Contributed
The Department of Sociology and Gerontology at Miami University has now placed 60 students at some of the most impactful social service and justice agencies in Cincinnati and Hamilton County in five years through its social justice internship and experiential learning program. The fifth cohort of the program completed its work by presenting on their learning in a reception at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Walnut Hills branch.
From a class writing assignment by Sarah Josiah-Otto, a third-year pre-med major from Port-Harcourt, Nigeria: “As a pre-med student deeply invested in public health, my internship at Crossroad Health Center has been an eye-opening journey. It’s been an invaluable part of my journey shaping my approach to medicine with a more holistic perspective. I’ve encountered a series of challenges that have both tested and expanded my understanding of public health, particularly within historically marginalized communities.
“One of the most profound challenges has been grappling with the stark realities of social stratification and its impact on healthcare access. I’ve always believed in the power of medicine to not only heal, but also to bridge gaps in our society. This belief has been reinforced as I’ve provided resources to patients grappling with food insecurity and housing issues. Food and shelter are fundamental human needs, yet for many, they remain out of reach. During my internship, I’ve witnessed the reality of this struggle and the profound impact it has on health.”
Miami pays for students’ rent in a building owned by Over-the-Rhine Community Housing and for the one-hour credit hour, whether the student is in- or out-of-state. Students work daily during the university’s J-term, which runs three to four weeks in January.
Dean Christopher Makaroff calls it “a signature program of the College of Arts and Science.”
Several of the students said they came away from their work in the social justice agencies with a better sense of compassion and empathy for those who are struggling with their lives.
Mark Curnutte, social justice instructor and program founder and director at Miami University who supervised the interns, said, “With so many problems in society, it is encouraging that these students give you hope. I am really proud of them.”