As I continue my internship at the Catherine McAuley Center, I have become more involved in the
daily activities of the organization and have gained a deeper understanding of the important work it does
for immigrants and refugees. During the first weeks of my internship, I mainly focused on getting familiar
with the staff, students, and the overall mission of the Language Lab. Since then, I have taken on more
responsibilities that have allowed me to grow professionally and personally. Some of the most valuable
experiences during this part of my internship have included conducting informational interviews with staff
members, tutoring students one-on-one to improve their English skills, and assisting with administrative
tasks through data entry.
One of the highlights of this stage of my internship was conducting informational interviews with
two staff members, Sabrina Anderson and Feroz Waziri. These conversations gave me the opportunity to
learn more about the different careers that support the Catherine McAuley Center's mission and how each
department contributes to serving the community. Speaking with professionals who work in different roles
helped me better understand how nonprofit organizations operate and the variety of skills needed to be
successful. During my interview with Sabrina Anderson, I learned about her work in outreach, volunteer
coordination, and community engagement. She explained how building relationships with community
members and volunteers helps expand the organization's impact and ensures that people know about the
services available at the Catherine McAuley Center. I was especially interested in learning how outreach
requires strong communication, leadership, organization, and teamwork. Sabrina also shared some of the
challenges that come with coordinating volunteers and working with different community partners. Her
advice encouraged me to stay open-minded, continue learning from others, and always be willing to
communicate effectively. Our conversation reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in outreach or
community engagement because I enjoy working with people and helping organizations connect with the
communities they serve.
My interview with Feroz Waziri provided a different perspective on nonprofit
work. He shared his experience working directly with immigrants and refugees by helping them connect
with legal services, community resources, and other forms of support. Hearing his personal journey as an
immigrant made our conversation especially meaningful because he understands many of the challenges
his clients face. He explained that patience, persistence, and empathy are essential qualities when working with individuals who are adjusting to a new country and culture. His experiences reminded me that every
staff member at the Catherine McAuley Center plays an important role in helping clients build better
lives. These interviews gave me a greater appreciation for nonprofit work and helped me better
understand the many career opportunities available within organizations like the Catherine McAuley
Center.
In addition to learning from staff members, I have continued working directly with students in the
Language Lab. I spent many hours tutoring students one-on-one as they worked to improve their English
speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. Every tutoring session is different because each student
has unique learning goals, language abilities, and educational backgrounds. Some students need help
practicing everyday conversations, while others focus on grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, or
preparing for employment opportunities. Working individually with students has taught me the
importance of patience and adapting my teaching style to meet each person's needs. Sometimes students
are nervous about making mistakes, so I try to create a welcoming environment where they feel
comfortable asking questions and practicing their English without fear of being judged. One of the most
rewarding parts of this experience has been watching students gain confidence over time. Seeing someone
who was initially hesitant begin speaking more comfortably or successfully complete a difficult exercise
reminds me why education is so powerful. These tutoring experiences have also improved my own
communication skills because I have learned how to explain ideas in simple, clear, and encouraging ways.
Besides tutoring, I also spent time assisting with administrative responsibilities that help keep the
Language Lab organized. I completed several data entry tasks, including recording students' attendance
hours, updating student records, reviewing waitlists, and organizing information within the program's
database. Although these responsibilities may seem less visible than tutoring, I quickly realized how
essential they are to the success of the organization. Accurate records allow staff members to monitor
student progress, schedule classes efficiently, and ensure that students receive the support they need.
Completing these administrative tasks has helped me strengthen my attention to detail and organizational
skills. I learned that nonprofit organizations depend on accurate information to make informed decisions
and provide quality services to the community. This experience also gave me a better understanding of the
work that happens behind the scenes to support the Language Lab and ensure that both staff and students
have the resources they need.
Looking back on this stage of my internship, I can see how much I have grown since my first
week. Every responsibility, whether interviewing staff members, tutoring students, or completing
administrative work, has helped me develop new professional skills while contributing to the mission of
the Catherine McAuley Center. I have become more confident communicating with people from different
cultural backgrounds, more organized in managing responsibilities, and more aware of the importance of
teamwork within a nonprofit organization.
Overall, this internship continues to be one of the most valuable learning experiences of my
college career. It has allowed me to apply what I have learned in my Business Management and French
courses while developing practical skills that cannot be learned in a classroom alone. Working with
students, learning from experienced professionals, and supporting the daily operations of the Language
Lab have all strengthened my interest in community outreach and nonprofit work. I look forward to
continuing my internship, building stronger relationships with the staff and students, and finding new
ways to contribute to the Catherine McAuley Center's mission of serving immigrants, refugees, and adult
learners.