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1 — What are you enjoying most about your internship?

I am enjoying getting to work on a community-minded project. It is really nice to be able to see the implementation of the work that I am doing going back into my community. It is so lovely to know the work I am doing is meaningful and will create a positive impact in the community I call home.

2 — What is your takeaway from this experience so far?

Everyone says that small towns are connected, but the degree to which they really are was kind of surprising to me. I’m learning that knowing the right people goes a long way and everyone wants to lend a hand to help you. That’s been my biggest takeaway so far and it’s been really lovely to see firsthand the extent to which people truly want to see the betterment of the community.

3 — What knowledge and skills are you developing?

I have taken many courses with Dr. Kern who is an urban geography professor here at MtA and a lot of her courses are centered around gender and equality in the city. They also focus on how to build more sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities. The work that I am doing this summer is kind of compatible with the courses I have been taking with Dr. Kern, so it has directly helped my learning. I think when it is time to have these conversations in a class setting, I will be able to pull my prior knowledge from this internship. I am finding that I am able to connect some dots and it's been so rewarding!

4 — How has this internship impacted your university experience?

I have a new appreciation for networking, which is definitely a tool that I will take forward with my university experience and for post-graduation as well. Networking was how I was able to get this position, so I have a new appreciation for it. I have also improved my independent research skills, which I think will be beneficial when I hopefully work towards an honours thesis. 

5 — What have you learned about what fuels your fire?

I like to know that the work I am doing has meaningful change within the community. When meaningful work aligns with my values, I find that I am more productive and the goals I have are reached faster. I have also learned that I like to work in an environment that moves at a rapid pace. I find it so rewarding to be passionate and see change happen right in front of your eyes.

Learn more about student internship opportunities at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison.

This internship is funded by the Bell Scholarship Program.