This internship helped me envision my future by exposing me to different career paths through guest speakers, field days, and hands-on experience in urban agriculture. It also gave me the confidence and tools to pursue my goals, like applying to college, building a resume, and developing professional and personal skills that will support me in any path I choose.
The strong connections I built with my coworkers helped me become more confident in work settings by creating a supportive environment where I felt heard, valued, and encouraged to step out of my comfort zone. Collaborating with them on projects and events taught me how to communicate openly, take initiative, and trust myself as part of a team.
Some of the most memorable moments for me during the internship were visiting the Ujamaa Farmer Collective and seeing real-world issues in action at a local farm—it opened my eyes to the impact of community work. I also really loved the everyday garden work, especially working and laughing with my peers, the fun of the cooking competitions, and the moments when we debriefed our feelings, which meant a lot since that’s something many of us don’t often get to do at home.
Before the internship, I didn’t always take time to reflect on my emotions or understand how they affected my actions, but now I’ve become much more emotionally intelligent. With the support of Circles, the Inner Journey Workbook, and a caring team, I’ve learned to express myself better, manage stress in healthier ways, and be more understanding of others.
This internship was truly a highlight for me—it made me excited to go to school some days because I knew I’d be working with a supportive team, learning new things, and experiencing hands-on projects that felt meaningful. It wasn’t just about the skills I gained; it was the connections, the laughter, and the sense of purpose that made school feel more enjoyable and gave me a reason to look forward to each day.
