Q&A with Laura W. | Strategic Partnerships & Communications Department Intern at The Foundling
Internships present a great opportunity for students and young adults to learn about working at a nonprofit. This summer, a group of interns from across New York City had the chance to see our work in action, collaborate with staff and make a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve. Each week this summer, we will highlight one of our interns, sharing what makes them special, and recognizing their accomplishments and achievements.
Where do you go to school?
University of Southern California
What is your favorite subject?
Urban social issues and calculus
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully working at a nonprofit in NYC. I’m really passionate about education, so I’d like to be working in an organization that focuses on providing education to low income and disadvantaged students.
Who is your role model and why?
My aunt, Frances Resheke, because she is the most kind-hearted, hardworking, intelligent person that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
What project did you work on while at The Foundling?
I helped draft the Sponsor a Camper emails for Camp Felix, The Foundling’s overnight summer camp located in Putnam Valley, NY, for children living in welfare or foster care. It felt amazing to be trusted enough to write emails that would go out to potential donors who would in turn be donating thousands of dollars. It made me feel like I had a direct impact on The Foundling’s success.
What will you take away from your experience at The Foundling?
The Foundling has definitely continued and strengthened my passion for helping those who are undeserved and misrepresented. I think it’s so easy to generalize and make conclusions about people based on one detail, such as being in foster care. Working here has reminded me to always get to know someone’s story before latching onto one detail about them.
What piece of advice would you tell future Foundling Interns?
Ask questions. It’s so easy to be nervous or intimidated, but I truly believe that the employees at The Foundling want to help you as much as you want to help them. If you show interest, imitative, and passion, I think you’ll be much happier with your experience at any internship.
What is your spirit animal and why?
An otter because they hold hands to keep their families together, and I like to think of myself as the glue in my relationships.
If you could take a trip anywhere, where would you go and why?
The next place I want to go is Cape Town, South Africa. In school we barely covered African history and heritage, and I would love to go there and experience the history and culture for myself.
What is the last book you read, what are you reading now?
The last book I read was “Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation” by Bill Nye, and currently I’m reading “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn.
