Throughout the summer, www.DetroitTitans.com will be keeping up with members of the women's lacrosse team to see what is happening while the student-athletes are not at school.

Name:
Michaela Schwartz

What year are you in going into at UDM?    
Junior

What are you up to this summer?
I will be working at Lino Lakes Assisted Living as a home health aide, in which I assist elderly or vulnerable adults in their activities of daily living as needed. 

How did you find your summer job or decide what classes to take?
I decided to be a nursing assistant/home health aide in order to fulfill my direct patient contact hours to get into PA (Physician's Assistant) school after I'm done with my undergrad (most PA schools require 1,000 hours). I am kind of behind in this department since I decided on my career path a few months ago, so I literally applied to every nursing home within a 25 mile radius, and this one was the first one that hired me. 

What are some of your responsibilities?
I am responsible for basically all the nurse's (RN's) dirty work. This includes bathing, feeding, toileting, dressing residents, etc. of the assisted living center. I also pass medications to them, which is something I'm a little bit more nervous about because if you mess that up... it's not good. 

Is your summer job just something to make a little extra money or is it something you would like to pursue as a future career? If not, then what are you looking to do in your future career?
My job is something that will help me get into something I would like to pursue as a future career. I don't want to go into nursing, but it is a way to get my patient care hours in order to be eligible to apply for graduate school to be a physician's assistant. The extra money is nice, however.     

What are the best/worst things about your summer job?    
The best thing about my summer job is interacting with the residents. They are all so sweet and they have some really interesting stories about their lives.

The worst part.....without going into much detail.... is bathroom duties. It takes some getting used to.

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced thus far in your summer job?
Considering I am just getting started, and this is my first nurse aide job, the hardest part is really just getting into the swing of things in a new setting and getting to know the people and residents of the facility. Hopefully in a couple weeks I will really start to feel comfortable as a home health aide.

How are you balancing your summer job with training for lacrosse?
My summer job is a full time job, so I do dedicate a lot of my time at the assisted living center; however, I have become very good at balancing my time by being a student-athlete. There is a YMCA literally right next door to my work, so I can go before or after work to work out for a while. As for the actual lacrosse part, I have a net in my back yard and shoot every day. I have to get my shooting percentage up!    

Do you have any fun or exciting plans for the summer?
I'M GOING TO THE BAHAMAS!!!!!!!

Sorry I'm super excited. But my best friend from home, the hilarious and beautiful Morgan Miller, and I will be going to the Bahamas with my family and my brother's best friend's family for a week. Tessa can't come because of her internship so we will keep her in our thoughts as we swim with dolphins.

What is your favorite thing about summer?
Not having to worry about school and homework. Last semester was extremely challenging and stressful, so I'm glad it is over, and summer is a great time to relax.

What are you going to miss most about UDM over the summer?
All my friends! I've literally talked to my besties every day in a group chat since we left. As much as I love my friends at home, I miss my friends from school like crazy. (S/O to Morgz and Te$$)