Starting my internship as a Language Lab Intern at the Catherine McAuley Center has been a very exciting and meaningful experience. During my first week, I mainly participated in the welcoming activities, met the staff members, and got the opportunity to interact with students and other interns. This first week helped me feel comfortable in the new environment and gave me a better understanding of the mission of the organization and the important work they do for immigrants and refugees in the community.
I found this internship opportunity through Cornell College’s internship and experiential learning resources. As a student double majoring in Business Management and French, I was interested in finding an experience where I could apply my communication skills, cultural knowledge, and passion for helping others. Currently I am living in Iowa City, for the duration of my internship. Living in a different environment and working closely with people from diverse cultural backgrounds is already helping me grow personally and professionally.
One of the highlights of the week was meeting the staff members at the Catherine McAuley Center. Everyone was very welcoming, supportive, and passionate about helping students succeed. During orientation, the staff explained the goals of the Language Lab and how the program supports immigration and refugees in improving their English skills and digital Literacy. I learned more about the responsibilities of the internship and how important patience, communication, and cultural understanding are in the type of work. The staff also shared their own experiences working with the students from many different countries, which inspired me and made me excited to begin working more directly with clients.
Another important part of my first week was meeting the students who attend the Language Lab. Even though many students come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, everyone was respectful, motivated,and eager to learn. I enjoyed observing how the Language Lab creates a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and practicing their English skills. Interacting with students reminded me how powerful education and communication can be in helping people build confidence and create new opportunities for themselves.
Overall, my first week at the Catherine McAuley Center has been a positive and motivating experience. I already feel welcomed into the organization and excited about the internship. I look forward to building stronger relationships with the staff and students, improving my professional skills, and gaining more experience in a multicultural environment. I believe this internship will continue to help me grow personally and academically while preparing me for future career opportunities.