Building Community

Intern Spotlight: Leanna Scott, Community Programs & Communications Intern

This summer, Meadowlark was fortunate to welcome Leanna Scott as our Community Programs & Communication Intern. Working alongside Community Relations Director Sarah Duggan, Leanna contributed to a variety of projects supporting Meadowlark's outreach efforts while gaining firsthand experience in community health education and communications.

A Human Health & Environmental Biology major at Kansas State University, Leanna will continue her education this fall by enrolling in the Radiologic Technology program at Cleveland University in Kansas City. Her long-term goal is to cross-train in multiple imaging modalities, with a particular interest in MRI and its role in cancer detection.

Throughout the summer, Leanna immersed herself in many aspects of Meadowlark's Community Programs. She assisted with support groups, educational events, and community outreach while also helping behind the scenes by writing articles for the Meadowlark Messenger, developing social media content, and even leading a lesson during Meadowlark Summer Camp.

"I have really enjoyed observing and helping at various events across Meadowlark," Leanna said. "From support circles to the Cancer Program's Bone Health Education Program, those moments have allowed me to learn from others about the importance of education and community."

One of the lessons that will stay with Leanna is the power of community outreach.

"One of the biggest takeaways I have learned is how important outreach in the community truly is," she shared. "Not only for education but for people to find and build a sense of community, especially when they are in a vulnerable state. The Parkinson's, Memory, and Cancer Programs are free and open to everyone in the community, and that shows how much Meadowlark genuinely cares about people."

Leanna also spent time reading and discussing books focused on aging, communication, and design while completing projects throughout the summer.

"A key theme in all these books was how we should not fear aging or the unknown that lies ahead," she said. "Instead, we should become more comfortable discussing what we want our lives to look like as we age and how we can better prepare for the future."

As her internship comes to a close, Leanna expressed gratitude for the people who made her experience so meaningful.

"I'd like to say thank you to everyone who made Meadowlark so inviting! I was always welcomed to participate and listen to the discussion with a smile, and my questions and thoughts were heard. I enjoyed getting to know everyone and building a connection to an amazing place in Manhattan!"

Thank you, Leanna, for sharing your talents, curiosity, and compassion with Meadowlark this summer. We wish you every success as you continue your education and pursue a career improving the lives of others through healthcare.