At the D.R. Moon Memorial Library this summer, young readers aren’t just diving into books—they’re also learning how to take care of their bodies and minds, thanks to intern Ethan Recka.
Recka, a Public Health major at UW–Eau Claire, is spending his summer helping with the library’s “Color Our World” children’s program. But while kids paint, craft, and explore, Recka’s weaving in lessons on everything from hydration to emotional wellness—making public health both fun and accessible.
“I wanted a career where I could serve others and be an active part of my community,” Recka said. “Public health allows me to do both.”
His internship is part of the Community Health Internship Program (CHIP), coordinated by the Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC). The program places college and graduate students in community-focused internships across the state to increase healthcare access and awareness. This is the first year the D.R. Moon Library has participated, and Director Elizabeth Miniatt says it’s been a perfect fit.
“Ethan has taken our summer themes and built health-focused activities around them,” said Miniatt. “He’s helping increase health literacy in a way that’s engaging for kids and useful for families.”
One week, Recka had kids play “Pin the Soap on the Germ”—a silly, hands-on way to reinforce hygiene. On other days, he’s sparked conversation about sleep habits, mental health, and the importance of drinking enough water. His focus is on practical health topics that are simple, free, and easy to understand.
“I’ve tried to focus on areas of health that are the most controllable and require the least amount of resources,” he said. “Things like sleep, emotional wellness, and hydration are the areas I’ve spent the most time on. These three areas can all be maintained in at least some way without requiring loads of effort or finances.”
For Recka, the experience has been more than just a professional endeavor — it’s been a personal journey. “I hope to encourage good habits that will be beneficial for the health of the children I can reach,” Recka comments. “From there I hope they will hear similar messages from parents and in school. Success in this regard is not just about actual results, but whether I was able to encourage the children to take their health seriously.”
While he’s still figuring out exactly where his path in public health will lead, Recka says the internship has helped him discover what really matters: working at the community level and making a meaningful impact.
“I have cherished my time in Stanley and I hope that my future careers are also oriented towards community health. Whether it is with children or with a different population I’m sure I will be content.”
He continues, “Health is ultimately determined by the individual. I think the best way that families can support their children’s health is by emphasizing that fact,” he said. “No matter how much parents can provide for their child’s health and regulate their behaviour, it will eventually be up to the individual to build/maintain good habits.”
Recka’s internship ended on July 25, and though his time in Stanley was short, the impact he’s making on young minds—and their futures—could last a lifetime