I can sit and write about the students at the iCan Dream Center ALL day, but it suddenly hit me that I might have a story to tell, too!

If you’ve ever wondered who’s behind some of the iCan Dream Center blog posts, I’m here to reveal this month’s masked woman! 

If you haven’t heard it yet, “people love to talk about themselves.” 

So who am I?

Hi! My name is Alyssa and I am an intern for the 2020-2021 school year at the ICDC. I am a first-year grad student at Governors State University, working towards my Masters of Social Work. My passion stemmed from an elective class I took during my undergrad. In the class, we researched inequities throughout the school systems in the U.S. and I just knew I had to do something about it. 

Why ICDC? 

Though I had never heard of the iCan Dream Center before, once my advisor sent me their information and I looked through the website, I knew I wanted to apply to be an intern. I noticed a sense of togetherness from the ICDC. It wasn’t just students and teachers, it was a family. I loved the idea of the Transition Program and preparing young adults for adulthood. Little did I know we would also develop an early childhood program, where I would work with little ones. It truly is the best of both worlds and I will always be beyond grateful for this experience.

What do I do? 

With the Transition Program, I lead a social group. Social group is a time where we discuss and practice a new functional skill each week. I put together the activities and lessons for social group and for the other interns. We have also recently begun leading movement. In movement, we combine Progressive Muscle Relaxation with a choice of cardio, yoga, dance, or etc.  

On the early education side, I assist in leading Discrete Trial Training, which helps the students learn a new task using reinforcers and repetition. The interns also help with behavior correction, monitoring activities, and reinforcing the schedule. 

Fun Facts/ Miscellaneous

When I’m not in class or interning, you can find me behind a book. I love to read and am currently working on the Harry Potter series (which I have no idea why I waited so long to start them!). I also like being outdoors and have been trying to explore as many National Parks as I can. 

Lastly, I just love being an intern at the ICDC. I have built bonds with SO many of the students and staff and feel as if we truly are family. Each student is unique and intelligent in his/her own way and I let them know it. I can feel myself becoming the social worker I dream of being and feel so excited about the future.