Supporting Futures: Sonja Minge's Path from Service to Social Work

At Capitol Lakes, we prioritize the growth of our student workers by offering them tuition assistance. This year we want to spotlight individual team members whose lives have been positively impacted thanks to the support your gifts make possible. In this installment of our series, we feature Sonja Minge, a dedicated server at Seasons restaurant. Having worked with us for nearly four years, Sonja's journey shows how our tuition assistance program can significantly impact the lives of our student workers.

Sonja's Role at Capitol Lakes

Sonja Minge has become a vital part of the Capitol Lakes community over her nearly four years as a server in the Seasons restaurant. Her role goes beyond delivering meals; she actively connects with residents, fostering a warm atmosphere filled with personal interactions.

Every day, Sonja engages with residents, listening to their stories and sharing in their experiences. This engagement allows her not only to provide excellent service but also to build relationships that thrive on trust and camaraderie. Her commitment reflects the core values of Capitol Lakes, where community and connection take center stage.

Academic Aspirations and the Impact of Tuition Assistance

Currently, Sonja is pursuing her Master's in Social Work. She intends to focus on child, youth, and family advocacy or counseling, driven by her deep-seated passion for supporting families facing difficulties. Her goal is to help them thrive by navigating their challenges effectively.

The tuition assistance program at Capitol Lakes makes a big difference for Sonja because as she explains, "Grad school is very expensive, and having some of the financial burden taken off my plate is a huge relief."

Furthermore, this assistance builds a sense of community. "It makes me feel supported by the community that I am so grateful to be a part of," Sonja adds. For student workers like her, having this backing is crucial while juggling both work and studies.

Why Sonja Loves Working at Capitol Lakes

Sonja's enthusiasm for her job at Capitol Lakes shines through. "I love working at Capitol Lakes because of the people!" she shares. Building strong connections with residents and colleagues has not only enriched her work experience but also equipped her with unique insights.

Listening to the stories of our residents enhances her interpersonal skills and fills her with inspiration. The experiences gained here are invaluable as Sonja prepares for her future career in social work, providing her with real-life scenarios that will shape her practice.

Building a Supportive Community

Thanks to your generosity, we are creating an environment where student workers can excel. By investing in employees' education, you not only nurture their individual futures but also enrich the community as a whole.

Sonja's journey showcases the substantial positive effects such programs can have. As she continues her studies and gears up for a career in social work, the support she receives from Capitol Lakes will play a crucial role in her success.

Throughout the year, we hope to continue sharing inspiring stories from our student workers. Each journey highlights the unique paths they follow and the positive impact of the tuition assistance program you make possible. Stay tuned for more noteworthy experiences from the Capitol Lakes community!