By Samantha Goudey
My summer internship changed my life– all 21 years of it, to be exact.
Now I know what you’re thinking: how could something as small as a summer internship change your life? Well, let me explain.
Entering th
e summer before my Junior year, just having switched my major, the looming fate of post-grad was quickly approaching. Naturally, I did what any other twenty-year-old would do: I scrolled Handshake for what felt like countless hours. That’s where I stumbled upon BCArc.
I figured this would be a good opportunity to expand my marketing skills, grow in confidence, add to my resume, and attempt to identify whether or not I had made the correct choice by leaving my Biology degree behind.
Though in reality, I ended up finding so much more.
As the Marketing and Communications Intern, I felt more like a team member rather than an intern. I was able to carry out my own projects, independently conduct interviews, write my own articles, design webpages, have a voice in team meetings, and only had to fetch lunch once! I truly enjoyed it as it felt genuine and authentic to what I would be doing and expected of in a full-time position.
This sense of belonging and authenticity carried over to the family care programs. As a BCArc intern, you have the privilege of a truly unique experience. Regardless of your internship focus, all interns work hands-on with the individuals we support. As a marketing intern, it felt extremely motivating to truly get to know ‘who’ I was advocating for from the back-end.
For me, I worked at our evening program and summer series. The evening program took place towards the end of the day, allowing their families additional respite time after day programs concluded. Every day, new activities would occur from themed art projects to living-room dancing; it was always a blast. The summer series consisted of summer-exclusive events. Each week, a new event took place. From scavenger hunts at The Mount to ice cream at Highland Farms, every week we would take advantage of the fleeting Berkshire summer.
Regardless of the program you work with, every new day is sure to start off with excited greetings paired with numerous smiles and curious questions. Each individual we support will welcome you with open arms. Everyone is genuine to themselves and excited to share their passions with you, whether that be Elmo, emergency vehicles, or superheroes.
Not only working alongside them, but becoming their mentor and simultaneously their friend is arguably the greatest privilege I have received since joining BCArc. Having their trust and sharing a kind smile is invaluable.
I remember as I entered the office on the first day, Dave [the Marketing VP] said, “When you leave here, I’ll make sure you leave with a portfolio of your own work. Stories that mean something to you.” Now, as I walk out these doors for one final time, my life has changed as I am not only leaving with a portfolio, but rather with a life changed for the better.
