Mason Taylor-Wells ’27 supports patient recovery through internship at MultiCare’s Tacoma General Hospital
By Britt Board
Assistant Director of Communication
Biology major and pre-med student Mason Taylor-Wells ’27 spent his summer helping patients take their first steps after major medical events. “I’ve had patients cry tears of joy because they’re able to stand (with some help) again. I can’t think of a better way to spend my summer.”
As a rehab aide, Mason works directly with stroke and surgery patients, supporting their recovery through physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Thanks to support from the PLU Internship Fund, Mason doesn’t have to worry about how to afford the experience — he can focus on learning and making a difference. “I’m able to afford food and transportation to and from my internship. It took a huge load of stress off my back,” Mason shares.
The Internship Fund helps students pay for basic expenses — like food and transportation, in Mason’s case — while they take part in unpaid or low-paid internships, research, or student teaching. It’s one way PLU makes sure cost isn’t a barrier to meaningful, real-world learning.
We sat down with Mason to hear more about his work this summer through the Seed Internship Program and how it’s influencing his path to medical school.
First off, what are you studying at PLU?
I am a biology major with minors in chemistry and religion. I’m also on a pre-med track!
How did you end up finding and applying for this internship?
I saw posters around campus last year about a Seed Internship (run by Degrees of Change) information event, so I decided to show up and see what it was about. I applied to the program and was selected to go to the group interviews. Then Degrees of Change matched me with MultiCare’s Tacoma General Hospital, and after one more application and interview, I was offered my internship.
What’s your role like at Tacoma General Hospital?
Unlike a lot of internships, I haven’t been assigned to work on any particular project or with a specific team. I’ve been directly interacting with patients as a rehab aide. I work with acute physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. This often looks like helping patients get to the edge of their bed, stand, or take their first steps after suffering something major like a stroke, surgery, or heart problem. I’ve also helped with equipment like walkers and wheelchairs, bringing them wherever they’re needed and helping out with hygiene.
What’s been the most meaningful part of the experience?
Definitely the direct patient interaction. I’ve had patients cry tears of joy because they’re able to stand (with some help) again. I’ve seen the good and the bad of healthcare, and it has really helped me figure out that this is the field I want to go into.
The education PLU provides also makes me proud to say that I’m a Lute. PLU will be something I carry with me everywhere else I go, whether that be med school or something else.
How does this internship connect to your goals after PLU?
Since I’m a pre-med student, being in the hospital and healthcare setting has given me experience that I can talk about in my medical school applications.
What are your thoughts on internships in general?
Interning is valuable because not only do you get experience in a particular field, but it also helps you discover if you really want to do what you think you want to do. Better to find out now than when you’re looking to start your career!
It sounds like you received support from PLU’s Internship Fund. How has that been helpful for you?
It meant that I didn’t have to worry about my first few weeks officially being on my own. I was able to afford food and transportation to and from my internship before I was able to be paid. It took a huge load of stress off my back.
Last question — what do you love about being a Lute?
I love the people at PLU. Between my teammates on the football team, the professors in my classes, and everyone in between. They make the experience. The education PLU provides also makes me proud to say that I’m a Lute. PLU will be something I carry with me everywhere else I go, whether that be med school or something else.