For many high school seniors, the college search is about looking outward—finding the farthest campus or the biggest name. But for Reagan Reising, a senior at Mater Dei High School, the path to her future didn't require a long-distance move. What began as a standard high school internship ended with a rewritten life plan: a shift in career focus and a decision to stay home to attend the University of Southern Indiana (USI).
Through a unique internship partnership between the Diocese of Evansville and Ascension St. Vincent, Reagan discovered not just what she wanted to do, but where she wanted to be. After a semester of rotation through various hospital departments, Reagan decided to pivot from her original plans at Purdue University to stay local and attend the USI.
Reagan entered her internship with a general interest in healthcare, originally leaning toward a path in psychology. However, the hands-on exposure at Ascension quickly refined her vision.
"I would observe different sections of the hospital—a new one every week," Reagan explained.
While she explored high-intensity areas like the ER and the ICU, it was the specialized imaging departments that truly resonated with her.
"The first section I really liked was MRI," she said. "I really liked the one-on-one they had with their patients. That kind of sent me towards sonography because it's so close contact. I liked mother-baby and labor and delivery because of that side of it."
For Reagan’s father, Josh Reising, the experience was a success not just because Reagan found a career, but because she found a calling. As the President of Reitz Memorial High School, Josh views these programs through both a professional and a parental lens.
"So much of what they're supposed to be doing at this age is finding out what they don’t want to do," Josh noted. "It’s about realizing the work is something 'chosen for you' rather than just something you randomly pick to make money," he said. "Having her go down a path she actually feels motivated for has been a phenomenal experience for us as a family."
The internship is a cornerstone of a growing partnership between Evansville’s Catholic high schools and Ascension St. Vincent. For Deacon Dan Niemeier, President of Mater Dei, this isn't just about job training; it’s about vocation.
"Our motto is "Enter to learn, go forth to serve," Deacon Niemeier said. "These fields at Ascension are rooted in serving others as Christ would. It’s a perfect fit for the initiatives we are looking to develop."
The program has evolved into a sophisticated "healthcare pathway." It’s a collaborative effort involving administrators like Crystal Robertson and Kendall Oliver, incorporating dual-credit courses from Ivy Tech and even customized theology classes. This allows students like Reagan to process the "tough things" they see in the hospital through a framework of faith and ethics.
By choosing to stay in Evansville and attend USI, Reagan represents a vital win for the local community. She is part of a new generation of healthcare professionals who are not only technically trained but are deeply aligned with the faith-based, mission-driven values of the region.
As Reagan prepares for her next chapter at USI, she moves forward with more than just a college major—she moves forward with a mission found in the quiet moments of patient care at Ascension St. Vincent.
