I think our host organizations substantially benefit from the work done by the interns. That is very much understandable. College students and recent graduates are fully aware of the harshness of modern day labor market so they want to try their best to get hands-on experience in a work space and great recommendations from their supervisors. Internship experience is more than just a step before your full-time employment. This is their chance to show their full capacity and find what is it that they want to dedicate their life to.
I have interviewed summer interns at Youth Service America and would like to share their experiences with you!
YIFANG YANG
Nanjing, China
Yifang is a History and Economics Major at Hamilton College, NY. Back in China, he attended international high school and decided to pursue his bachelor’s degree in the United States. Yifang joined the YSA Education team this summer because he wanted to combine his office experience with doing something truly meaningful.
If you could describe YSA in one word, what would it be?
“VIGOROUS-YSA is full of energy, and the staff puts all of it into making youth understand that they can make a difference.”
KACY HOBBIS
Chatham, New Jersey
As a government major at Hamilton College, Kacy is excited to be interning here in Washington DC. She is passionate about community service, and as an intern for CEO Steve Culbertson, she has been working on a toolkit helping environmental and community service organizations.
If you could describe YSA in one word, what would it be?
“MOTIVATED – People at YSA really care about their job. It is a pleasure to be in this environment.”
LEIGH BIANCHI
Washington, DC
Leigh is a high school student at Georgetown Day school. One of her family members received a community grant award in the past, and that is how she was introduced to the YSA family. Leigh did various community projects while being a high school student. Throughout her 5-week internship, Leigh will work on exploring development opportunities from different partner and non-partner organizations that could benefit existing YSA programs.
If you could describe YSA in one word, what would it be?
“COMMUNITY – YSA provides great support not only to the youth that take part in their grant programs, but also the people who make it happen – its team members.”
KIRSTEN SIPPOLA
Cincinnati, Ohio
Kirsten’s internship at YSA is a part of Ohio State University summer semester program. She has always wanted to know what it feels like to work in here in Washington DC being surrounded by different NGOs, activists, and interest groups. Kirsten previously worked as an advocate for sexual assault victims. Here at YSA, she is a great asset to the Partnerships team.
If you could describe YSA in one word, what would it be?
“CARING – People at YSA really care about their work and kids becoming involved in volunteer services.”
APRIL MCLANE:
Houston, Texas
April’s major aspiration for YSA internship was gaining hands-on experience in working for a great cause. Born in Texas, April is a student at Brigham Young University in Utah. Being in DC has exposed her to a completely new environment and partake in global community of change makers.
If you could describe YSA in one word, what would it be?
“PURPOSEFUL – People at YSA are amazing and treat each other as a family. Another thing that I love about YSA is that its work is truly meaningful, and I am proud to be a part of it.”
GEMA GONZALES
Albuquerque, NM
Gema recently graduated from the University of New Mexico and joined YSA to gain experience in her fields of interest – social issues, education, poverty, hunger, and climate change. She is interested in learning how to get youth involved in rsolving these global challenges.
If you could describe YSA in one word, what would it be?
“STRATEGIC – YSA is really analytical and careful about what organizations they choose to partner with. They want the best possible outcome on their projects.”