Usually I arrive, greet whoever is there, we talk about our weeks and how things are going. I adjust my daily goals depending on their plans for the day and what they need to get done. For example, on busy days I will step back and offer to help with any tasks that may need to get done. However, on slower days, I ask to gather in a circle to have some organized time together or simply present my project progress and ask for their opinion and help on moving forward.
I don’t have specific responsibilities but we had discussed at the beginning of the internship having some public health intervention/education workshops.
The most helpful thing that I have learned is that it almost always pays to ask for guidance and to not try and do everything on your own. When I felt overwhelmed about being on-site or about what I would be able to “do” for them, I just remembered that the women at these sites as well as the directors of the program and I are a team and I can turn to them and share my concerns.
One major experience was how my perspective completely changed about what these internships meant. When I started this study abroad program in January, I had a lot of doubts because I felt that I was just taking up space and getting in the way when I was in the comedor spaces. I felt like I wasn’t doing anything worth while. However, I came to understand that this line of thinking perpetuates the idea that service-learning goes one way and that in order for it to be successful there has to be some tangible product. I became much more comfortable when I began to realize that getting to know the members of the community on a personal level and them getting to know me was actually the most valuable part of the time we had.
My time here has offered me a life experience that will affect every decision I make in the future. Building a routine and a repertoire with community leaders gave me an opportunity to practice being a better student, teacher, friend, and citizen. Becoming a part of these communities was some of the hardest yet most rewarding work I’ve ever done. This internship goes beyond completing tasks for a company or running errands. This internship is about learning about yourself and pushing yourself to learn about others.
I do recommend this internship program to students who are always looking for ways to grow. If you are somebody who wants to change, learn and understand yourself and the world better, this is an opportunity you will benefit from.
Come prepared to ask yourself hard questions and change your opinions. One thing that may help you stay grounded and make the most out of the short time you have is by journaling, either writing or drawing or collaging or whatever you like to do. I filled an entirely journal during this trip and now as I am nearing the end of my time here, I am so thankful to be able to look back and see physical representations of my experiences and lessons learned.
I love the weather and being able to practice a different language with native speakers. This city is so beautiful and a walk even around the block will offer a plethora of vibrant biodiversity.