In early July 2019, Lorena Reinert, a triple major in Sociology & Anthropology, Spanish and Philosophy, became a program intern for The School for Field Studies at the Costa Rica location. In Central Valley, Costa Rica, Lorena helped with both academic and student life opportunities and tasks. From assisting professors with research projects, to facilitating student field trips and supporting the students, she stayed busy in the lively and tropical region of Costa Rica. Lorena and the other students lived in The Center, an active, organic farm overlooking the Costa Rican beauty, which provides students and staff the opportunity to learn and collaborate among the trees, lush gardens and orchards. As a student intern, she oversaw the organic farm on campus until the beginning of 2020.
Shortly after her return from Costa Rica, Lorena moved to Seattle to begin her fellowship at QuEST. QuEST provides fellows with the opportunity to live in an engaged community and to work with social justice nonprofit organizations such as the Washington Housing Alliance Fund, United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Recovery Café, Facing Homelessness, and Northwest Immigration Rights Project, which is whom Lorena works with. The Northwest Immigration Rights Project strives to provide legal services to low-income immigrants.
As for her experience, Lorena said that “QuEST offers a unique opportunity for engagement in a professional setting, incorporating both direct and indirect service, all while living in an intentional community with other people who are passionate about creating social change.” Lorena mentions her gratitude regarding the relationships that she’s built, the vocational discernment that she’s experienced, and the ability to provide a positive impact on immigrants through provision of legal services.