Georgia County Internship Spotlight

 

Hope Roper, a biochemistry major at Kennesaw State University, interned with Cherokee County’s Senior Services Department. As a wellness intern, Roper coordinated wellness programs for Cherokee County’s Senior Centers and Active Adult programs.

 

Roper entered her internship with little familiarity with county government operations. As the internship went on, Roper learned more about government organization and the individuality and importance of various county government roles.

 

Roper brought to her internship an extensive background and skillset in health and wellness. She used her skills to lead senior wellness programs and encourage participation in exercise and other activities. Roper also taught classes on topics and themes such as stretching and balance, proper diets, and the importance of everyday movement.

 

Tim Morris, Director of Cherokee Senior Services, served as Roper's supervisor. Morris praised Roper's "youthful enthusiasm" and outstanding ability to engage with seniors, despite decades-wide age gaps. Many senior participants were grateful for Roper's work and found the experience to be refreshing. "Working with seniors is not something our youth participate in, but Hope changed that moving forward," Morris said.

 

Roper's favorite part of the internship was making connections with program participants and hearing their stories. She enjoyed spending time and building relationships with participants, and she was also proud of new groups she started, such as a walking group that took daily strolls together.

Not only will Roper carry on the skills she developed through planning and leading programs, but she will also have the many stories and life lessons she learned from participants. Following graduation, Roper plans to pursue a graduate degree in Neuroscience. After that, she hopes to work in a role surrounded by a community like the one she found with Cherokee County’s Senior Services.

 

To learn more about the GCIP, please visit our website at https://www.accg.org/caf_index.php.