My internship this summer has been an incredibly meaningful experience, and I am grateful for every opportunity I had to learn while serving the community. No day was the same and I got to build rapport with dozens of clients which was always the most special part- getting to hear their stories and despite all that they've been through, they're still here and trying to get back on their feet. I was always happy to help in any way I could, whether that be connecting a client to local churches, helping site coordinators with pre-screenings, community resource referrals, or even helping the maintenance crew prior to the annual shelter inspection that happens every year over the summer. I did various different things during the course of my internship, and with a great staff, it's hard to not give your best every day.
My favorite memory from this internship was helping organize and lead a mental wellness workshop alongside another intern. I had the opportunity to guide the group through a meditation, before a nice walk to the community garden, followed by a nice drawing activity. All residents that participated had a beautiful story to go along with their art. This event reminded me that even simple activities can have a great impact on someone's well-being, and grew my passion for supporting others through empathy, communication, and community engagement. I'm sad my internship has come to an end but I hope to be involved in the shelter in the future!
