Willimantic, Conn. – Eastern Connecticut State University student Evan Walsh, a junior communication major, was offered a summer internship with The Ohio State University’s Mentorship Initiative for Student Life (MISL) Program. Walsh is one of only eight students nationwide selected for the MISL Program, which is intended for aspiring student affairs professionals.
The MISL Program is an eight-week immersion experience during which paid interns will on campus as a cohort and participate in a number of academic and professional responsibilities.
“A reason I love the college setting so much is that there are so many ideas and people,” said Walsh, who is also a resident assistant of Nutmeg Hall. “College is an exciting place; that’s why I want to make a career in higher education.”
Walsh will spend 25 hours per week working with OSU’s Office of Student Life. Outside of those 25 hours, Walsh will participate in reflection and cohort meetings, GRE preparation, professional development sessions, portfolio completion and other tasks. The main event of the internship is the Capstone Experience, which will bring MISL interns to Atlanta, GA, to explore cultural and higher education opportunities.
In order to be considered for the MISL Program, Walsh had to first be accepted into the National Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP), which only accepts 150 new members nationwide per year—an achievement in itself.
MISL Interns will work in Office of Student Life departments of their choice. “I am intrigued by student residential life, Greek Life and community engagement,” said Walsh. “My prospective departments are the Center for the Study of Student Life; The Ohio Union, Student Activities and Greek Life; and Buckeye Civic Engagement Connection.”
As a student at Eastern, Walsh has been involved in and out of the classroom. “So many departments I’ve worked with, particularly the Department of Housing and Residential Life, have provided me with immense support, networks and mentorship in my pursuit in student affairs,” said Walsh. “For that I am extremely fortunate and grateful.”