother is infected with H.I.V and also by breast feeding. It can occur from blood transmission when sharing needles during drug use with someone who has the virus or disease. It may also be transmitted sexually through seminal or vaginal fluids. These are the only ways you can get H.I.V and or A.I.D.S.

I really like working at the Free Clinic because everyone here is very friendly. While working here I have watched H.I.V and A.I.D.S films, worked on the computer with Excel, stuffed envelopes, and also learned how to use a postage meter. I also created safety kits for the syringe exchange, which is when drug users bring in their old needles for new ones. We created condom bags, learned how to use a female condom, and what a dental dam is. I also learned that people are offered to choose to do anonymous H.I.V test. Patients can choose a name and provide a phone number so we can reach them when their test results come back in. Confidential testing is when the patients give their information and that information would go on their medical records and are also sent to the Health Department. This is mostly what I have been helping out with at the Free Clinic.

For my first placement, I had the honor of working at the Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland. I am working with Lisa Fair, HIV Program Manager, and her co-workers Quetzi and Jim. Everyone is so nice, and makes us feel welcome and like we’re a part of the team. Working alongside me is Desiree Spraggins, another Future Connections intern. Even though her job is a little different, we always end up collaborating to discuss ideas and make sure our assignments are done correctly.

The first week we learned a lot about HIV/AIDS, and how things are run in the HIV department. Ms. Lisa first started by giving us a big binder filled with HIV information. She also taught us how to create folders. The folders need to have an anonymous name slip, a risk assessment form, a pencil, and a couple of pamphlets. These folders are for patients that come in to get tested for HIV/AIDS. An anonymous name slip is used at the Free Clinic so no one can know who you really are. It is more common to have anonymous testing done than confidential testing. The difference is that your test results will be attached to your medical file and if it were to be discussed with someone, you would have to sign off saying you grant permission.

We also help make condom bags that are used for patients that request them. The meaning behind the condom bags is to keep everyone safe from HIV and STDs and to lower the risk factors. The mantra is “if we can't stop you from doing it, we at least want you to do it with precaution." This also goes with the syringe exchange program they offer here. If you bring in a used syringe, they will provide you with a new one. This is another way to lower the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases that can spread when you share needles. In connection with the syringe exchange program, the Clinic gives out safety kits. They contain two alcohol prep pads, two antibiotic ointments, four condoms, one bottle of bleach, one bottle of water, three cotton balls, two band aids, and one cooker. We also helped out Ms. Fatima with a couple projects, like using an Excel spreadsheet to input patient information. While working on this project I had the opportunity to meet the other interns- Destiny, Ashley, and Steven. We would all take turns typing out letters/labels and reading surveys. The surveys were used to tell how well the patients were treated and how they felt to be seen at the Free Clinic. Since we had such a wonderful team, we did the work faster so that we could have some free time for working on my project for both Future Connections and Lisa.

I want to end with my favorite part of my first placement, and that is having lunch. Lunch is when I am able to sit around the doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and the secretaries. I have conversations with them, hear their opinions on politics, their careers, and how their day went. In conclusion, I am really sad that the four weeks are close to an end, but happy that I had the opportunity to be here.

Upon coming to the Kelvin Smith Library I didn't know how my experience would be. I was under the impression that I would be in a quiet library like any other and look at millions of books all day long. As I began this internship, boy was I was wrong!  At the Kelvin Smith Library my time here was one to enjoy and remember. Being here with the other interns, we all developed a great relationship while working and learning new things together. To name a few of the things that we learned: the Library of Congress (LC) call number classification system and how to find a book by its call number when on the shelf with fifty plus other books. We were steered away from the stereotype that “Librarians are boring and all they do is sit in the library and stare at books.” This is not true at all!  There are so many departments in the libraries.  Within those departments there is so much they have to do.  KSL is a great place to learn and a great environment in which to be and work. I enjoyed my time here. Don’t ever underestimate a library!