When Audrey Jordan walked through the doors of Valley View Retirement Community last spring, she knew two things for sure: she was heading into her senior year at Slippery Rock University, and she wanted a future in healthcare administration. What she didn’t know was just how much her summer internship would shape her plans — and her heart. 

She says that she knew that she wanted to intern at VVRC after working here during her summer break in 2024. “Last year, I worked as an RA (Resident Assistant) in the Terrace,” Audrey says. “I got to see firsthand how we care for our residents, and I knew right away it was a special place. Everyone treats residents with so much respect, and that’s important to me when thinking about where I want to work.” 

She says that this summer’s internship gave her a unique opportunity to rotate through multiple departments — from human resources and finance to dietary services, housekeeping, and nursing. That variety not only gave her a deeper understanding of what it takes to run a retirement community but also helped her discover what she enjoys most. 

“I thought I might want to work in finance, but after spending time in the business office, I realized that’s probably not for me,” she laughs. “I really liked HR, though, and I’ve gained so much respect for departments like dietary and housekeeping…seeing how they impact residents’ daily lives — making sure they’re eating well and living in a clean, home-like environment — it opened my eyes.” 

One of Audrey’s biggest takeaways wasn’t about policy or procedures but about people. 

“You can’t get from point A to point B here without stopping to talk to someone along the way,” she says with a smile. “Even if you’re busy or heading to a meeting, people make time to connect. That says a lot about the culture at Valley View.” 

Some moments will stick with her forever — like the resident she met during Valley View’s summer carnival. 

“I’d never met Ken before, but he was so fun to talk to,” Audrey recalls. “All he wanted was to be outside. He watched me get my face painted and just laughed. It was such a simple, happy moment — one I’ll remember.” 

Looking ahead, Audrey plans to continue her education after graduating in December, with the goal of becoming a licensed nursing home administrator. Her Valley View experience has already influenced how she hopes to serve in that role. 

“Being here, I’ve seen what great communication looks like and how much of a difference being a non-profit makes,” she says. “At Valley View, it’s clear we’re here for the residents — not for profit. That changes everything about how care is delivered.” 

For other students considering internships, Audrey has one piece of advice: 

“Do it,” she says. “Being in a classroom is one thing, but being here, seeing residents and their daily lives, especially those living with dementia — it’s eye-opening. You learn so much you could never get from a textbook.” 

As Audrey wraps up her internship, she’s grateful not only for the experience but also for the people who welcomed her with open arms. 

“Everyone here has been so kind,” she says. “Even when people were probably wondering why I was in the kitchen one day and HR the next, they were always patient and willing to teach me. I’m so thankful for that.” 

Valley View is proud to have been part of Audrey’s journey — and we can’t wait to see where her future takes her.