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“Patience” and “science” are two words that Candice Clossum didn’t especially associate with herself a year ago. Then she enrolled at the ��������–St. Louis and landed an on-campus internship where she’s actually showcasing both skills.

In her part-time role at the  in Marillac Hall, the soon-to-be sophomore collaborates on an outreach initiative that serves local middle school students.

“It’s a good feeling, because I thought I wouldn’t be patient with kids, but this has really shown me that I do have patience with them,” Clossum said. “And the fact that it was with science – STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] wasn’t really my strongest, but I now have a growing interest in it.”

The unique opportunity for work experience and mentorship came about when Clossum was an incoming, first-generation college freshman interested in staying on track academically and financially. Director of Student Support Services Yolanda Weathersby, who created UMSL’s , reached out to Clossum through the  and suggested the idea.

“The StudentPlus program is an investment in our UMSL students,” said Weathersby, adding that the experiential-learning program began in 2013 in response to a �������� System action plan to grow retention and graduation numbers. “It’s pleasing to my heart to know we – the campus community – are truly making a difference in our students’ lives as they take this very important journey with our university.”

After undergoing a panel interview with Weathersby and potential mentors from across various units and departments, Clossum was paired with staff member Amber Bell-Christian, an assistant in the Technology and Learning Center.

As a participant in the StudentPlus Internship Program, Candice Clossum works closely with a mentor in an on-campus job that builds her repertoire while pursuing her degree.