ABINGTON, Pa. — Tommy Helkowski's internship took him to Bucks County every day this summer to work with children on the autism spectrum. The 600-hour experience rewarded the rehabilitation and human services (RHS) major at Penn State Abington beyond what he could have imagined.
“My internship showed me that my mind and my heart made the right choice,” he said.
Helkowski's supervisor at Potential Inc., which serves people on the spectrum, said his skills and passion were evident. His eyes lit up as he talked with a young client. He was completely focused, crouching down, holding the boy’s hand, encouraging him through an obstacle course. At the same time, Helkowski remained aware of the other staff and children around them.
“The work experience is priceless," Helkowski said. "The culmination of the RHS classes led to my success in the field. Now, I have a leg up on other graduates when I look for a job."