In this Volunteer Spotlight, we would like to introduce you to three interns from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah: Kaitlyn Cragen, Carsen Poole and Marissa Huish. We were so grateful to have them with us this summer.
Kaitlyn is studying public health at BYU, and she came to CRYP through a university internship program. She has loved the experiences she’s had while volunteering, and all the people she has been able to meet.
Carson says: “Hello! I’m from Springville, Utah. My great-grandmother passed away when I was young, but I have always felt very connected to her. I was deeply interested in her Native American heritage and the stories of her family enduring the Trail of Tears. When I saw my university offering an internship at the Cheyenne River Youth Project, I knew I had to come. I spent the past year and a half with my church here in the Lakota homeland, and I was ecstatic to find a chance to return, help empower the youth of this community, and learn more about this Native American culture.
Marissa says: “Hi! I’m from Seattle, Washington. I came here with BYU’s “Native Health and Sustainability” program. This summer internship interested me since I’m studying public health; I hope to attend dental school in the future. I saw this internship as an excellent chance to deepen my understanding of Lakota culture, share information about wellness with the youth, and explore how I can contribute meaningfully in the future once I complete my dental studies.