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Ashley Hall, MUSC team for valuable job experiences by Beth Pilcher Public Relations Instead of sitting in a classroom learning algebra, the students of the junior and senior classes at Ashley Hall spent the last two weeks of May getting a firsthand glimpse into life in the working world. Through the new internship program at the private school for girls, each student was able to gain a little bit of experience in the field of her choice. Nine girls chose to complete their internships in different areas of the university.     Ashley Hall senior, Vernita Ackerman, left, listens while physical therapist Jennifer Pitassi explains pediatric therapy techniques using a doll and a therapeutic exercise ball. This program, which is new to both Ashley Hall and MUSC, was established to help guide students as they begin to make important choices concerning their career goals. While MUSC hosted students for mentoring programs in the past, the university has never taken part in a high school internship program of this intensity. Instead of shadowing for a day, each girl spent two weeks fully immersed in her chosen field, providing participants with a more accurate picture of what a job entails.      The field of experiences ranged from hospital development and social work to transplant services. Everyone agreed that the internship was a worthwhile experience.      “It’s really helped me realize that physical therapy is something I want to pursue,” said Ashley Hall senior Vernita Ackerman, who interned with MUSC physical therapist Jennifer Pitassi in Therapeutic Services. “I had no idea whether I’d like it or not before this internship.”   Pitassi said that she also felt that the internship was a good experience. “I feel like Vernita is really getting a lot out of it,” she said. “I would love to host Ashley Hall interns every year.”     The internship program seems to have been a positive experience for everyone involved.      “I ultimately hope that the internship will ignite a passion that will carry on into future academic and career plans,” said Libby Russler, Ashley Hall teacher and internship coordinator. “It gives each girl the chance to explore a field that interests her outside of the classroom.”      Senior Ellen Neff, who interned with the Children’s Hospital Fund, said that the two-week internship was enlightening. “Being able to spend a few days really experiencing everything that is involved in fund-raising has been a lot of fun, and I’ve really enjoyed being able to interact with the community,” said Neff.      In the end, it seems that the university’s involvement with Ashley Hall’s new internship program helped give some of these students a true idea of what it’s like to work in a large hospital.      “I hope MUSC will let Ashley Hall students come intern again next year,” said Ackerman. “It has just been such a fabulous experience!”     Friday, June 16, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island papers at 849-1778, ext. 201.