Sara Melton ’12 Wins Outstanding Co-Op/Intern of the Year Award
Working with people with disabilities takes camp counselor out of her comfort zone
02/10/2012 12:59 PM
By Stephen Johnson ’13
When she was first applying for internships, Sara Melton ’12 didn’t think Wisconsin Badger Camp, a summer camp for people with developmental disabilities, would be the right fit.
“I had never even thought about working with individuals with disabilities beforehand, and frankly, I was a little scared to do so,” said the senior history and secondary education major from Morton, Ill. “However, when I received the call I accepted the position and packed my bags for Wisconsin.”
The experience turned out to be a rewarding one. Melton won the Outstanding/Co-Op Intern of the Year Award for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Every year, the Smith Career Center recognizes a student from each college who had an outstanding internship or co-op experience.
“I don’t think it has hit me yet,” Melton said. “I hope that through my example, more Bradley students will become interested in Badger Camp and its mission. It is an amazing organization and an enjoyable place to work. I encourage anyone, especially if you are in the teaching field, to check it out and see what it’s all about.”
Melton spent the 2010 and 2011 summers working as a camp counselor. She was responsible for taking campers to activities, ensuring they received their medications and medical care, and generally providing the best possible camp experience.
“I cannot imagine what my path in life would have been without Wisconsin Badger Camp, so my advice to students searching for internships is to not be afraid of trying something different or something out of your comfort zone,” Melton said. “It just might be the best decision you ever make.”
Dr. Stacey Robertson, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said Melton deserved the honor.
“This is a prestigious award, and it reveals Sara’s commitment to excellence in all of her endeavors,” she said. “We are confident she will continue to blaze trails, and we will watch with pride and pleasure.”