TAMIU Sociology Students Intern With Local Agencies

Texas A&M International University Sociology students enrolled in a Social Services Internship course (SOCI 4316) are gaining valuable job skills while earning credit toward their degree.

TAMIU Assistant Professor of Sociology Dr. Cecilia Garza, who is teaching the Internship course this semester, said students spend 150 volunteer hours with a local social, health, or correctional organization as a course requirement.

The Internship experience gives students an opportunity to build professional ties, explore the realities of the day-today work environment, and use the sociological theory they have learned in class and apply it in a real world setting.

"This means our students are better prepared when they graduate and join the work force. That helps our students, the organizations that employ them, and the community they serve," said Dr. Garza.

Students participating in the Social Services Internship this semester include: Claudine Alfaro, interning with the Texas Department of Human Services, Income Assistance; Rosie Anaya, St. Joseph's Day Treatment Center; Nancy Garza, Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services; Claudia Gutierrez, Laredo Family Planning Services; Noemi Gutierrez, Texas Department of Human Services; Edna Light, Catholic Social Services Family Violence Shelter; Rosie Montes, AAMA Buena Salud, Nancy Rodriguez, Texas Department of Human Services, Community Service for Aged and Disabled Adults; Christina Salazar, Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center; Patricia Villarreal, Catholic Social Services Family Violence Shelter; and Patricia Yguerabide, Social Services Family Violence Shelter.

Any TAMIU Sociology major who has junior standing may enroll for the course.

For more information on the Social Service Internship course or the Sociology Program at TAMIU, please contact Dr. Garza at 326-2619.

TAMIU office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.