For many college and high school students, summer jobs are a way to build a résumé, earn money or gain experience in a future career field. At Living Well Disability Services, student staff discover something much more meaningful: relationships that change lives, including their own.
This summer, students working at homes including Popper, Southcrest and 75th have become an important part of the Living Well community. They supported people in daily activities, accompanied them on outings, celebrated milestones and, most importantly, built genuine friendships. In return, they gained valuable life lessons that will stay with them long after summer ends.
Many of these students are pursuing careers in healthcare, education, science, research and other professions focused on helping others. They come to Living Well looking for experience but quickly discovered that the people they support become the most rewarding part of the job.
For Jack Marsh, a biochemistry student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, some of the most memorable moments were often the simplest. One of his favorite experiences was taking several people supported on a picnic to Crosby Park. What kept him coming back, he says, is, “All the little fun moments we get to have during the day and feeling like I helped make a positive impact at the end of the day.”
Drew Buslee, a biology major at the College of Saint Benedict, says Living Well has taught her an important lesson that extends far beyond the workplace, “The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that not everyone communicates with words.” Drew’s favorite part of the job is building connections with the people she supported, including a memorable outing where she took a person supported swimming and watched the joy it brought him.
For Sara Boerger, an exercise science student at the University of St. Thomas who plans to pursue occupational therapy, the experience has been both inspiring and humbling. She says, “The most valuable lessons that I have learned at Living Well is to never take anything for granted and to keep a positive attitude even when it feels hard.” The relationships she has built keep her returning, even during college breaks. As Sara explains, “After a while it feels like we are family.”
New student staff members are discovering similar lessons. Chloe Smith, a 2026 graduate from Edina High School, is now attending Macalester College studying biology. She says Living Well has shown her the importance of patience when supporting others. “It isn’t a virtue, but a necessity, in order to properly connect with others and provide the highest tier service in anything you do,” she says. Chloe also appreciates working for an organization where she sees the mission reflected every day. “I see how this nonprofit truly cares about each and every person at each home.” Chloe loves it so much she is staying on throughout the school year, spending Saturdays at our 75th home.
Isa Nelson, a molecular biology major and collegiate basketball player at Colorado College, joined Living Well looking for hands-on healthcare experience. Instead, she found something much deeper. “The most valuable lesson I have learned at Living Well is definitely how to be patient with progress,” she says. “Everyone at Living Well progresses at their own pace and all have their own goals.” Isa says her favorite part of the job was spending time with the people supported after they returned home from day programs, talking about their day and enjoying each other’s company.
The impact of these summer jobs extends well beyond Living Well. Students consistently describe learning patience, communication, teamwork and empathy through their experiences. Bryn Christopherson, who is considering a career in the medical field, says the biggest lesson she has learned is, “How important it is to treat people how you would want to be treated.”
For Liam Madigan, a quantitative economics student at St. Olaf College, the work has been especially meaningful because of his family’s long connection to Living Well. He says, “I feel inspired and motivated every day I come into work. There has not been one day when I didn’t want to come in.” Asked what he would tell others considering a job at Living Well, Liam’s answer is simple, “This is the most rewarding job you will ever have, no question.”
Perhaps the simplest summary came from Andrew Lane, whose experience as a student staff member has helped shape how he sees the world. When asked about the most valuable thing he has learned, his answer was straightforward, “It helped me become more empathetic.” He started as a Youth DSP at age 16, working after school on Mondays, and only left because he moved to attend school at Montana State University.
That sentiment echoed throughout nearly every student interview. While student staff make important contributions to Living Well’s mission each summer, the people they support have an equally profound impact on them. Whether they become physicians, therapists, teachers, researchers, financial advisors, scientists or business leaders, they leave Living Well with a deeper understanding of inclusion, dignity and human connection.
We are grateful for the many student staff members who choose to spend their summers at Living Well. Their energy, compassion and commitment help bring our mission to life every day. Just as importantly, the lessons they learn here will stay with them wherever life takes them, helping create a future workforce that is more understanding, inclusive and empathetic because of the relationships they built at Living Well.
If you know a student looking for a meaningful afterschool or weekend job this fall, have them contact Recruiters Nate Altman or Jenni Zeis at jobs@livingwell.org.
(Read more about Chloe, Isa and Andrew in this article in the Edina Sun Current)