Kelsey Baker is an intern from Franklin College that has been at the Greenwood center this summer. Her majors are in Psychology and Music, and she anticipates to graduate in May of 2018.
How did you hear about Cornerstone Autism Center?
At the end freshmen year I decided to change my major from elementary education to psychology and music to pursue a career in music therapy. One of my sorority sisters at Franklin College had just finished an art therapy internship at Cornerstone. She shared amazing things about the organization so I decided to look into doing an internship myself.
Why did you want to work with children who have autism?
This is actually a really hard question. I’ve never thought about why I want to work with these children for the rest of my life. I do know that these children have a way of putting one of the biggest smiles on my face. I love how each of the children are different and how most of the time, they are some of the happiest kids you’ll ever meet! I love being able to help them. I’m excited to be a part of these kids’ lives and have them be a part of mine.
Do you have anyone (family, friends, etc.) close to you that are on the spectrum?
I do not actually. I was introduced, and fell in love with, working with these amazing children when I was in eighth grade. My mother is an elementary school principal and whenever I had free time I would go in and volunteer in the classrooms. Ever since then, I’ve known that my calling is working with special needs children.
What made you choose Cornerstone over other organizations that serve children with autism?
I actually hadn’t heard of any other organizations until I started working at Cornerstone.
After being in the internship for a few weeks, what are your feelings about the internship?
At first, I was flustered and scared that I was not doing a good job. But now, I am in love with it. I love that I can walk into the center every morning with a smile on my face and know that no matter how my day is, the smile will still be there at the end of the day when I leave.
What has been your favorite memory from the internship so far?
I think my favorite part of this internship was being able to see firsthand how ABA Therapy can affect these kids’ lives. I loved being able to watch my clients grow and develop new skills throughout my summer at Cornerstone. I think my favorite memory though was when one of my clients looked at me and told me they were unhappy because they didn’t have any Cheetos. It was really cute!
What would you like to do after graduation?
After graduation, I would love to get my masters in either ABA Therapy or Special Education. I haven’t decided which one yet.
When you’re not studying, working, and interning what’s that “go to” thing you’re most likely doing?
You are most likely to find me hanging out with my family or binge watching tv shows on Netflix. I also like to hang out with my friends and sorority sisters when I am at school.
August 8, 2016, Morgan McClellan