Caroline Malles '23 was hunting for part-time work at grocery stores and restaurants. She even applied for an opening at a retirement community. She was 16-years-old, and she needed gas money. Caroline was willing to take just about anything, it only depended on who called back first. Turns out, The Fountains, a retirement community in Millbrook, NY, had something available. Caroline scored her part-time job, and she discovered her vocation in the process.
"At first, it was just a weekend job, not very exciting. But then I formed a relationship with one of the residents. She was interested in my life, and she would ask me about college. She would take my phone, and do silly things on it. By my senior year, I realized I want to pursue a career in elder care. I knew that social work was the right path, and that led me to Siena."
Caroline has worked at The Fountains for three years. Last year, she took an internship for credit, but it wasn't in elder care. It reaffirmed her calling. This semester, she had the opportunity to return to The Fountains, but this time as part of her education.
"Honestly, I just missed the people there. And I figured, if I could get paid and get three credits and be with my people? That's a win-win-win!"
Caroline works with nearly 150 residents, and she knows them all by name (it's part of the job). She's done a little bit of everything, and at this point, she's capable of handling anything. She serves tables during meals, she manages paperwork, she helps with tours, and coordinates interviews. Through it all, she's developing relationships.
"The residents text me, and they ask how I'm doing. They're always so happy to see me. Some residents are dropped off, and they don't have anybody else. That's why these relationships are so important. I love them so much."
"I toured Siena and fell in love with the values and the social work program. I could tell the mission perfectly aligned with what I want to do."
Caroline Malles '23