Knowing our Neighborhood: Interview with a Social Work Intern

As Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 22 - April 26) unfolds, we find ourselves reflecting on the immense value volunteers bring to our organizations, communities, and lives. Amidst this week of gratitude and recognition, I had the privilege of sitting down with one of our dedicated interns, whose contributions have been nothing short of remarkable. Join me in extending our sincerest thanks to them for their time, effort, and unwavering commitment to our cause.

In this interview, we delve into their experiences, insights, and the profound impact volunteering has had on their journey. It's a testament to the power of individuals coming together, each bringing their unique skills and passion to the table, all united by a common purpose.

So, without further ado, let's hear from our immaculate intern as they share their perspective on volunteering, the lessons learned, and the moments that have left an indelible mark on their journey. Below is the transcription from our interview.

Zach: What made you want to intern here at HNS?

-Jannette: I liked the mission statement. I connected to empowering and educating the community. Additionally, I especially connect to the community here, being a Latina myself.

Zach: Had you heard of HNS before your internship?

-Jannette: I hadn’t.

Zach: What have you learned about our community and impact since your internship?

-Jannette: I learned about the critical need for my program, BienEstar Juntos. It's designed to empower parents and give kids a head start in life, particularly in our community where these resources may not always be readily accessible. Our program focuses on helping children develop essential social and emotional skills, such as regulation and relationship-building, particularly for those with behavioral concerns."

Zach: What is your internship over?

-Jannette: For my Master's Degree, in Clinical Social Work, I need clinical hours as part of my advanced field practicum.

Zach: So, to anyone who has never heard of HNS, how would you describe the need for your program?

-Jannette: Bienestar Juntos is needed in our community to help our children get a head start, especially during such a critical developmental stage. Children in our community and many others face challenges and barriers that may interfere with their development. Our program aims to alleviate some of these challenges by empowering positive transformation within children and their families. Mental health programs help build the necessary skills for children in life- build relationships, manage emotions, and communicate. Which is so critical in our communities to help and break harmful cycles.

Zach: How long was your internship?

- Jannette: Over the span of eight months, I completed a two-semester internship and learned an immeasurable amount. While taking classes in school is valuable, being able to actually apply what I learned firsthand was wonderful. During my lengthy internship, I had the opportunity to develop, implement, and monitor projects over time and make adjustments as necessary. Overall, it was an amazing experience.

Zach: What made you want to get into your education?

- Jannette: I pursued a different career path that left me feeling unfulfilled, but fortunately, my educational journey led me to HNS where I can finally give back to society.

Zach: What made you realize that HNS fit your educational needs?

-Jannette: It was effective in terms of mental health, particularly with minority families. I decided to try a new form of therapy by working with kids, something I had not done before. I wanted to see if this was something I enjoyed.

Zach: Has HNS given you educational and practical experience? 

-Jannette: Very much so.

Zach: What would you say to other students about interning at HNS?

-Jannette: Do it! Come with an open mind ready to learn and work on yourself and you’ll learn so many new skills!

Zach: What’s been the biggest hurdle/has there been a harsh grasp of reality since starting your internship?

-Jannette: Yes, utilizing skills to help children regulate. I want to have a magic wand and spread happiness, but sadly, I can’t. It takes patience, time, and consistency- which is something we work on, to help children deal with big emotions. 

Zach: What’s been your favorite part of the internship?

-Jannette: Working with Kids! Which is definitely something I didn’t think I would say!

Zach: Will you always look fondly on HNS and our community or are you itching to get out the door?

- Jannette: No, I will absolutely look fondly at my time here, the people I’ve met, the experiences that shaped me, and the people/community I bonded with. 

As we draw this insightful interview to a close, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our intern for their candid sharing and inspiring dedication. Their journey serves as a reminder of the transformative power of volunteering, igniting change within ourselves and the world around us. To our readers, thank you for joining us on this exploration of passion, purpose, and the profound impact of volunteerism. Your support and engagement are integral to our collective mission, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment. As Volunteer Appreciation Week concludes, let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude and service, honoring the countless individuals who selflessly give their time, skills, and hearts to make a difference.

Until next time, may we all find joy and fulfillment in the act of giving back.