Chloe Swenson graduated this past May with her BA in social work. Through her applied learning experience, Chloe works as a practicum student at the Wichita Children's Home with Kidzcope.
The Wichita Children’s Home provides support to almost 1,700 children each year through comprehensive services and trauma-responsive care. This includes Kidzcope, whose focus is grief services.
Chloe’s main responsibilities deal with prepping and leading grief sessions, conducting intakes, and researching grief activities. This opportunity has allowed her to grow professionally in her communication skills and her knowledge of the grieving process. Chloe hopes to continue with the Wichita Children's Home after graduation.
Throughout her practicum, Chloe has learned that this industry is essential and helps many receive support services. With Kidzcope, the organization can reach kids as young as three and start the discussion on how their grief journey can be supported.
A moment that she has been most impacted by was a child understanding that bad things can happen to both good and bad people.
“This concept is often difficult to grasp because kids often think that if their loved one dies and they were good, then only bad things happen to good people,” Chloe said, “This was a great milestone to hit on their grief journey.”
Working in this environment has greatly influenced Chloe’s perspective on her career goals and has solidified the desire to work with this organization as long as she is able to.
By applying the knowledge, she has gained in the classroom to the field, she is better adapted to many types of future situations.
“I have always believed that hands-on experience trumps anything that a textbook will teach you,” Chloe says, “When working with humans, especially their emotions, nothing should be expected or guaranteed.”
Her skills in organizational structure and helping professionals within this sector has increased throughout her time with Wichita Children's Home.
The applied learning fund from the State of Kansas has 100% supported Chloe's success. With the help of the fund, she is experiencing less stress and better grades.
“Money, whether you like it or not, is important. Being able to have these funds and better help my finances has helped me manage my stress,” Chloe says.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.
Courtesy Photo
Courtesy Photo