Austin Fillmore
Family and human services major Austin Fillmore ’17 lands an internship that that provides interactive, hands-on art activities to disadvantaged families and children.
Austin Fillmore always knew he would pursue the helping field. “When my parents divorced, I decided that I wanted to be able to provide support for others that were like me and just needed someone to talk to,” says Fillmore.
The Family and Human Services major, Human Services Track has provided Fillmore with a number of diverse and beneficial experiences, including fieldwork and internships.
Currently Fillmore has an internship at Art with a Heart, a nonprofit organization that provides interactive, hands-on art activities to disadvantaged families and children, and to people with developmental and physical challenges.
“I love how much time I get to spend in the field,” he notes. “Between my community service placement and both of my internships, I will have over 400 hours of work under my belt by the time I graduate. Through this experience, I have also built my professional network and have forged professional relationships that have already resulted in job opportunities.”
“ My classes have taught me how to understand the forces at work when I am engaged with a client. ”
But what was his favorite aspect of the department? “The professors and professionals within this department are second to none,” he says. “They have always been accessible and supportive of my endeavors. Without them, I am not sure I would have had such a fantastic experience.”
Currently Fillmore sees himself becoming a counselor or school psychologist, but for now he plans to continue working with Art with a Heart “providing direct service to volunteers through large volunteer events or outreach initiatives.”