UNH Today

Established in 1982 in memory of the late New Hampshire Governor John G. Winant, the Winant Fellowship program at the Carsey School encourages the professional development of undergraduates with a strong commitment to public service.

"Oh wow! My internship has been a great adventure! As I was in the internship program I got to see many different aspects of how the hospital serves the community and how I can serve the community."

Over the summer, through the Fellowship, Jaida Michetti interned at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center where she learned how she can serve her community. Her time at the hospital was not only educational but impacted the lives of patients she worked with.

"This experience as a whole has been a hard but rewarding memory for me. I am fortunate and excited to continue to serve my community throughout my work here in the hospital," Jaida described.

Jaida's work centered around collaborating with rehabilitation therapists to care for patients. From assisting physical therapists in maintaining a safe environment to making rehabilitation plans, her contributions were diverse and integral to those she helped. One of the most significant roles was independently helping patients walk around the halls and supporting their physical recovery. These tasks had a positive impact on the patients' physical and emotional well-being.

Throughout her internship, Jaida also supported occupational therapists, where she ensured that patients were safely positioned and balanced during therapy sessions. Her attention to detail in these sessions improved the quality of care and the rehabilitation process.

Jaida's efforts extended further than physical support. During her downtime, she made sure patients got outside for fresh air–a seemingly small task that brought great joy to her patients. "Not only can it help a patient's mentality, but it can help motivate, act as an antidepressant, strengthen immune systems, and give them something to look forward to," Jaida explained.

Reflecting on her internship, Jaida described it as challenging yet rewarding. It solidified her desire to pursue a career in rehabilitation and deepened her passion for serving others. The hospital environment became a place where she could see the tangible results of her work and the positive difference she made in people's lives.

The impact of the Fellowship didn't end with the conclusion of her internship. Jaida was offered the opportunity to continue her work at Dartmouth during her gap year—an offer she eagerly accepted. She looks forward to continuing her journey and is committed to helping her community heal, grow, and thrive with her rehabilitation work.

To gain deeper insights into Jaida's inspiring experience, check out her first-hand account on the Carsey School blog. If you're passionate about making a lasting impact in your community, explore how a master's degree from the Carsey School can equip you with the tools to serve effectively.