Grace Glenn interned with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Pima County and gained experience in child advocacy and the legal systems surrounding children in foster care.
Why did you choose this internship?
One of my old coworkers and good friends introduced me to this program that she was a part of after I expressed my interest in finding a way to work with foster children. I learned about this program before I turned 21, which is the required age to apply, and I promptly applied after I turned 21. I was actually looking for something else to do as an internship and was struggling to find one that appealed to me as much as the opportunity to work with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Arizona (CASA). I spoke to Brittney Crawford on the PAH Internship Team about my goals and she gave me the good news that I could actually use the CASA program as my internship! I ultimately chose this internship because it aligned with the requirements and was something I was already planning on pursuing.
What is unique about your situation that influenced your internship selection?
I work as an EMT for a private ambulance company, and have run many many calls with children, primarily psychiatric calls. These calls really opened my eyes to how many children are in the foster system or come from difficult families. This showed me how many children need help and support; too many kids fall through the cracks, then their needs are neglected, which leads to dysfunction as an adult. This further inspired and motivated me to seek out a way to help these children. My background in medicine helped equip me with communication skills and background knowledge on how to help children who experience mental health crises as well exhibit extreme behaviors as a result of their environment, which gave me a leg up at my internship.
What was your favorite or most satisfying part of your internship?
The most satisfying part of my internship was getting to see the impact I was having on the child. I get to see the smile I put on her face and I get to see what my voice and advocacy accomplishes for her benefit. It is a very rewarding feeling when you can connect with a child and be the one consistent thing in their life. I have always enjoyed helping others and I consider it my life's purpose. It meant a lot to me because I was so nervous my kid wouldn’t like me or trust me, and watching me become her safe space is all I could have ever wished for.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
I found it very challenging to work with such a large and diverse group of people. Attempting to contact so many people and coordinate so many different schedules can be frustrating at times when goals and deadlines need to be met and things continue to get pushed back, which would negatively impact the child I was working with. I learned that you can’t stress about what you can’t control, and the goal will be met eventually. You have to be considerate and understanding that things won’t be perfect and everyone is trying their best.
What impact did your internship experience have?
My internship experience directly impacted the child through advocacy for their wants and needs. We have seen notable improvement in behaviors and the child is on track to receive the necessary support she needs. I will be continuing my role as this child's CASA so my impact will continue to grow and develop.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for their internship?
Find something you are passionate about or that will help open doors for you. No one wants to do an internship somewhere that doesn’t align with your goals or values, because that’s just a waste of time. I believe your internship should be helping someone or helping yourself. Find something that feeds your mind or your soul if you can. I also urge you to step out of your comfort zone or do the internship that seems a little intimating, you will learn the most when you push yourself.