Many qualities can turn a house into a home. This past summer, Lily Spinner ’25 used her funding opportunity to intern at the Ronald McDonald House, a nonprofit that provides a home-like environment for families of children who are sick or injured. From hands-on event planning to managing the front desk, her contributions helped create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for those in need.
A typical day at Ronald McDonald House covered a range of tasks. It could include trips to the recycling center to assist the nonprofit’s Pop Tab program which supports families facing medical challenges, leading the teen summer program, or overseeing family support services initiatives like pet therapy and bingo night. She also shopped for meal groups and prepared dinners for the House. “I really enjoyed how active and engaging this internship was,” she said.
These experiences sharpened her ability to connect with families and also prepared her for a key aspect of her role focusing on the Teens With Heart program. Through this initiative, she facilitated presentations, hospital visits, and interactive activities for a group of teens exploring the medical field.
Over the summer, Lily found herself becoming more than just an intern — she became part of a community. “I got to know more familiar faces, built relationships with the staff and volunteers, and even connected with some of the families staying there,” she said. “It was incredibly rewarding to feel like a member of the Ronald McDonald House family.”
Looking ahead, Lily plans to continue work that makes a tangible difference. The experience not only allowed her to give back to the community but also strengthened her communication and leadership skills — ones she hopes to carry into a career dedicated to the common good.
Colgate and its generous alumni and parent donors offer grants to support students’ living costs and supplemental expenses to pursue unpaid and underpaid summer experiences. Learn more about Colgate Summer Internship Funding.