BELMONT — Through a summer internship at Holy Angels, two college students have found meaningful experiences that they hope will prepare them for future careers. But, more importantly, they have discovered that the residents of Holy Angels “are just like everyone else.”
Abigail Orsinelli and Jacob Anthuvan, from the University of Notre Dame, have worked as interns at Holy Angels in Belmont this summer.
When reflecting back on her service at Holy Angels, Orsinelli says, “I have learned of all the different ways people can communicate. They all have their own way of expressing what they need and like.”
Her favorite experience since beginning her internship? “Finally getting one of the residents to laugh.”
Anthuvan adds, “It’s moments like that and just getting to know the residents.”
In conjunction with the Notre Dame Club of Charlotte, Holy Angels has been hosting Notre Dame interns for 17 years.
Holy Angels connects with the Notre Dame Club of Charlotte on the internship, which serves as an opportunity for people to “open their eyes to developmental disabilities” and witness the mission of Holy Angels in action, says Dennis Kuhn, Holy Angels’ chaplain.
The private, nonprofit corporation in Belmont provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions.
Anthuvan says he chose an internship with Holy Angels because its mission stood out to him and he thought it would be a good challenge.
Orsinelli agrees, adding, “Holy Angels kept showing up in my file.”
Throughout their time at Holy Angels, Anthuvan and Orsinelli have been assisting the full-time staff in continuing the work started by the Sisters of Mercy in 1955, by spending time with residents through games, reading, music therapy and other meaningful experiences. Additionally, they have observed doctors at work through on-site clinics, as well as medical care from different perspectives.
Kuhn notes that interns see “quality care and the dedication of a person to another.” Though both interns are on a pre-med track, Kuhn notes that it is also an “eye-opening experience for other careers.”
Orsinelli notes that one of her favorite things to do with the residents has been assisting with sensory therapy, which both interns were trained in at the beginning of their internship.
This is done through one of three Snoezelen Rooms on the Holy Angels campus. A Snoezelen Room is a multi-sensory environment that works to stimulate communication and learning development.
Kuhn notes the impact these interns have on the atmosphere at Holy Angels, describing “their youthful enthusiasm and desire to learn.”
“Our staff is proud to teach them. They are so young and they come here with open hearts and open minds. It has an impact on the convent, too, and monastery,” he adds.
Adding to the uniqueness of this internship, Anthuvan has stayed at Belmont Abbey Monastery and Orsinelli has stayed at Sacred Heart Convent throughout their time in Belmont.
Though both interns agree the living arrangements have been different from what they expected, they have been appreciative of the monks’ and sisters’ hospitality.
“The brothers have been awesome and very welcoming,” says Anthuvan. “It has been a good and spiritual experience.”
Both interns offer advice to other students interested in an internship that involves working with people with developmental disabilities.
Says Anthuvan, “Go in with an open mind because you will find it is so different from everyday life. Treat them like everyone else.”
“Prepare and don’t be disappointed when you’re uncomfortable. Just like getting to know any new person, it’s a process getting to know them,” Orsinelli says.
She adds, “Watch what the staff does and remember that just because someone approaches life differently doesn’t mean they’re different on the inside. So, get to know them because there is always an amazing person in there.”
Anthuvan says this internship has reinforced his desire to enter the medical field. “This is a population that needs to be looked at and I want to give back in that way.”
Orsinelli says she intends to become more involved with the developmental disability community when she returns home to Ohio, noting how rewarding it has been assisting the community at Holy Angels.
Through this internship, Kuhn hopes people will see that “Holy Angels takes seriously our Catholic heritage. That we are strongly pro-life, meaning that we are dedicated to seeing value in a person the world might reject.”
To learn more about Holy Angels, make a donation or volunteer, call 704-825-4161 or go online to www.holyangelsnc.org.
— Katherine McCarthy, Intern