Interning!

This quarter, I began my year-long stint as the First-Year Engagement Intern at Hillel UW. Hillel is a Jewish community organization that provides resources and events to support and connect Jewish students at UW. Last year, I got involved at Hillel as a part of the B' Mitzvah cohort (check out my blog post here). This was such a great experience that I wanted to continue to stay involved at Hillel, so when I was presented with the opportunity to be the First-Year Engagement Intern, I was sold. Not only would it allow me to stay involved at Hillel, but it also would allow me to address one of my own past struggles: being nervous and unmotivated to start going to Hillel.

When I was a freshman, I knew about Hillel but found it difficult to get the motivation to go to events, and eventually it just felt too late. I was scared I wouldn't know anyone and wouldn't have anyone to sit with, and for someone still adjusting to college, it just felt like a lot. So, I really understand the struggle of overcoming that nervousness, and as the First-Year Engagement Intern I get to address that and help people do it anyway. In my position, I plan first year-specific events, like mixers and game nights, and I meet with first years one-on-one to get to know them and help guide them to get involved with Hillel. This could mean inviting them to Friday night Shabbat, inviting them to a freshman event, or helping them sign up for a learning cohort. I have to be super flexible and help find what works for each individual person.

So far, I've had an amazing time in this position. I've gotten to know some of the great employees at Hillel and some of the other student leaders. I've also gotten to practice my organizational skills in planning events. Additionally, this internship has really challenged me to practice my social engagement skills and putting myself out there to make others feel comfortable, which is sometimes hard for me as a shy person. In this job, I often am the one guiding conversation, being overly excited, and making people relaxed. It's been a good challenge for me, and will certainly serve me in other areas of my life. I've also met some really awesome students through my position, and it really is such a pleasure to get to talk to and get to know some of the Jewish freshmen at UW.

Overall, I've already learned a lot, and I look forward to developing my skills even more and doing more fun activities!

P.S. This internship serves as my second Experiential Learning activity - check out my reflection here!