Intern Update: Lexi Kurszewski
Below you’ll find an intern update from former WIPPS research assistant Lexi Kurszewski. Lexi graduated from UW- Stevens Point in 2024 and has accepted a position at Sentry Insurance. Congratulations and thank you for your time at WIPPS, Lexi!
From the time I started college I had a very clear vision of my path: get my bachelor’s degree in political science and then go on to law school. Sometime around last winter, that vision began to change drastically. Having always been involved in and passionate about civic engagement I wanted to explore more opportunities related to community engagement, community development, and public policy.
When I spoke to my advisor about this he immediately recommended an internship through WIPPS.
During my time at WIPPS I have worked with three different programs: the Rural Resiliency Network (R2N), Let’s Talk—Marathon County, and the Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civic Dialogue (WICCD). Through R2N I staffed events in the community, helping to provide information about healthcare and health insurance options. With Let’s Talk I helped create deliberative dialogue guides and gained insight into civil dialogue and promoting conversations around difficult topics. As an intern for WICCD, I had a front row seat to institute development. I got to see all the hard work that goes into finding funding, creating events, and developing programming. Additionally, last summer I had the opportunity to serve WIPPS as an AmeriCorps member, where I developed an even greater appreciation for public service and community development.
My time at WIPPS has made me a more critical thinker, a better political scientist, and has helped me to develop more considerate leadership skills. It has also made me more compassionate, more driven to make change, and more optimistic about the future. As I transition into my career I know that the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced at WIPPS will be invaluable and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had while interning here.