I-DEA Graduate Lands Prestigious Internship in DC

by Shay Angelo

On her way out the door to attend her high school graduation, Nicole Kriener finally got the phone call she’d feared would never come. Kreiner would be spending the summer following her dream, before heading off to Boise State University in the fall to complete a degree in library science. After a competitive application process, open to Idaho high school juniors and seniors, Kriener was chosen to represent Idaho as a member of the Public Library Association’s 2018 Inclusive Internship Cohort and travel to Washington DC.

The only student from Idaho to be invited, Kriener will join 50 other students from around the nation in Washington DC this summer. The interns will receive a broad overview of library work through a set of targeted master classes, conversations with mentors, and other activities. Kriener will visit the Library of Congress, and then go on to Chicago to make a presentation about her own library program which she’ll be implementing by summer’s end in Meridian.

“This is a great opportunity for me and it made graduation night even that much more special as all my hard work was paying off so soon. Before I even start BSU in the fall, I’ll get a jump start on my career path through this internship,” said Kriener.

Kriener decided in 8^th grade that she wanted to become a children’s librarian and a writer. She’s been working hard toward that goal ever since. Kriener attended Idaho Distance Education Academy, an Idaho public virtual charter school, from first through twelfth grades. And graduated high school on June 1, having already completed 26 dual college credits and she estimates having saved about $16,000 on college costs. Kriener noted that although schooling from home can be challenging because “you have to stay focused and organize your time for yourself” she said, “My I-DEA teachers and counselors were amazing. They knew my goal, kept me on track, and really cared about me.”

Kriener encourages anyone who doesn’t feel their traditional school education is helping them meet their goals to give I-DEA a try saying, “If you’re motivated, the school will give you the support and one-on-one attention you need to achieve your goals. Communicate with your teachers. They want you to succeed and are willing to help you get there.”

PHOTO: Nicole Kriener (center) with fellow Idaho Distance Education Academy graduates at a celebration in Boise, Idaho. Green sashes indicate students who graduated with dual college credit.