Meet Riley Gardner: Capitol Lakes' Social Work Intern

Social work is a field that demands compassion, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others. At Capitol Lakes, one intern embodies these qualities and more. Riley Gardner, a senior undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is making a meaningful impact through her internship. Thanks to you, the Capitol Lakes Foundation can provide her a tuition stipend in appreciation for her work. This feature explores her background, motivations, and the role she plays at Capitol Lakes.

Riley’s Background and Path to Social Work

Riley Gardner grew up in Greenwood, a small rural town in central Wisconsin. Raised on a hobby farm, she learned the value of hard work early in life. This upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community support. Now in her final year at UW-Madison, Riley is focused on completing her undergraduate studies in social work.

Her journey into social work began somewhat unexpectedly. When she first arrived at UW-Madison, Riley was undecided about her major. She explored various subjects during her freshman year, including an introductory social work course inspired by her sister, who is also a social worker. The course professor shared stories from her experience as a hospice social worker, which resonated deeply with Riley. These stories helped her realize that social work was a career where she could make a real difference.

Why Social Work and Future Goals

Riley’s decision to pursue social work is rooted in her desire to support others, especially older adults. She wants to continue working with this population, and after graduation plans to gain one to two years of hands-on experience before moving on to graduate school, where she intends to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

Her goal is to build a strong foundation of field knowledge before advancing her education. By working directly with older adults here at Capitol Lakes, Riley hopes to develop the skills and insights necessary to provide effective support and advocacy. This approach reflects her thoughtful and strategic mindset toward her career.

What Riley’s Internship Involves

Capitol Lakes was Riley’s top choice for her field placement because of the wide range of services it offers to residents. At her internship, she closely shadows the Social Services Director, learning the day-to-day responsibilities involved in supporting residents in the Health Center.

Her tasks include assisting with small projects and gradually taking on more independent work to help residents. This hands-on experience allows Riley to apply what she has learned in the classroom to real-world situations. She appreciates the opportunity to observe and participate in the social work process within a community setting.

What Riley Loves About Working at Capitol Lakes

Riley enjoys the variety of learning opportunities her internship provides. She is gaining practical skills that will be essential in her future career. The chance to work closely with experienced professionals and residents has deepened her understanding of social work in a healthcare setting.

She also appreciates the community feel at Capitol Lakes. The staff’s willingness to support her learning journey makes her feel valued and encouraged. This positive environment contributes to her enthusiasm for social work and her commitment to making a difference.

The Impact of the Capitol Lakes Foundation Stipend

Riley also feels supported because of the stipend provided by the Capitol Lakes Foundation thanks to your generosity. Working 17 hours a week at Capitol Lakes limits her ability to take on additional hours at her part-time job. The stipend helps ease the financial burden of her undergraduate tuition at UW-Madison, allowing her to focus more on her studies and internship.

Final Thoughts on Riley’s Journey

Riley Gardner’s story is a powerful example of how dedication, support, and real-world experience come together to shape a future social worker. Her internship at Capitol Lakes, and the tuition stipend she received thanks to your generosity, is providing her with the tools and confidence to pursue her goals while easing her financial burden. As she prepares to graduate and gain more experience, Riley is well on her way to making a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults.