Author: Jenna Krick (Assistant Program Coordinator)
As a third-year Penn State student transferring to University Park from my previous branch campus, I was excited to explore the State College area and connect with my new surroundings. After taking some time to settle in and learn my way around campus, I knew I wanted to develop ties to the community that extended beyond my academic life.
Through Penn State’s Work-Study Program, I discovered Mid-State Literacy Council (MSLC) and was given the opportunity to begin working with the incredible students, volunteers, and staff that make up this organization.
Starting in the summer of 2024, I began tutoring a student in English Language Learning (ELL) and assistant teaching for the Intermediate/Advanced Conversation Group. Following the summer semester, I continued to assist in teaching the fall Intermediate Everyday English class. Though I felt nervous about moving into these new roles and about my teaching abilities, those nerves were quickly replaced by the joy of collaborating with the students and forming bonds with them. Each class and conversation taught me more about my students’ lives, including their backgrounds, family and friends, goals, and interests. I was honored to be a small part of their journeys.
A core memory that I often reflect on from my early days working with MSLC took place during my and my student’s summer tutoring sessions. Upon the start of July, we frequently talked about the upcoming Central Pennsylvania Arts Festival and our growing excitement toward it. After these conversations, it felt like a natural decision to bring our English lessons to the festival. Together, we attended an art exhibit and award ceremony where we got to browse through all of the incredible pieces displayed, eat some delicious snacks, and see the artists get awarded for all the hard work they put into their creations. After enjoying this reception, we spent the rest of our time discussing the event and working through various vocabulary words that are commonly used during these occasions. This memory is one that I will always look back on fondly and reminds me of the many forms that learning at MSLC can take to reach each student’s needs and desires. My student wanted to fully embrace the State College community and have someone to take on these explorations with, and our tutoring sessions made that possible.
Moving into the spring of 2025, my final semester at Penn State, I was extremely grateful when MSLC entrusted me to work with them as a health literacy-focused intern. In this role, I used the lens I gained as a Psychology and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major to implement health literacy lessons into the Intermediate Everyday English class, as well as work with a local organization, Centre Helps, to plan an event in which they shared their meaningful resources with our students.
Through my internship, I continued teaching with long-term MSLC volunteer Karen Dabney. Over the past two semesters, Karen quickly became a mentor to me, and learning from her compassionate teaching style greatly guided my own approach. My health literacy lessons sought to emphasize well-being and safety, as well as building overall confidence in navigating the State College community. We covered topics such as communicating an emergency, exploring the importance of mental health literacy, locating food resources in the community, and understanding patients’ healthcare rights in the United States. I loved working with the students to explore these health literacy lessons together, and our discussions easily became the highlight of my internship experience.
Collaborating with Centre Helps and their wonderful staff also offered me a deeply impactful opportunity. Joining our efforts helped me further understand the importance of connecting with fellow community organizations to support individuals’ wellness and security. Centre Helps provides vital services and links people to relevant resources for their unique needs. It was a pleasure working with them to offer our students a hands-on introduction, or reintroduction, to their services. Following their interactive and informative presentation, I hope that those who attended feel more comfortable utilizing these resources in times of need.
As I reflect on my undergraduate journey, I am endlessly grateful for the amazing experiences I have had with MSLC. Throughout the past year, I learned so many valuable lessons from the students, volunteers, and staff members in this organization, and those lessons will continue to shape how I navigate the world. Additionally, I saw firsthand how taking the time to get to know one another and building relationships fosters an open and supportive environment. From being in the MSLC office and its warm and welcoming energy to the countless laughs I shared with my students, I have created memories that I will forever cherish. MSLC provides a space for friendship and community while working toward various literacy goals.
Following my recent graduation from Penn State, I am beyond excited and honored to announce that I have been granted the opportunity to continue my involvement with MSLC and join their team as the Assistant Program Coordinator! Stepping into this new role allows me to continue working alongside those at the heart of this organization, building upon literacy as a vehicle for opportunity, well-being, and connection. I am eager to assist the English Language Learning (ELL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs, welcome new students and volunteers into our organization, and strengthen relationships with those who have had such a great impact on me already. As I reflect on my undergraduate experience and look toward the future, I am lucky to have found a home in MSLC.
