For the last four years the Hormel Historic Home has been fortunate to participate in the Step Up Internship program sponsored by the Austin Schools.

Meant to give young people work experiences in the business community, Step Up exposes high school juniors to the process of applying and interviewing for jobs as well as to what is expected in the workplace.

We had the pleasure of welcoming Pacelli student Tayha, to our organization in June and have enjoyed her enthusiasm and willingness to embrace all that we do at the HHH. Below is her reflection of her summer spent in history and a lot of other things.

Tayha loves working with children and her future plans include a career in pediatric nursing. Through our Autism Programming she had the opportunity to work with kids attendingCircle of Friends Day Camp for youth with autism in grades first through fifth.

She said, “I got a chance to work with the Circle of Friends camp and I loved it! It was so fun to see kids with autism not feel singled out and feel like they had a place to belong. TheCircle of Friends camp made me so excited for the field I am wanting to go into!”

Before working at the HHH Tayha admitted she wasn’t familiar with the history we have preserved and share.

Recently she stated that, “until I started working at the Hormel Historic Home I really didn’t know a lot about the Hormels, well, really nothing at all. All I knew was they produced Spam and other kinds of meat. Hearing the name Hormel around Austin is something that you hear a lot; it’s a regular thing. But understanding the family that started it all was something new for me. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to take time this summer and learn more about the Hormel family. As I am ending my internship I feel that it is very important for more high school kids, and kids in general, to get a grasp on where they are from, to know the history and the family.”

Tayha was instrumental in organizing and executing our Shaping History for Kids event and has helped us in planning for the children’s holiday event. She has also shown interest in our Autism Friendly Austin initiative. Our organization has benefitted from Tayha’s service and we hope that through her activities here she has gained valuable experience and an appreciation for history.

The HHH has had a great summer with our young interns and will miss them for their perspective, positivity and energy.

Peace Garden Concert: Bissen Family & Friends Band

6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 14

Learn the history and music behind some of Minnesota’s greatest bands and singers. Popular local musicians will educate and entertain. Free

Peace Garden Concert: Jack & Kitty Duo

Monday, Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Organic vaudeville music, fun for the whole family. In Kitty’s words “It’s organic and acoustic with nothing but positive vibes.” Free