STUDENT EXPERIENCE
A cancelled internship led to the inspiration for a new career path
Caitlyn Spurlock
Senior, Biobehavioral Health
Earlier this year, Caitlyn Spurlock, a senior majoring in Biobehavioral Health, had a summer internship lined up and was eager to engage in professional experiences to help her decide on her future career path. However, with the surge of COVID-19 cases in the United States, her internship was cancelled.
Having previously received scholarships from the Quell Foundation, Spurlock reached out to Kevin Lynch, the organization’s president and founder and 2014 Penn State alumnus of the Master’s in Health Administration, who directed her to an internship opportunity identifying the nation’s top psychiatry and psychology programs that may have opportunities to be expanded, if funded.
“I had always wanted to become more involved with the Quell Foundation because I love their mission, and they have done so much for me,” said Spurlock, who is continuing her internship this fall on the Quell National Listening Platform. She is also now a member of the organization’s Junior Board of Directors.
The Quell Foundation works to normalize the discussion around mental health by encouraging people to share their stories, increasing access to mental health services, and providing funding support and training to future mental health care professionals and first responders.
Due to her experience with Quell, Spurlock is now pursuing a career as a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner, planning to enroll in graduate school next year.
“I learned so much about the mental health field, the need for more mental health professionals, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Even though it was a remote environment, I still felt that it was a hands-on experience with the work I was doing, and I never felt that it was just ‘busy work’.”
Spurlock credits Penn State for encouraging and providing opportunities for her to connect with industry professional and pursue experiences related to her interest in mental health and wellness. She met Lynch at an awards ceremony where her brother was being honored and has pursued a connection with the Quell Foundation since.
“If I had never met Kevin at that ceremony and learned about his decision, I would never have had this opportunity for which I am so thankful.”
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