Perry Wellness Center has a proud tradition of welcoming college interns to its campus. Internships at PWC provide invaluable hands-on experiences to graduating students, as well as fresh opportunities for social interaction with enrolled peers.

Atlanta resident Alison Rugel is in training at Georgia Southwestern State University as part of her degree program in Sociology. The 21-year-old student will graduate in May of this year, but is getting a professional head start from many of her activities.

“I know that my degree in Sociology is a bit different,” Alison explains, “But I want to learn options in my future association with people. My mother owns and directs a day care in Atlanta. I guess she led me to want to help others.”

During school breaks and vacation, Alison works in the day care program, and her internship at Perry Wellness Center is another opportunity for growth. She is particularly interested in communication skills and styles, and her work gives her ample opportunity to observe and learn.

“There are a growing number of scientists and sociologists who are alert to the decreasing activity of one-on-one communication,” Alison notes. “We learn much from personal contact, and facial expressions and body language can teach us more about the personal thoughts of people, in addition to the verbal expressions.”

As part of her commitment to better face-to-face communication, the committed student states that she avoids the use of cell phones and other gadgets whenever possible She explains, “Cell phone use gets in the way of other events and learning. I do not keep my cell phone in my pocket each day. God, I hope, knows where I am. Not the phone “ping,” GPS, and other electronics giving our location.”

Alison has been at Perry Wellness Center for just a few days and has already made many positive observations about peer communications. She says, “I have seen that peers with common likes usually sit at the same table. Most are doing hands-on activities, like card playing, word games, and other beneficial learning games. Few tables are glued to screens and video games.” She feels that limited screen time promotes other learning and looks forward to a time when she can teach young students to seek out productive activities in their daily lives.”

Welcome, Alison Rugel – and thanks for reminding us of the importance of true person-to-personal communication.