Students participate in internship and work experience programs managed by the California Internship and Work Experience Association’s members. These students are eligible to apply annually for the Bernard L. Hyink Scholarship. This year’s 2-year college winner from MiraCosta College, Char Kurner, shares her thoughts on the benefits of her work experience with the Humane Society.

When did you start thinking of a career working with animals?
In third grade my teacher asked us all to write down and draw a picture of what we wanted to be, when we grew up. I vividly remember drawing a puppy with huge ears and writing, “I’m going to help animals, because they cannot help themselves.” I’ve always had multiple animals at home, and my parents taught me the importance of general animal welfare, as well as larger issues such as, spaying and neutering. I continued my love of animals, and devoted myself to their care throughout high school and now in college.

What work experiences did you have before college?
I began a community service project with my local Humane Society in high school and was extremely dedicated to helping animals. I spent countless hours volunteering daily, weekly, and monthly. In fall of 2006, I was offered a paid position with the Humane Society.

How did the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) class enhance your experience at the Humane Society?
My employer, work experience professor, and I developed some very specific goals for me to master during the semester. These goals helped me to stay on track throughout the school year. My main goal was to help develop a Specialty Care Program and utilize it for a more positive result. This program helped bridge a better connection with animal rescues and other animal welfare organizations.

What accomplishments made you feel good about the work experience?
A couple of the organizations that worked with the Specialty Care Program had some issues with our organization in the past, and they were reluctant to work with us. Although I was shy in the beginning about aggressively promoting the Program, I kept thinking about my goals that I had established, previously. I knew that I needed to be more confident in order to complete my goals. The goals encouraged me speak up on behalf of the organization and the animals in need.

Did the CWE instructor help you, during the semester?
My instructor was very active in my program and helped me continuously throughout the semester. His positive reinforcement and reminders helped keep me on track and re-focus when I strayed from my original path.

How did the CWE class help you?
CWE has helped me tremendously in my pursuit for animal welfare by helping me set goals for myself. I not only reached my goals, but I went beyond them to make a difference in the organization. I have learned throughout this class that my job title does not have to represent me as a person. It is more important that I make a difference in the lives of those (animals) that have no voice.

For more information, contact Charlotte Kurner at: Charlottekurner@yahoo.com

Look under “Scholarships” for information on the Bernard Hyink Scholarship in the
California Internship and Work Experience Association’s Website:
http://www.ca-co-op.org/