Hello!
Throughout my summer I had the opportunity to intern with C.A.S.T. in Minnesota, and the experience was both eye-opening and rewarding. From the first day, I felt welcomed into a team that was not only committed to its mission, but also eager to share knowledge and guide me as I navigated my role. I had various responsibilities and projects to work on. I finished data input on a spreadsheet that I created. I also finished a project where I found sex trafficking/exploitation resources in each school district in Minnesota. The last project I completed was the most interesting one that I worked on. I researched differences in laws relating to sex trafficking/exploitation in both the United States and Europe. I learned that in the United States there are more sex trafficking cases, but much fewer cases are actually brought to court and prosecuted. Whereas in Europe many more cases are brought to court and are fully prosecuted to the extent of the law. This is because the United States’ laws focused on sex trafficking are unclear, and police do not know how to collect all the evidence needed. There is also a societal ideology in the U.S that is different than in Europe. In the U.S, the trafficking victims are questioned on multiple occasions, whereas in Europe victims are believed and not harshly cross-examined. I found this research and its results very interesting after spending a summer researching trafficking and exploitation.
One of the most valuable aspects of this internship was the chance to see how community organizations operate behind the scenes. While many people are familiar with the public-facing programs nonprofits run, fewer realize the effort it takes to secure resources that keep those programs sustainable. By assisting with data collection, analyzing research, and helping to draft materials that will be used in grant applications, I was able to better understand the balance between passion for a mission and the practical need for funding. This balance is what allows organizations like C.A.S.T. to continue supporting survivors and advocating for meaningful change.
Cornell College prepared me for the work that I would be doing this past summer. My coursework in both English and Political Science has sharpened my research and writing skills, giving me the ability to analyze complex information and communicate it clearly. Beyond academics, Cornell has taught me how to be adaptable and organized with my time. Because of these strengths that I have gained from my time at Cornell, I was able to excel in the work I did this summer.
This internship also helped me grow personally and professionally. I learned the importance of asking questions, seeking feedback, and staying flexible when projects shifted in scope or direction. At times, I had to navigate challenges such as working with limited information or adjusting timelines to meet organizational needs. These situations reminded me that problem-solving is rarely straightforward, but persistence and creativity can go a long way in finding solutions.
Moving forward, I plan to build on what I learned this summer by continuing to pursue opportunities that combine research, advocacy, and community impact. I am particularly interested in how public policy and nonprofit work intersect, and this experience has affirmed my desire to pursue law school in the future. The skills that I gained during my internship will be beneficial to me in the future as I tackle law school.
Overall, my internship with C.A.S.T. was an incredible experience that challenged me, deepened my knowledge, and affirmed my career goals. I am grateful for the preparation I received at Cornell, for the mentorship I received at C.A.S.T., and for the opportunity to contribute to an organization doing such important work.