Perspective from an Intern

by Elizabeth Schuler

As a senior, graduating college in May, I have the opportunity to take a pre-clinical apprenticeship course. This allows me to take what I have learned throughout my college career in the classroom and apply it to the real world. I will be receiving my Bachelor’s in Behavioral Health and Social Science with minors in Psychology and Mental Health Services. I found End Slavery Tennessee (ESTN) and felt they could provide me the chance to better understand how human trafficking and mental illness correlate, something I feel other organizations may not have been able to give me.

Interning at End Slavery Tennessee, I feel I have become a part of something I originally did not expect to be so involved in. Since day one, the leaders have been welcoming, informing, and shown how specific resources, care, and love can make such a difference in the lives of others.

What I enjoy about interning with ESTN are the variety of tasks I receive. Lately, I have been working on the distribution of posters that will raise awareness towards End Slavery Tennessee and human trafficking. In addition, I’ve entered professionals into a resource list of people who volunteer their services for survivors; helped with office responsibilities, been a friendly face to those in court, given presentations, and accompanied Derri to meetings. Each of the tasks listed have helped me better understand and appreciate what it takes “behind the scenes” to eventually find the spark each survivor has in them.