Aligning Passion With Purpose: Why I Chose to Intern at Rural Minds

Guest Blog Post by Jillian Samolewicz, Rural Minds Intern

Did you know that roughly one in six U.S. youth aged six to 17 experience a mental health disorder each year? Although this statistic may seem like just a number, to me it is a reminder of my high school classmate who took his own life. This person was someone I saw smiling every day in the hallways. Someone who lit up every room. Someone who you’d never expect to be silently struggling.

Now, as I enter my final semester at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey, majoring in Public Relations and Advertising, his story continues to inspire those who were lucky enough to meet him. It is my driving factor for wanting to do my summer internship for Rural Minds. Contributing to an organization dedicated to helping those privately battling mental health allows me to honor those who have lost their fight.

As someone who has lived in New Jersey my entire life, I have never had to worry about the availability of medical care. However, Rural Minds made me aware of the lack of health care options and, in particular, the mental health crisis in rural America. 

The idea that there are so many people who don't have access to proper mental health resources is not only devastating, but it is also unacceptable. For example, a shocking 65% of rural counties lack a psychiatrist. In addition, rural teenagers die by suicide at rates nearly 74% higher than their urban peers. This is a big reason why Rural Minds plans to launch the Rural Youth Mental Wellness Pilot Program in the fall of this year. It will provide practical resources, social support tips and real talk on the issues affecting young people today. 

Rural Minds is an amazing organization that has made a big difference in just a few short years. The organization launched by founder Jeff Winton, in collaboration with board members Jim Modica and Chuck Strand, has been a big inspiration from the moment I heard about it. 

From my internship, I want to immerse myself in public relations by working with Jeff, who has been a leader in the field of communications for decades, and also learning from his highly experienced team. I am looking forward to honing my research and writing skills on a range of projects. But equally important, I want to be part of something bigger than myself.