When I first learned that I would need to complete an internship for my Masters program, I knew that I wanted to work with an organization that supported minority students with academics.
I started my internship with ENHE in November, and it has been quite an enriching experience. I see firsthand how invested ENHE is in strengthening literacy and building relationships with families. I have the chance to interact with children and families, and it is clear the positive influence that ENHE has on them.
Every Thursday and Friday, I have the opportunity to interact with our students when I tutor at KIPP Kirkpatrick. Seeing their smiling faces and eagerness to read truly warms my heart. I have seen them grow so much with their sight words and reading over the course of this semester. I have the opportunity to interact with our students and families at the monthly family workshops. For February’s workshop, I even had the chance to lead a session on race and cultural diversity. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging in the rich dialogue with families that emerged during the session.
I would definitely recommend this internship to others, and I have actually added ENHE to the list of potential internship sites for the next cohort in my program, Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies. For future interns, I would impart some pieces of advice that I feel would be helpful. First, come ready to engage in an environment that has so much positive energy! Next, come with an open mind because you definitely will learn from the diverse perspectives that each student and family brings. Last, make sure you have open spots in your schedule to dedicate time to the monthly family workshops on Saturdays and occasional tabling events at different schools.
While supporting literacy, ENHE simultaneously fosters and supports a sense of community and belonging. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to join this community as I support children, families, ENHE staff, and teachers.
Interested in an internship with ENHE? We’d love to chat with you! Reach out to Brandy Fenderson: [email protected].