Courtesy | Jennifer Lessnau
It takes a special person to move to a new city to start a job in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jennifer Lessnau ’20, the new coordinator for the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program, is that person.
Lessnau took over for former WHIP Coordinator Cassidy Syftestad at the beginning of July and adapted to the unique circumstances with poise.
“I think the students and I are kind of just going through it together,” Lessnau said. “We’re adjusting to changes that need to be made and have an understanding for each other. There’s really no precedent for handling this.”
Lessnau participated in WHIP during her junior year and said it sparked her love for the program. Her appreciation for the program, coupled with her love for Washington, D.C., made the decision to apply for the coordinator position an easy one.
During her time at Hillsdale, Lessnau participated in an array of activities, from contributing to the art department to being a member of the Chi Omega sorority, as well as working in institutional advancement for the college. Pursuing her natural gifts, Lessnau chose art as her major, with a focus in art history.
“I love photography and graphic design,” Lessnau said. “During my undergrad years, putting pieces in the show was a lot of my focus.”
Despite committing a large portion of time to the arts, Lessnau also gained experience working a variety of jobs, which taught her flexibility.
“Being able to work well and wearing a lot of different hats while on campus did serve me well for the job,” Lessnau said.
Lessnau became WHIP coordinator shortly after graduation. In her current position, Lessnau works with a diverse group of students and clients. She credits the experience she gained at Hillsdale of working with a variety of people with preparing her for her new role. It also equipped her with the fortitude to persevere in the face of COVID-19.
With so many events and opportunities cancelled due to the pandemic, Lessnau has had to get creative in finding new activities to enrich students’ time in D.C.
“We have to work around events we would have had in other semesters,” she said. “I played around with ideas and came up with new events for the students to be taken to.”
For instance, Lessnau orchestrated a trip for WHIP students to the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia. Junior Jacob Hooper, a current WHIP student, said the center was a hidden gem and he was grateful for the opportunity.
“The American Shakespeare Center is built just like the old Shakespeare theater,” he recalled. “The place was amazing.”
Impressed by the theater trip, Hooper applauded Lessnau for her innovative skills.
“She’s still tried to make sure we’ve had opportunities,” Hooper said. “A great example is: she arranged for us to see Othello.”
Lessnau also helped students navigate internships delayed by the pandemic, he added.
“Some of my classmates had internships that started late and she helped them ease into that transition,” Hooper said. “She was able to successfully keep people who weren’t working at the Kirby Center doing something and making some use of their time.”
Junior Ruth Moreno, who is currently interning at the Family Research Council, praised Lessnau for her communication skills. Lessnau kept students updated on WHIP events, even in the face of COVID-19.
“She communicated with all of us who were doing the program and kept us updated on what was going on,” recalled Moreno.
Matthew Spalding, vice president for Washington operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government, echoed the sentiment.
“She seems to have done great. She is getting out to campus a lot, recruiting students for the WHIP program,” Spalding said. “ We’re tagging along here very nicely.”
Lessnau said she is still figuring out her long-term goals but enjoys working for the college.
“I think it is important for the benefit of the students that there is someone who understands college life,” she said.
Lessnau encourages Hillsdale students to take advantage of WHIP.
“Anybody of any major can come on WHIP,” Lessnau said. “Don’t think inside the box. Think outside of the box with your interests.”
