Summer of work in Chicago offers insights into community and culture for college students

CHICAGO, Ill. – Goshen College students Maria Rodriguez and Elizabeth Nafziger participated in the off-campus Chicago Center program this summer. They spent almost eight weeks living, working and learning about the city of Chicago and what makes the city click while participating in professional internships.

Rodriguez, a senior from Ligonier, Ind., was an intern at Casa Aztlán, a cultural and social service center for residents in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. "My job was teaching English and Spanish classes to adults. It was a good experience because I got to share things that I know with others," said Rodriguez.

Nafziger, a junior from Goshen, Ind., was an intern at Thresholds South, a psychiatric rehabilitation center. "I participated in community support groups as well as individual groups," said Nafziger.

In addition to working as interns four days a week, the students participated in a Chicago Center seminar called "Chicago Communities and Cultures." They visited different neighborhoods and met with local leaders.

Rodriguez said, "My overall experience was great! I enjoyed every place that I visited and I now see the city with a different perspective. I would recommend the Chicago Center program for anyone looking to have new experiences and learn more about the city."

Students live in one of Chicago's most diverse and beautiful neighborhoods – Hyde Park – in furnished apartments with typically two to three other students. All utilities and a grocery charge account are provided as part of the program.

The Chicago Center program operates during the academic semesters, as well as the eight-week summer session these Goshen students participated in. During the academic semesters, education majors can complete their student teaching requirements by participating in the Chicago Center's Teach Chicago! Program. Social work majors may fulfill their senior semester requirements through Chicago Center's BSW semester.

To learn more about Chicago Center, visit www.chicagocenter.org.

Editors: For more information about this release, contact the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture at (773) 363-1312 or info@chicagocenter.org.

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Goshen College, established in 1894, is a residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college's Christ-centered core values – passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership – prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron's Best Buys in Education, "Colleges of Distinction," "Making a Difference College Guide" and U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition, which named Goshen a "least debt college." Visit www.goshen.edu.