Courses and internship pique student’s interest in child welfare

MEDIA, Pa. – Jasmin Castano Arellano, a fourth-year human development and family studies major, reflects on her Penn State Brandywine experience so far and discusses how her coursework and professional experiences have helped her succeed.

“I chose to attend Brandywine because it was close to home and was very affordable for me,” Arellano said. “Coming from Kennett Square, it’s a really easy drive to get here. I’m able to get a Penn State education while being so close to home.”

Arellano knew she wanted to major in human development and family studies during her first semester when she took HDFS 129: Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies with Michael Sturm, associate teaching professor of human development and family studies.

“I really enjoyed taking HDFS 129 with Professor Sturm. It broadened my horizons and made me realize I wanted to major in human development and family studies,” she said.

During her time at Brandywine, Arellano has been involved in the Latinx Club and the Student Academic Integrity Committee. She also was a teaching assistant (TA) for CAS 100A: Effective Speech, a public-speaking course that was taught in the George W. Hill Correctional Facility as part of the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program.

“I enjoyed my time as a TA in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program last semester. It was a very interesting experience because I was a student in that program two years ago,” she said. “I think what being a TA really helped me with was getting out of my comfort zone. It really helped me communicate with my peers better.”

This spring, Arellano started her internship with Chester County’s Children, Youth and Family Services. In her role, she works with caseworkers to provide services to children and their families in Chester County, as well as completes home visits to help make sure children are being properly taken care of.

Upon graduating from Penn State this May, Arellano wants to work in child welfare. She said her experience at Chester County’s Children, Youth and Family Services is helping prepare her for full-time work.

“What I enjoy most about my internship with Chester County’s Children, Youth and Family Services is that I'm able to get hands-on experience with cases that I’ll be able to take with me after I graduate.”

With her involvement on campus and experience as a TA, Arellano said, she was able to grow a lot as a person and make new connections.

“Being involved at Brandywine made my college experience more enjoyable and I was able to meet new people,” she said. “I was able to network and make new friends. My involvement, not only in my clubs but as a TA, is something I can look back on as happy memories and be proud of my accomplishments.”

When asked what advice she would give to students who are looking to get involved, Arellano said to take advantage of every opportunity handed to them.

“One piece of advice I have is to take any opportunity they see. If there’s an event coming up, just go and see if you like it. You never know unless you try,” she said. “You might make friends, or you might be interested in that club or activity and want to keep up with it. It will open the door for so many other opportunities and experiences.”