Halia Johnson interned with Fostering Success and gained communication, resource management, and perspective-taking skills.
What kind of work did you do throughout your internship experience?
I was in charge of coordinating study sessions, student-staff communication, planning various activities for students, and check-ins. Each staff member would host a couple study sessions each week and I would secure a place to study. Students were encouraged to participate in various activities like board games, video games, arts and crafts, and movie night. I participated in staff member communications about progress towards each student’s success in the program and how to promote engagement.
What is unique about your situation that influenced your internship selection?
Fostering Success only hires people within the program because with inclusivity there is equity. Essentially, they provide these leadership opportunities for youth who have been in foster care, experience with the Youth on Their Own (Y.O.T.O) program, or any kind of housing insecurity. Fostering Success gives youth accessibility to resources and flexible schedules based on our class schedule. I believe my bubbly personality is the another reason I got hired because I am outgoing, open-minded, and I am very kind to others.
What skills did you develop in this internship?
Communication and empathy were the top skills that I have applied in this experience. I have always struggled with consistency, but I enhanced my communication to be better organized with scheduling meetings with other students and communicating with staff about events and student check-ins. Having empathy allowed me to build better relationships with others, and encouraged me to be vulnerable and share my story with others. Empathy also allowed room to develop perspective-taking skills to understand how students’ perspectives mold their choices and beliefs.
How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you for the internship experience?
My Applied Humanities coursework influenced me the most when it comes to group work. I took a course called Innovation and the Human Condition (PAH 420), which required a semester-long group project. Taking this course taught me to be more innovative when working with others and learning to never be afraid to ask questions. Learning about others’ ideas is also an important skill in collaboration. In addition, collaboration can bring to light new ways of thinking, especially during projects.
What did you find challenging about your internship?
The hardest part of my internship was definitely being comfortable with the uncomfortable. There are times we have to go out of our comfort zone to meet new people and try new ideas. The best part of this experience is learning how to take fear and turn it into ambition. Rerouting negative behaviors allows me to stay satisfied in the present and nurture my desire to connect with others.
What was your favorite or most satisfying part of your internship?
Having an opportunity to be part of a close- knit community with staff was the most rewarding experience with Fostering Success. It is not so common in the workplace to find people that are selfless and care about your well-being. We all check in on each other and make sure we are doing okay. My coworkers are always quick to lend a helping hand to us with events or any other needs we may have.
What advice do you have for other students as they search for and begin their internship?
If you cannot find an internship that fits exactly with your major or minor, it is okay. For instance, I am an Applied Humanities major with a Plant Science emphasis and a minor in Nutritional Science and my internship focused on interconnectedness with other students in my campus community. They are not directly connected on paper, but I still gained many transferable skills. Getting out of your comfort zone and exploring your interests is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you. And do not forget to stay ambitious and true to yourself!