The culminating assignment of this program was to create a visual representation of my experience at Catholic Charities, applying my knowledge so that I could share with others. I presented my work in a poster session at Loyola's Undergraduate Research & Engagement Symposium on April 21. The symposium is part of the university-wide Weekend of Excellence, which showcases undergraduate research and community engagement.

This year's theme was Learning Together: Deepening Inquiry, Deepening Dialogue. I feel that my internship in the Immigration and Naturalization department truly reflects the symposium's message, because my poster presentation opens a dialogue and challenges people to understand the immigration system and its demands. My poster seeks to describe the process of reaching legal status in the United States, demonstrating the process in a clear, concise way while avoiding oversimplification.

The Road to Legal Status: U.S. Immigration & Naturalization by Ellie Kust on Scribd

Finally, at the end of April, when the internship program drew to a close, I reflected upon the program at large. It is difficult to express just how much I've learned and grown from this experience, but I know I will take these lessons with me as I move forward in my career.

Final Reflection by Ellie Kust on Scribd