A helping hand
MEM student group aims to provide love, support and growth
Emphasizing the idea that underrepresented students need a strong support system, the Mary E. Mahoney (MEM) Nursing Support Group’s Internship Program strives to assist nursing students any way it can. Based on values of love, support and growth, the group creates an environment that aims to alleviate stress caused by the rigorous demands of the nursing program.
“This support group exists as a safe haven, a resource center and, ultimately, gives students an extra helping hand ...” says senior Letitia Chang, president of MEM in 2016.
The group’s internship program provides extensive training, and interns are given the opportunity to shadow a position that interests them. Ten interns currently occupy leadership roles within the program, and each holds many responsibilities.
For example, academic coordinator interns provide ideas for academic events such as study and review sessions, while public relations interns design fliers for general interest meetings, events and fundraising.
Shirley Cai, a senior and fundraising intern, says she enjoys coordinating and planning events with her fellow interns. Her favorite so far? A fried Oreos fundraiser.
“MEM has provided me with a group of very supportive friends and a mentor who can help me on my path to nursing,” Cai says. “Being around them really helps me prepare myself for nursing school, especially since a lot of the [executive] board members are senior advisors.”
Senior Vivian Lee, vice president of MEM, says the internship program helped her become a leader.
“My co-chair and I planned the first-ever MEM nursing appreciation day last spring. It also benefitted me on my nursing path because MEM was able to bring in amazing RNs, NPs and PhD students to talk to us about nursing.”
Lee describes MEM as a wonderful support system that encourages students to pursue their dreams in nursing while also acknowledging that they are not alone in their journey.
“The internship made me a more involved member in the community,” Lee says. “And I was able to make it a wonderful experience!”