Michaela Scharmer will be the first to admit that she had a lot to learn as a young college student, not just from an academic standpoint. The practice of “being an undergraduate student” was an adjustment that included “learning how to communicate professionally, learning how to stand up for yourself, learning confidence, all those different things,” she says.
Now, Scharmer is the one passing those skills down. She’s a case manager at Lutheran Social Services, specifically in a program called Oh No! Eighteen. She works with foster care youth, from ages 14 to 23 on developing life skills for when they age out of foster care.
Scharmer’s work with LSS began with an internship. “I actually decided I needed to get some work experience outside of college—I was working in the advising office as a peer advisor and an orientation leader. I felt very comfortable in the higher education setting, so I decided I needed to challenge myself,” she says. “So I did an internship at LSS and had a great experience there, and got hired on as part-time staff.”
After graduating in December 2020 with a psychology major and public health minor, Scharmer chose to partake in two Americorps terms. When she came back from her second term, a full-time position as a youth caseworker at LSS had opened up. As a caseworker, Scharmer focuses on helping young people in foster care develop relationships, set boundaries, and learn skills for life.
“Every individual is so different, and you really get to build those relationships … I love my job. I’m really grateful for it,” she states. Scharmer works with youth both independently and in groups. “I get to help facilitate groups where we build the curriculum ourselves. It’s about different life skills, like money management, housing, employment, and stress management.”
Building relationships is a skill Scharmer accredits to her job as a CEHSP peer advisor and interactions with staff in the office. “Honestly, so much of my experience at UMD is credited to that office. I had four role models, four people that I looked up to, that I could go to for any problem.”
After starting the job in her sophomore year Scharmer was encouraged to explore campus and develop many connections. She joined different clubs and organizations, dedicating herself to exploring what UMD had to offer.“Sophomore year was when I really dove in, and I started this job … I love that job—to this day, I’m still so thankful for that job.” One club Scharmer is proud of is YOUmatter— a mental health awareness club. Not only was she a member, she was also on the board as well.
In the future, Scharmer is looking at getting a master’s degree in social work. But for right now, she’s more than happy where she’s at. “I love the relationships I build with my youth. They’re teaching me just as much as I’m teaching them.”
This story was written by UMD student Erika Doetkott, who is majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Erika assists Lissa Maki with communications for the College of Education and Human Service Professions.