Special Student Projects in the Community Summer 2024

Duncan

I chose this position because I want to form meaningful relationships with youth and other youth workers in the community. I hope that I can make a positive impact through my work this Summer by helping students find and explore their passions. This supports my personal and professional development as I will be graduating from the University of Minnesota TC with a major in Youth Studies this Spring, and hope to work with youth in a variety of settings in the future.

Mia

I chose this opportunity because I love working with children and want to make a difference in their lives. I hope to help children academically and socially. This position contributes to my child psychology major and my aspiration to be a child therapist.

Abby

I chose this opportunity to work with the University YMCA because I want to fulfill my degree requirement, and personal goal of working with marginalized youth in the Twin Cities area. I want to learn how to be more culturally sensitive and a competent leader so I can continue to empower youth in my community. This summer, I hope to make an impact by being a patient and insightful adult for all youth, especially those who need it most. This supports my academic development by fulfilling my experiential requirement for my Developmental Psychology at UMN (I graduate this August!!).

Evelyn

I chose this opportunity because I adore working with youth! I love having the opportunity to problem-solve both with the youth and my coworkers and to figure out how to consistently improve. I always hope that I can advocate for youth and their needs. There are times where adults may not “count” them as people and I hope to give them the opportunity to be heard. This supports my educational, personal, and professional development because I plan to work with youth in a therapeutic setting and this is a great chance to begin navigating youth-work!

Previous UY Community Projects

Meet Summer Jaber, Master of Health Care Administration Graduate Student

Hello! My name is Summer Jaber (Jay-ber). I grew up in Dallas, Texas where I received my Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Texas while working as a Peer Health Educator for students on campus. Currently, I am in my second and final year of my Master of Healthcare Administration program at the University of Minnesota. After I graduate, I plan to improve healthcare for everyone as I strongly believe access to healthcare and proper medical attention is a right, not a luxury. 

I'm excited to work with the Y Bug Off Flu initiative this fall and mentoring in the community (spring 2023). I have a strong passion for not only helping equip students with resources to strengthen their relationship with themselves, but also gain confidence to take responsibility of their health and life as they grow into amazing individuals where they are their own role model. Being a previous volunteer soccer coach at the YMCA here in Dallas, I saw the positive impact the Y has on children, and I am looking forward to spreading the positive impact in Minnesota with the UY. 

Special project: Summer will focus her direction on preparing Y Bug Off Flu materials into a deliverable package for our youth serving sites. Y Bug Off Flu was developed last year by two graduate students in the School of Public Health. This year, we are taking the model to the next level by creating modules that will be implemented into other programs as well as School Aged Child Care settings in the Y. The UY is in partnership with Families Fighting Flu (FFF) – who are providing all the fantastic materials for young people to learn about influenza and vaccination. Summer will be working with the FFF National organization as well as with Trang Mai, an undergraduate at the U of M in the School of Nursing – and an intern at the UY as well.

Meet Anisa Abdulahi, Doctorate in Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Intern, Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer

Hi, my name is Anisa Abdulahi! I am a third year doctorate of occupational therapy student at the University of Minnesota. I have been with the UY for more than a few years now and am grateful to be part of a transformative community working to improve the lives of those they serve. I received my Bachelor’s in Kinesiology and have been interested in holistic wellness but more specifically on mental wellbeing. Currently in graduate school, I want to pursue the mental health population. I have not yet decided the specifics, but I know that I want to work with the BIPOC community. I have seen and learned about many of the discriminations and inequalities these communities face and want to bring change to better the lives of the individuals who need it most.

Special project: Anisa Abdulahi and UY Director Patti Neiman are training current UY students and non-profit local community members so that they will be better prepared to support young people! Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders. For more information contact: Patti.neiman@ymcamn.org.

Meet Magann Harvey, Masters in Public Health. Administration & Policy Graduate Student Intern

Hi Everyone; my name is Magann Harvey. I'm a graduate student at the University of Minnesota getting my master's in Public Health. Administration & Policy. I grew up in the surrounding Minneapolis area, so I've always had a connection with the Minneapolis community. I wanted to join/be a part of UY because I wanted to give back to the community and find ways to provide resources, educate students, and be a helping hand. I can't wait to meet and learn about everyone throughout the semester.

Special project: Magann will be supporting the Y Collegiate Achievers Program, which serves students in higher education who identify as underrepresented on their college campus. Megan will be attending and co-facilitating Y CAP Community Nights on Monday and Thursday evenings at the UY. Topics range from identity and growth to adjusting to college, to imposter syndrome to financial awareness – and more.  Students have opportunities to belong, contribute, gain resources, make friends, have fun, build their network, have professional mentors and more!

Meet Josie Marben, Masters in Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Intern

Hello! My name is Josie and I am a current graduate student at St. Catherine University in St. Paul. I am currently working on getting my master’s in occupational therapy and hope to become a pediatric OT once I graduate. I am an alumni of the University of Minnesota (2021) as well as a UY alum! I have been a mentor, site lead, and program manager within the UY and now I am back this year as an intern and assisting with our Kids N’ Motion program.

Special project: Josie will be bringing her expertise to the Y Mentors programs to support all the program managers behind the scenes. Her passion for Health and Wellness and youth will be a great contribution to the Kids N’ Motion program as well as our UY community.