{"id":20646,"date":"2026-06-12T15:55:06","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T19:55:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/?p=20646"},"modified":"2026-06-12T17:01:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T21:01:24","slug":"from-classroom-to-career-five-eckerd-students-gain-real-world-experience-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eckerd.edu\/news\/blog\/from-classroom-to-career-five-eckerd-students-gain-real-world-experience-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"From Classroom to Career: Meet Five Eckerd Students Gaining Real-World Experience This Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extraa-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”20643″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Brooke Hymiller, a pre-vet student in the animal studies major, is getting firsthand experience with animals this summer as a wildlife attendant at SPCA Tampa Bay. Photo by Penn Alicandro ’22.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”news_subhead” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]At Eckerd College, learning isn\u2019t limited to the classroom. Through internships, community partnerships and other hands-on experiences, students explore their interests and build connections that can shape their future. This summer, you can find Eckerd students broadening their horizons in fields ranging from meteorology and wildlife rehabilitation to conservation, gerontology and law.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Grady Johnson: Chasing Storms and a Childhood Dream<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”32″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]For Grady Johnson, a geoscience<\/a> major with a minor in mathematics<\/a>, a fascination with weather started in his family’s garage in Cincinnati, Ohio.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of my favorite childhood memories are of my dad and me sitting in the garage watching powerful storms roll by and refusing to go inside until the tornado sirens started wailing,\u201d Grady says. \u201cExperiences like that truly sparked my passion for meteorology.\u201d<\/p>\n

This summer, he is bringing that passion full circle as a broadcast meteorology intern at Local 12<\/a>, the television station he grew up watching. Through the internship, Grady is gaining hands-on experience with forecasting, severe weather coverage, digital weather tools and television production.<\/p>\n

\u201cLocal 12 was always the station my family and I tuned into. It was the backdrop of my childhood,\u201d he says. \u201cHaving the chance to now be a part of a station that I spent my entire life watching is a surreal and deeply meaningful feeling.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin_tablet=”32″ top_margin_phone=”32″ flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20642″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Bergen Hembree is spending the summer maintaining native plant gardens on campus as an intern for the Eckerd College Conservation Corps. Photo provided by Bergen Hembree.\u00a0<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]As he looks ahead, Grady hopes the experience will bring him one step closer to a career in meteorology, whether that’s forecasting and tracking severe weather for the National Weather Service<\/a> or maybe serving as a meteorologist in the military.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20647″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Local 12 in Cincinnati, Ohio is the station where Eckerd rising senior Grady Johnson, an aspiring meteorologist, is intern this summer.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” el_class=”lg_text” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\u201cThe internship will help take me from a kid watching storms from the garage to a trusted professional,\u201d Grady says.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default” content_layout=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Shira Mayer: Discovering Purpose Through Service<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]When Shira Mayer arrived at Eckerd as a human development<\/a> major, they thought the future would involve working with children. Then courses in gerontology introduced Shira to a new career path.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany of my classes related to gerontology were with Tamar Shovali<\/a>, and one of the best parts of her classes was how interactive they were with the real world,\u201d says Shira, a rising senior. \u201cOlder adults were either brought into the classroom or the class went out to different facilities and locations. Because of that, learning did not only come from readings and assignments, but also from real-world experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n

This summer, Shira is putting those lessons into practice through a therapeutic recreation internship at Miami Jewish Health<\/a>. There, Shira is shadowing Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists<\/a> and learning how individualized activities can help meet residents’ physical, cognitive and emotional needs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithin the first week, the job completely clicked,\u201d Shira says. \u201cIt often feels like society forgets about elders and pushes them to the side. Through this internship, the need for people to work with this population became clear in a way that had not been as obvious before.\u201d<\/p>\n

After graduation, Shira hopes to become a recreational therapist, helping older adults maintain a sense of purpose and connection.<\/p>\n

\u201cUltimately, the goal is to help people feel happy, valued and purposeful,\u201d Shira says.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-2-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”top” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”20645″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Shira Mayer found a passion for gerontology at Eckerd, and is following that passion as an intern at Miami Jewish Health. Photo provided by Shira Mayer.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”32″ text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” advanced_gradient_angle=”0″ overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=”” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Brooke Hymiller: Answering a Call to Care<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Growing up on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Brooke Hymiller developed an early appreciation for wildlife. That connection to animals eventually brought her to Eckerd, where she is pursuing a double major in biology<\/a> and animal studies<\/a> on the pre-veterinary track.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have loved animals for as long as I can remember and knew from a young age that I wanted to work with them professionally,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

This summer, Brooke is turning that passion into hands-on experience as a wildlife attendant at SPCA Tampa Bay<\/a>. In her role, she helps care for injured and orphaned wildlife, working alongside veterinary professionals to prepare animals for release back into the wild.<\/p>\n

Brooke says her coursework at Eckerd helped prepare her for the position by providing a strong foundation in animal biology, behavior and physiology.<\/p>\n

\u201cEckerd\u2019s emphasis on hands-on learning has given me opportunities to apply what I have learned in the classroom to real-world animal care settings,\u201d she says. \u201cUltimately, I want to use my skills to care for animals that cannot advocate for themselves and make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of wildlife populations.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”32″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Bergen Hembree: Cultivating a Connection to Place<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Bergen Hembree has been gardening in one form or another since elementary school. So when she first learned about Eckerd, it wasn’t the waterfront location or sunny weather that caught her attention\u2014it was the community farm<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am motivated by grassroots efforts dedicated to local ecosystems and our food systems, and Eckerd is home to many people who participate in this good work every day,\u201d says Bergen, a rising junior majoring in anthropology<\/a> with a minor in public health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This summer, Bergen is helping care for the landscapes that first drew her to Eckerd by working as an intern with the Eckerd College Conservation Corps<\/a>, a student initiative focused on habitat restoration, conservation and sustainability projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy responsibilities include maintaining established native plant gardens on campus and creating or replanting abandoned planting areas,\u201d says Bergen.<\/p>\n

While Bergen isn’t certain where her career path will ultimately lead, she says her liberal arts education<\/a> has opened the door to a wide range of possibilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne thing that I love about anthropology\u2014and a liberal arts education more broadly\u2014is that it sets me up to explore multiple career paths,\u201d she says. \u201cInstead of pushing you toward any one thing, it has the potential to open up entire new fields for you to create something amazing with.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”32″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

Brody DelBocchio: Following Connections Beyond the Ballfield<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”16″][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]When Brody DelBocchio was recruited to play baseball for the Eckerd Tritons<\/a>, he never expected it would one day lead him into a courtroom.<\/p>\n

This summer, Brody, an international business and economics major, is interning with the law office of Loren Pincus \u201901 in Tampa<\/a>. There, he is observing client meetings, attending court proceedings and conducting legal research to gain a firsthand look at the legal profession.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am most looking forward to observing how my employer handles court cases and how he carefully navigates meetings with clients while trying to find the best possible solution for them,\u201d Brody\u00a0 says.<\/p>\n

The opportunity grew out of connections he made at Eckerd. Brody first met Pincus, a criminal justice and personal injury attorney, through a networking event. He later learned that Pincus and his baseball coach, Josh Beauregard \u201903<\/a>, had played together at Eckerd years earlier\u2014a relationship that eventually led to the internship.<\/p>\n

For Brody, the experience is less about following a predetermined career path and more about exploring possibilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am using this as an opportunity to discover what I like and don’t like about the field of law and the prospect of becoming a lawyer,\u201d he says.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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