The Tobacco Prevention & Education (tobaccofreelancastercounty.com) program with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department had the opportunity to host a summer intern this year to focus on a campaign for proper vape device disposal. Elise St. Clair was placed in the department by The Foundry, a co-working space in Lincoln that connects University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) honors students with nonprofits, mission-driven businesses and government organizations for internships. As a rising sophomore at UNL, Elise is double majoring in Journalism and Broadcasting and minoring in Environmental Studies. This summer, she balances four classes and two other jobs and in her limited free time, enjoys rock climbing and playing the cello and piano.
A highlight of her internship has been developing educational materials for schools. Despite not being a graphic design expert, Elise loves creative expression and seizes opportunities to expand her skills. She also stepped out of her comfort zone to survey strangers at an outreach event, a task made memorable when the first person she approached barked at her. Elise hopes to work for an environmental organization as an editor after graduation, combining her passions for written language and the environment. Above all else, she wants to know that her work is making a difference. Elise believes her internship experience with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has been a step toward that goal, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to her community.
Funding provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. For more information about Tobacco Free Lancaster County, go to tobaccofreelancastercounty.com.