From Intern to Inspired

Meet Diana - an Immokalee Foundation student and tutor, a full-time dual enrollment student at Florida SouthWestern State College, and a Youth Leadership Collier alumna.

This summer, Diana was one of 50 students who participated in The Immokalee Foundation's Summer Intern Program. This experience transformed career-minded young people into inspired young professionals ready to make a difference in Southwest Florida's workforce.

Each student is a participant in The Immokalee Foundation's award-winning Career Pathways program. Diana follows the Healthcare Pathway curriculum; however, student interns representing our Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, and Engineering & Construction Management Pathways were also hosted by businesses all over Southwest Florida.

By working alongside healthcare industry experts, Diana gained invaluable real-world insight into the field, bringing her one step closer to her dream of becoming an occupational therapist. Her ultimate goal? To return to her hometown of Immokalee and help expand access to much-needed rehabilitation services.

Diana draws strength and motivation from her parents, both agricultural workers. She's seen firsthand the sacrifices they've made, and she's determined to honor their hard work by achieving the dreams they weren't able to pursue.

"I always strive to achieve the best version of myself and poner las pilas (get moving)," she explained.

While every student intern's journey is unique, one theme echoes across all experiences: GRATITUDE.

Today, I am proud to share Diana's (unexpected) personal note of appreciation, reflecting on her internship at Physicians Regional Healthcare System. Her story is just one example of how your continued support helps fuel the passion, purpose, and promise of our students.

"This summer, I have been fortunate to intern at Physicians Regional Healthcare System. I shadowed and helped medical professionals in managing paperwork, patient care, and learning about different fields from experts. I rotated between many departments, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, the Surgical Unit, Laboratory, Cath Lab, and so many more fascinating departments. Through this internship, I connected with many talented individuals who strive to better the lives of others through their profession, and this motivates me to do the same.

I want to thank Scott Lowe —the Market CEO of Physicians Regional Healthcare System—for allowing me to undergo this exclusive experience, since internships at this prestigious hospital are usually only provided to those who are almost complete in their medical education. I would not have had this amazing opportunity had it not been for him.

Secondly, I wish to thank Cathy Bartoszek for being a fantastic guide and coordinator during my internship. Without her patience and dedication towards educating the youth in the medical field, I would not have found my true calling in healthcare.

Lastly, it is thanks to the partnership with The Immokalee Foundation that I was connected with Physicians Regional Healthcare System. They continue to go above and beyond.

Thanks also to The Immokalee Foundation staff who were a part of this internship journey. I am now well-equipped to know what my future in healthcare holds.

With my newfound knowledge of the healthcare field, I have become more confident in my choice of working in the rehabilitation side of healthcare, and I truly owe so many people for their patience while showing me their professions.

Health at the heart of it all is truly the embodiment of what it means to work in this field, and I aim to always put my heart into everything I do."

Young people like Diana are at the heart of everything we do. Won't you join us?