Most of us can relate to the time in our lives when we were trying to decide about what kind of work or career to pursue. At age 17, Polk County High School student Jaleesa Kirkendoll says she knows she wants to be a social worker and has decided to explore various careers in the social work field.

For her required senior graduation project, she has chosen to be mentored at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills by Family Support Services Director Wendy McEntire. She has spent time with Hospice staff learning about the hospice philosophy, patient and family care, regulatory issues, bereavement, and inpatient care at Smith Phayer Hospice House.

Since the community has many important social service organizations, Kirkendolls experience has been expanded to learn about other organizations as well. She has spent time at Steps to HOPE, Autumn Care of Saluda, CooperRiis, Polk County Department of Social Service, and plans to meet with a local corrections officer.

From these interviews and&bsp; tours, and through getting to know those who have chosen to help others in their careers, Kirkendoll says her desire to reach out has grown even stronger. And she gets this desire honestly her mother has worked at White Oak Manor for many years, and her father, Calvin Carson, is a Hospice patient companion volunteer.