Dontina Corpus is a rising senior at the University of Illinois, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies, where she learned the value of giving back to her community through charity work with Alpha Beta of Beta Zeta sorority. Having done previous research through the University of Illinois’s McNair program, Dontina learned about the opportunity to develop and strengthen her skills even further through Project L/EARN. Dontina’s future goals include obtaining a master’s degree and becoming a family therapist or child counselor. She states that Project L/EARN has allowed her to expand her views when thinking about her educational and career goals. She was considering a degree in social work prior to coming into Project L/EARN, but after gaining exposure to different areas of research, Dontina is thinking about pursuing a degree that allows her to be flexible and tackle various types of research and health problems.

Through Project L/EARN, Dontina was able to realize the complexities of research and difficulties that arise when working through a research problem. Looking back on the summer, Dontina realizes how much she has learned about time management. As reflected in her work, she appreciates having been surrounded with a positive academic environment. Excited to have met so many different people and exposed to different areas of research, Dontina thanks the directors of the program, guest lecturers, instructional staff, her mentor, and her exceptional cohort for a supportive and encouraging experience.

Dontina worked with her mentor, Dr. Antoinette Farmer, on a project examining the effect of fathers’ parenting practices on adolescent sexual behavior. She enjoyed being able to brainstorm and discuss different ideas with her mentor, who often helped her narrow and develop her thoughts. Thrilled she had the opportunity to participate in Project L/EARN, Dontina wishes for future interns to know that.