My three-month stint as a NCHPAD intern began on a fairly warm Monday morning at the end of June. Upon my arrival at NCPAD's offices at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Amy Rauworth, Senior Project Coordinator, greeted me, introduced me to others, gave me a tour of the facility, and handed me a stack of papers and grants to help familiarize myself with the center. My mission: discover my niche and begin work.

Throughout the 12 weeks I spent at NCPAD, I participated in a myriad of activities, including attending conferences, updating resources on the Web site, assessing the accessibility of parks and fitness centers, assisting with research on the dose response of exercise, reviewing current research, and attending and providing feedback during weekly staff meetings. Each of these experiences provided me with new opportunities and responsibilities, and enabled me to contribute to the overall success of NCPAD.

Working at NCHPAD also fostered an understanding and appreciation for the multi-disciplinary approach necessary for success in this field. I found myself working alongside physical therapists, recreation therapists, exercise physiologists, kinesiologists, biostatisticians, social workers, and students. The energy that permeates NCPAD's atmosphere encouraged me to create resources that demonstrate and fulfill NCPAD's motto that "Exercise is for Every Body."

As I compete my "tour of duty" as a NCHPAD intern, I anticipate other new opportunities with NCPAD. Though I am sad to leave, I know my relationship with NCHPAD will continue. As one of my colleagues said, "You can always find your way back to NCPAD." The enthusiasm for NCHPAD is contagious and encourages a continued relationship with their team. The experiences gained through my internship at NCHPAD are invaluable and have helped shape my future career goals and objectives.

Successful interns should have self-motivation, independence, energy, creativity and the ability to think on their feet. If this sounds like you, and you have a desire to work in the field of physical activity, disability, recreation and exercise, NCHPAD may be the perfect place. To inquire further into interning at NCPAD, contact Amy Rauworth at amyr@lakeshore.org or 312-355-1584.

Good luck to all the future interns!

Kim Hannon