Bella Phillips is a senior at Boise State University, graduating this May, and is a social work intern for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Bella was inspired to pursue social work by her grandmother, who spent many years as a hospital social worker. Hearing stories about the families she supported and the impact the work had on her life sparked Bella’s desire to follow a similar path.
Bella connected with the House at a college fair through her program and immediately felt drawn to its mission. She needed to complete a yearlong internship, and she said this felt like the right place to do it because of the House’s mission.With a love for working with children and a strong interest in medical social work, she knew this was the kind of environment where she wanted to learn and grow.
During her internship, Bella works closely with Family Services Manager Maren Hermanstorfer. She supports coordination of family stays, daily operations, and researches resources when specific needs arise, such as when she helped find affordable pet boarding services for families in need. Bella describes Maren as a meaningful role model and is grateful for the opportunity to learn from her compassionate and relationship-centered approach. “I learn from her experience and how she handles different situations, which has totally changed my view on social work as well. I feel like she just made it so much more personal.” Bella said.
One of Bella’s biggest takeaways has been the power of human connection. She has seen how a simple smile or thoughtful question can give families space to share what they are going through, especially during long and often lonely days at the hospital. A moment that stands out to her involved a young girl who had just completed a round of chemotherapy. Bella helped coordinate a unicorn-themed donation as a surprise for her, and in return, the girl made her a small, beaded bracelet that she still often wears. It serves as a reminder of the relationships that make this work so meaningful.
Working in a nonprofit setting has also shaped Bella’s understanding of social work. She has been moved by the generosity of volunteers and donors who help create a strong, caring community around the House. She said this has been a great learning experience and that she has grown in her ability to sit with families during difficult moments. She has learned that support does not always mean offering solutions. Sometimes it means being present, matching emotions with empathy, and allowing space for uncertainty.
Bella says that the love and support she feels within the House has strengthened her commitment to the field: “I don’t think I’ve ever worked in a place with so much love and where everybody wants to know everyone. And it’s just a whole different experience than I think you can find anywhere else. So, I think that was the biggest surprise. I didn’t know how much of a connection I’d feel to my internship, as I do.”
Bella plans to begin her master’s degree program in June and hopes to remain connected to the House through employment or volunteering.
