Experiential Learning in Action

Comedy makes people happy. But for Miguel Angel Puentes ’19, paintings can do the same. Currently an art major and member of the Kappa Pi’s National Art Society he’s using his art to bring more happiness into the world.

Angel Puentes was so successful during his stint as a Jaggar Community Fellows intern that the nonprofit asked him to extend his internship into the academic year. He is now part of Adelphi’s Center for Career and Professional Development internship program Panthers with a Purpose.

Working at the non-profit “Splashes of Hope” Angel Puentes uses an art studio to create portraits and murals for rehabilitation centers. His passion for art has put smiles on everyone’s face.

“It is an amazing feeling when patients and hospital staff come up to me and tell me how my work brightens up their day,” he said.

Prior to the program he never worked with a non-profit. But having the opportunity to create and display his work successfully challenged him as an artist. “This non-profit helped me understand what a freelancer is all about,” he said.

“Panthers with a Purpose is quite similar to the Jaggar Community Fellows Program,” said associate director of experiential learning Bernadine Waller, LMHC, PhD Candidate. “The most significant difference between the programs is how it is funded and the timing. Students interning with Panthers with a Purpose must be federal work study-eligible. The program is also run during the academic year.” Students interested in applying for Panthers with a Purpose should complete the application on Handshake.