Reflecting on an internship
Our two most recent Communications Interns reflect on their past semester at the IISTL:
Reflections on an Internship
By Jessica Fox, Communications Intern
When I started here at the International Institute of St. Louis I was very surprised at the diversity and how open everybody was. It was very inspiring to me because this was the first time in my life that I had ever been around such an exciting, creative, and caring environment. Even to this day every time I walk into the institute I am overwhelmed by how many people are willing to help each other out. It is a great thing to watch and experience.
I am glad that I got to work here as an intern even if it was only for 4 months. I feel like as I person I have grown. I feel as though I am more accepting of different people and different cultures than I was before I worked here. When I move on to my next job whatever that may be, I want to work in an environment that is open to all and accepting of all. This is one thing that the International Institute has shown me is possible in a work environment.
My mind has opened to a whole new different world that I would like to be involved with. Even though I will miss this place I am happy that I learned so much about people and on thing this place has taught me is patience and acceptance.
I thought working on the monthly podcast were very informative. Both Laura and I researched things that we had never known about. For example, Obama’s immigration policies, and the history of St. Louis immigration. I was astounded by all the facts and little that I knew. I learned a lot from people watching here at the institute. I appreciated how open communication was with everybody I never felt like I couldn’t ask a questions or clarify something I didn’t understand, that means a lot to me. I am happy I got the opportunity to work here and I know the experience I had here with benefit my future in a positive way.
My Internship & My New Hometown
By Laura Eschbacher, Communications Intern
My time at the International Institute has gone by fast, but I’ve grown a lot this semester because of this internship. There are three lessons that I think I will remember most from my time here.
1. Be safe, but don’t live in fear.
2. Don’t assume anything from appearances.
3. Get involved in your community, or at least be aware of it.
As far as being safe goes, my trips to the Institute twice a week got me over my fear of city driving. I come from a town where it was big news when we got our first stoplight a few years ago. With my newfound driving confidence, I took my little Buick Skylark and started exploring St. Louis. Jessica and I went to an I-Squared dinner together, and picked up an order of food for an IISTL conference in a part of town I’d never been before. I had to drive further South on Grand once to drop off some pants for the Institute’s sewing class. (By the way, the students did an excellent job in lengthening my khakis! My mom is a seamstress, and she was impressed!)
Of course I took the necessary precautions, like leaving nothing in my car so people aren’t tempted to break in. I made sure I locked my doors every day. But I stopped living in paranoia that this area was “terribly dangerous.” As long as you’re respectful and smart, you shouldn’t run into problems.
That leads me to the next point–assuming nothing. I know many people who, post 9-11, are afraid of anyone who doesn’t look exactly like them. Fear breeds hate. But understanding breeds love! It might take some courage to put yourself out there, but when you do, you see that we’re all similar.
I remember how terrified and nervous I was when I came in for my interview here, back in December. I sat in the lobby for fifteen minutes before meeting my supervisor. My heart was pounding. But then a woman walked in with her little baby. The baby was dressed head to toe in pink and just couldn’t stop smiling at me and giggling. I waved and smiled back. Her mom then leaned over, put the baby on her back, and wrapped a cloth around her body so she could carry the baby like a backpack. She said goodbye and left. As they walked off, I kept smiling at that baby and thought, “This is a good place to be.”
Finally, this place has gotten me in touch with the community of St. Louis. I always considered Sullivan, MO to be my home, but St. Louis is a great place. There are agencies, non-profits, musicians, artists, and people who just like to have a good time, who come together for festivals in STL. If we could abandon our SUVs and chores just for a weekend, we could see many aspects of St. Louis that we didn’t know existed!
Support local businesses. Eat food of a completely different culture; maybe even buy clothing from a different culture! Attend a music festival in a neighborhood you’ve never been to. Hang out in Forest Park. Come to the Festival of Nations. St. Louis is small enough that we have the potential to be a strong community. The International Institute seems to acknowledge that, and I’m so proud that my eyes have been opened to it. All it takes is the events section of the newspaper and a little guts! (Events calendar: www.riverfronttimes.com)
I can’t stress enough how much this internship has helped me to become a citizen of St. Louis, and how much I have learned about myself. I promise you that if you do something out of the ordinary and shake up life a little bit, you’ll be interested in what you find.
I wish everyone at the Institute good luck in their future endeavors. Thank you for letting me spend time with you!