Spending her summer educating residents of Aldersgate on various forms of social media, Mississippi State Educational Psychology graduate Kristen Covington positively impacted the lives of many.

    “We explored YouTube, Facebook, Google, and eBay among others. Aldersgate purchased several iPads for the residents to use, but some residents purchased personal iPads after realizing the benefits and enjoyment of social media,” Covington said.

    Funded through an internship with the Riley Foundation, Covington started the job thinking it was just another summer job.

    “I am so thankful to the Riley Foundation and Aldersgate for allowing me the privilege to work as an intern,” Covington said. “What I thought would be just a summer job, turned out to be so much more. I hope that more college students are able to have the same opportunity given to me.”

    Some common tasks spearheaded by Covington while at Aldersgate included organizing activities for residents.

    “There are many activities offered on a daily basis. Working around all of those activities, I was able to assist individuals one-on-one as well as group info sessions on different forms of social media. ‘YouTube Time’ was a resident favorite!”

    The Meridian native will begin her Master of Science in School Counseling this fall.

    “I knew I would enjoy working at Aldersgate, but I never expected to fall in love with the staff and residents of Aldersgate,” Covington said. “My job responsibility was to teach social media; however, I gained so much more in return.” 

    In her spare time, Covington enjoys supporting the Mississippi State Bulldogs and catching a cat nap.