51吃瓜网

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to the donors of the Arts Student Employment Fund (ASEF) for making this experience possible. This past summer, I had the privilege of working under the supervision of Professor Sarah Tarshis on the ARIA-funded research project, 鈥楤uilding a Simulation-Based Model of Trauma-Informed Practice with Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Who Are Immigrants鈥�. The study aims to enhance support for IPV survivors facing trauma, particularly in immigrant communities where intersecting challenges of race, gender, culture, and immigration status influence experiences of violence and access to services. The project also addresses the reality that many social work students and new practitioners report feeling unprepared to intervene effectively in complex IPV cases.

The research has three main objectives: (1) to identify social work students鈥� learning needs in trauma-informed practice with immigrant IPV survivors; (2) to strengthen knowledge of intersectional trauma; and (3) to develop a simulation-based training model that builds essential practice skills. In Qu茅bec, a province with high immigration rates and diverse newcomer communities, this research is particularly relevant.

First, I wanted to deepen my knowledge of trauma-informed practice in relation to immigrant experiences of IPV. Second, I aimed to develop research skills, including literature reviews, case vignette design, and qualitative tool development. Finally, I hoped to gain exposure to simulation-based research (SBR), an innovative methodology increasingly used in applied health fields. This project provided me with the opportunity to participate in the early stages of research design, which gave me valuable insight into how a research project is initiated, structured, and collaboratively executed.

My internship focused on several activities: reviewing literature on trauma-informed practice and simulation-based methodologies; contributing to the development of bilingual recruitment and interview tools; and assisting in the design of case vignettes. One particularly engaging part of my work was helping to shape the case of 鈥淩ose,鈥� an immigrant woman facing IPV and settlement difficulties. This case, developed collaboratively with faculty, community partners, and trained actors, served as the basis for micro-plays and live simulation sessions where students practiced interviewing skills with the actor portraying Rose. Observing and reflecting on these sessions allowed me to see firsthand the strengths and challenges of integrating trauma-informed principles into practice.

I was motivated to pursue the ARIA opportunity both because Professor Tarshis invited me to join her project and because I was attracted to the structure of the internship. The ARIA program gave me the chance to engage in high-level scholarship and receive direct mentorship from a faculty member, something especially meaningful as I prepare to enter my final year of undergraduate studies and plan to pursue graduate education.

Several highlights marked my summer. Attending the 2025 Symposium on Child & Youth Trauma was an incredible learning experience. One of the most memorable sessions was 鈥榃ars, Disasters, and Family Violence: Crossed Perspectives on Intergenerational Trauma and Parenting鈥�. This presentation explored how systemic and intimate traumas intersect in the context of armed conflict and climate change, and the profound intergenerational consequences that follow. I also found it inspiring to witness my supervisor deliver her own presentation at the symposium, and I enjoyed assisting with logistics during the event. These experiences broadened my perspective on trauma-informed practice beyond IPV and connected it to global social issues.

The greatest challenge I faced was balancing this ARIA internship with another placement through the Arts Internship Office. Managing both required careful planning, organization, and time management, but ultimately taught me valuable skills in prioritization and workload balance that will serve me well in my future career.

This experience has already shaped my vision for my educational and professional trajectory. I have gained a much clearer understanding of research processes and the potential impact of simulation-based models in preparing social workers for complex practice settings. It has solidified my interest in pursuing graduate studies, with a focus on trauma, intersectionality, and immigrant experiences.

I am deeply grateful for the financial support I received through the Arts Undergraduate Research Award funded by the Arts Student Employment Fund (ASEF). Without this award, I would not have been able to devote myself fully to the research. The award allowed me to focus my time and energy on this project, immerse myself in the research, and grow as both a student and future professional.

In sum, my ARIA experience has been transformative. It provided me with meaningful mentorship, exposure to innovative research methods, and hands-on learning that I will carry forward into graduate studies and professional social work practice.