August 8, 2024
By Golden LEAF External Affairs Intern, Emilly Hernandez-Rivera
Golden LEAF Scholar Lyric Locklear of Robeson County is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is majoring in Psychology, planning to continue her education in osteopathic medicine. This summer she participated in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative.
The Rural Internship Initiative provides eligible Golden LEAF Scholars with professional work experience related to their career field in a rural North Carolina community. The Golden LEAF Foundation provides funding to pay interns $15 per hour for up to 400 hours of work. Internships take place over 8-10 weeks, between May and August. Internship sites that take on a Golden LEAF Scholar Intern provide them with a meaningful project or role that aligns with the student’s college major and future career goals.
Lyric was able to secure her summer internship opportunity by reaching out to her local contacts. She then met with her supervisor, Jana-Rae Locklear, through a zoom meeting.
Lyric is working as an intern and personal assistant at Locklear’s Behavioral Health Services, PLLC. In her internship, she manages a variety of responsibilities to ensure smooth operation, including referrals, matching clients with services and providers, insurance information and coverage, and any questions clients may have about their benefits.
“Additionally, I play an active role in finding and organizing activities for group therapy sessions,” said Lyric, “which allows me to creatively contribute to the therapeutic process.”
Jana-Rae Locklear is the owner of the internship site, Locklear’s Behavioral Health Services, PLLC. She was excited to receive a Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative intern. Jana-Rae is also a Golden LEAF Scholar, who received an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2010.
“From a supervisor’s perspective, interning in a rural community offers students a unique and enriching experience that can significantly broaden their professional and personal horizons,” said Jana-Rae. “Students who intern in rural communities often find themselves gaining hands-on experience in areas they might not encounter in more urban or well-resourced environments.”
Lyric details what she has learned throughout her internship, including a deeper understanding of her community.
“During my internship, I have gained valuable insights into the role of a mental health provider in rural areas, the challenges and rewards of being a business owner, and my own personal growth,” said Lyric. “There is also a cultural reluctance to ask for help, which means that when individuals do seek assistance, it is crucial to be resourceful, dedicated, attentive, and compassionate in meeting their needs.”
Jana-Rae says the difference between a good intern and a great intern involves adaptability and a proactive attitude.
“While a good intern reliably completes tasks and follows instructions, a great intern goes beyond the basics by taking the initiative to seek additional responsibilities, anticipate needs, and propose solutions before being asked,” said Jana-Rae. “They show exceptional flexibility, thriving in dynamic environments, and handling unexpected challenges with a positive attitude.”
Lyric said her internship has deepened her desire to return and serve in a rural area.
“My long-term ambition is to specialize in psychiatry, with a focus on returning to a rural area to provide much-needed mental health care.” said Lyric. “I am passionate about addressing the disparities in mental health services in underserved communities and aim to make a meaningful impact by offering compassionate, comprehensive care.”
Jana-Rae provides insight on her hopes for the future of rural North Carolina.
“My hope for rural North Carolina is to see a transformative shift in how mental health is perceived and addressed within these communities,” said Jana-Rae. “By addressing these gaps, we can empower individuals with knowledge, reduce the incidence of mental health crises, and build a stronger, more supportive community infrastructure for mental health.”
Lyric helped fill a need at Locklear’s Behavioral Health Services, PLLC, this summer, while solidifying that she wants to continue her pathway forward to living, working and serving rural communities in the future.
This summer 60 Golden LEAF Scholarship recipients participated in summer internships through the Rural Internship Initiative. Watch this video to meet two more interns: Sarah Nassar, East Carolina University Scholar, interning at Carolina Therapeutics, PLLC, in Pitt County and Travonda Brown, Campbell University Scholar, interning at Drs. Mills and Matthews Eye Clinic in Martin County.
Learn more about the Golden LEAF Scholarship and the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative. Learn how to be a host site for a Rural Internship Initiative intern here.