ABC 10 highlights 2018 SLFP graduates: Chloe Rinkel

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University offers an opportunity for students to develop their skills as leaders during a two year program. This program is called the Student Leader Fellowship Program, and in order to graduate from the program, one must complete a 100-hour Community Service Internship. Read more about the program HERE.

About 100 students are graduating from the SLFP program this week, and we’ve highlighted two of many of these students and their work in the community. Here is Chloe’s story.

Chloe Rinkel, a student from Northern Michigan University, decided to challenge herself by joining SLFP. She is now finishing up her Community Service Internship with Cat Packs where she took on the role of Cat Packs volunteer coordinator.

“My job is coordinating volunteers,” said Rinkel. “I work with all the different student groups and reached out to a bunch of different people to see who would be willing to help and what weeks and get that figured out.”

Rinkel helps Cat Packs with its goal in helping feed the youth of the community who are in need of some healthy snacks.

“Cat Packs is a really unique organization where we specialize in feeding 70 students from North Star Academy and our packs consist of healthy wholesome meals,” said, Special Events Graduate Assistant, Jessica Brechd. “We really try to make sure they protein, fruits, veggies and whole grains because we try to focus on the healthy aspect.”

Not only has SLFP and the internship through Cat Packs been great leadership experience for Rinkel. It has allowed her leadership skills to flourish and meet new people with similar goals.

“I have met a lot of great people through this program,” added Rinkel. “A lot of like minded individuals coming together and through the class and all the meetings we have had I met some of my best friends through this program. It is a really good way to reach people that have the same goals and aspirations as you do.”

Rinkel will soon be finishing up the program and continue to volunteer at packing sessions. She will also mentor the next intern who will take over the coordinating of the program.

On Thursday, we will highlight another student’s Community Service Internship with the Peter White Public Library. We will have footage of the SLFP Graduation on Friday.