360 Degrees of Interns

As we enter our third year of leadership programming that provides internship opportunities to college students, we are bolstered by their feedback and inspired to expand their experiential opportunities going forward.

Peer mentorship is a key component of our teaching model, and we know that peer role modeling is a powerful tool in motivating students.  Our team of interns this year was comprised of a diverse group of mostly first-generation college students who were studying social work and education throughout colleges in Manhattan and the boroughs.  Our offering includes weekly SEL education as well as direct service interactions as teaching assistants every Friday during the school year at an elementary school in Harlem.  It also includes a deep dive into racial identity and explores issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We educate and train our interns by providing hands-on, in the moment, skill building opportunities where the interns can practice, acquire, and master a variety of social and emotional skills to strengthen their career opportunities and build leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives personally and professionally.

What follows is a collection of quotes from their experiences, seen through their eyes. 

Basia
At the Meeting House, practicing what we preach and modeling the appropriate social skills is paramount. At TMALS, each day is a different day and presents itself with a new set of challenges. I have learned the importance of demonstrating flexibility, and teamwork, two of the most important skills I am also trying to teach the young TMALS students.

Cristina
As a result of my work with TMH, I approach my daily challenges with more confidence and a stronger sense of self. I am more aware of my social interactions throughout the entire week after the training I have gone through

Isabella
My experience at TMALS has been exceptional. I had the opportunity to work with all the grades of students and expanded many social skills such as my listening skills and self-awareness. Listening skills are one of the many skills that I believe to be required when working in a lunchroom setting. By listening to what the children have to say not only helps me do a better job but it also role models to the kids that there is value in their opinions and views. Additionally, I improved my leadership skills. I had to think on my feet and take initiative.  Introducing myself, asking relevant questions, managing conflicts between students, and striking up conversation with kids on the periphery. As a team, we came together once a week to plan and prepare for the following week which really taught me a lot about job readiness and the importance of preparation. This process involved my critical thinking and problem-solving as it was often quite multifaceted to plan for a day with the kids. With weekly preparation, I was better prepared for situations with students that came up.

Kassandra
The internship program has not only helped me professionally but has also led to personal growth in many areas. I feel more confident and assertive which shows up in my teaching and how I relate to others.

Naya
Meeting House has allowed me to gain new perspectives into the field of mental health and has equipped me with a toolkit and a new language for working with students.”

Elisa
Before starting the school term at TMALS, job readiness was a necessity. As a team, we came together once a week to plan and prepare for the following week. Some of these plans that were prepared involved critical thinking and problem-solving. With weekly preparation, I was prepared for any situation and case that may arise. My experience at TMALS has been exceptional. I had the opportunity to work with all the grades at TMALS. Working at TMALS has allowed me to expand on my listening skills.  Listening skills are one of the many skills that I believe to be required when working in a lunchroom setting. By listening to what the children have to say shows that there is value in what their opinions and views. Additionally, I improved my leadership skills as I had to take the initiative to introduce myself, ask questions, strike up conversation and read with the children.