Discovering Flint & Genesee: The Flintern Experience
Originally from Russia, Olga Sikstel is a Fulbright scholar pursuing her master’s degree in social work at Michigan State University. At the suggestion of a professor, she took an internship this summer at Flint Odyssey House, a nonprofit supporting individuals with substance abuse disorders.
“I loved it,” said Sikstel, who’s been living in the United States since last July. “Not only was the internship challenging, but it also broke the old stereotypes about Flint.”
Sikstel, who was joined by her 15-year-old daughter for the summer, lived in student housing provided by Riverfront Center in downtown Flint. She explored the city by bus and bicycle, finding community members to be friendly and helpful. Her daughter got involved in local summer camps and programs. And together, they attended festivals, ate frequently at the Torch, and grew to appreciate the city.
And that’s a big part of the internship experience, says Brianna Mosier, executive director of Flint & Genesee Education & Talent, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group that offers Flinterns – a five-week series designed to immerse students in the culture and community of Flint & Genesee.
“Not only does it give the intern a chance to get on-the-job experience and grow their network, it provides an opportunity to explore and be immersed in the surrounding community,” Mosier said. “That’s huge in helping them envision themselves living and working here.”
This summer, Sikstel was one of 80 college students to participate in the Flintern program, which offered walking tours of the communities and opportunities to network, explore, and take part in local professional development. The experience doesn’t just benefit people who are new to the area either. For Kiara Turvey, a graduate of Flint Southwestern Academy and student at the University of Michigan – Flint, it helped expose her to resources that she wasn’t already aware of as a resident.
“I didn’t know about the Flint & Genesee Young Professionals,” said Turvey, who interned for Michigan State University’s Pediatric Public Health Initiative. “I definitely plan to plug into that group. I think it would be helpful in growing my network and learning about what’s going on in the community.”
When Turvey graduates this December, she says she’ll be looking locally for a job in health communications or as a community engagement officer.
“This community is so welcoming and nurturing,” Turvey said. “There’s a lot of opportunity for growth here.”
Partnering employers in the 2024 program included the 100K Ideas, Ally Challenge presented by McLaren, Communities First, Dominique Clemons Campaign, East Side Community Center, Flint Disability Network, Flint & Genesee Group, Hurley Medical Center, Genesee County Clerk’s Office, Genesee County Planning Commission, Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office, The MADE Institute, Miller Industries LLC, Plante Moran, Serenity House, Rowe Professional Services, MSU Extension, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, MSU Flint Initiative Program, Peckham Industries, Stephens Wealth Management, Voices for Children Advocacy Center, Waste Management, Whaley’s Children Center, and Yeo & Yeo.
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