Ohio University Chillicothe education students gain practical experience as Big Brothers Big Sisters interns

Two Ohio University Chillicothe education students are building confidence, skills and relationships through a summer internship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio.

The experience has shown Alli Boggioni and Gabby Pernell that great teaching starts with relationships and meaningful connections.

Both Boggioni and Pernell are Southeastern High School graduates who chose to stay close to home for college, a decision that has paid off in ways they didn't expect.  Pernell nearly left the region for college but decided to stay after becoming an aunt again.

"I wanted to be here for her life," she said. "It was just more convenient for me and my lifestyle at the time. I like the program (education). I love the people who I'm with."

As a new mother, Boggioni also chose to remain close to home and her support network.

"I never wanted to go away. I always wanted to stay close to home," she said. 

That choice led both students to an education program that emphasizes experiential learning through professional internships, community engagement, and even substitute teaching. Their summer internship with Big Brothers Big Sisters provided an opportunity to work directly with young people while developing skills that will translate into future teaching careers. 

Learning beyond the classroom

Pernell served as a mentor, or “Big,” through Big Brothers Big Sisters’ school-based program at Southeastern High School. That experience, and her connection with Nicole Pickerrell, the organization's school-based coordinator, eventually opened the door to a summer internship.

"It's so much more than I thought it would be," Pernell said. "We get to learn a lot more about what the program does. I am very grateful and the internship opened my eyes."

For Boggioni, the internship highlighted the broad impact community organizations can have on young people.

“It’s shown me that they do so much more than people realize and they put so much care into helping children in our community and making sure they always have someone in their corner to go to,” she said. “Seeing that firsthand was really inspiring.”

The students said no two days are alike. They may spend time on outings with children, assist with organizational projects or build relationships with participants.

“Building the relationship with the kids... that is the biggest component in getting down to their level, making sure that they know that we're here and that we want them to have fun,” Boggioni said.

Pernell said the internship experience has helped her to grow personally and professionally. 

"You have to be open-minded to everything going on, and you also need to be very compassionate, because every one of their home lives is different," she said. "It's definitely got me out of my comfort zone and brought me out of my shell a little bit."

While they gain valuable experience, the two students are also helping to enhance programming at Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

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“Alli and Gabby are bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to our work as we plan curriculum and create meaningful experiences for our Littles,” said Executive Director Erin Alsop. “We are fortunate to have two incredible students spending the summer with us to strengthen our programs and make a lasting impact on our Littles.”

Preparing future teachers through experience

Both students credit OHIO Chillicothe faculty members, including instructors Jeannie Dalton and Jillian Manson and Associate Professor Amy Wolfe, with encouraging them to pursue experiences that complement their classroom learning.

Faculty support extended beyond academics for Boggioni when she faced significant personal challenges while balancing coursework, work and parenting responsibilities. She wasn’t sure how she was going to keep up the balancing act and considered dropping out of school but persisted with the support of caring faculty who helped her adjust coursework, connected her with resources, and kept her enrolled.

"They helped me get through all of that," she said. "I'm so grateful for them. They are very understanding. They always listen."

Pernell said that support is a defining characteristic of the program.

"They've always said if we need extra time or if something's going on, they definitely have open arms for us," Pernell said.

The students said Dalton’s encouragement to begin substitute teaching early in their academic careers was especially valuable.

"She was very realistic," Pernell said. "Teaching is hard. At the end of the day, it's hard. She was the one that really pushed me into getting into subbing... you need to get experience before you actually get into a classroom."

Those experiences helped both students refine their career goals. Working alongside Manson, who teaches gifted education at Zane Trace Elementary School, inspired Boggioni to pursue gifted education after graduation.

 "Seeing her as a teacher made me remember why I want to become one," Boggioni said. 

Pernell confirmed her interest in early childhood education as a substitute teacher in a preschool special-needs classroom.

“It's what I needed,” she said, “because I'm more reserved ... and it built my confidence.”

Building confidence and career readiness

Internships and substitute teaching have provided more than resume-building experiences for Boggioni and Pernell. Those experiences offered opportunities to apply what they are learning, build professional networks and gain confidence in their ability to lead a classroom. 

Boggioni said those experiences have reinforced a lifelong goal.

“Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “Seeing how much the kids love her (Jillian Manson) and confide in her and trust her has been amazing.” 

As they prepare for careers in education, both students encourage future teacher candidates to seek experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom.

“Definitely get into subbing,” Pernell said. “It helps you see from a whole new perspective.”

For more information on Ohio University Chillicothe's education programs, visit ohio.edu/chillicothe/academics.