Project #1: Ayni Education International, Experiential Learning Category : Service
I worked as an intern for Seattle non-profit Ayni Education International through summer and autumn quarter of 2013. Interning for Ayni has been an enriching experience for me, as I've acquired new skills and have become increasingly interested in international development and non-profit work. I've had the opportunity to observe and participate in the day-to-day activities of a local nonprofit, witness its impact, and have realized that providing education for all girls is the first step in improving the quality of life for thousands of families in Afghanistan and in ensuring the success of the next generation.
During my internship, I’ve learned skills that I can apply in future positions, including grant writing and reporting, social media and website maintenance, and newsletter writing. Additionally, because this was my first internship experience, I’ve learned how to effectively manage my time and balance this internship with school, my job at The Daily, and other extracurricular activities. I’ve realized that involving myself in a variety of activities doesn’t stretch me too thin, as I once believed it would from observing my overworked, overly ambitious roommates last year. Rather, it makes me determined to accomplish more in the time that I have and maximize my productivity.
Ayni has influenced me to explore career paths related to non-profit work and international development. My experiences with Ayni have shaped several of my decisions this upcoming quarter: I’m taking a course on women and international economic development, studying how globalization affects women’s access to basic services in the developing world. I’ve applied for an editorial internship position with the Borgen Project, an organization that operates at the political level to alleviate poverty through advocacy and building awareness of global issues. I've applied for a summer internship with USAID in Washington, DC. I’ve even been inspired to learn more about Peace Corps and to consider it as an option after graduation. Interning for Ayni has ultimately strengthened my interest in learning about strategies to resolve global inequality and to give more people in the world access to economic and social capital. I’ve also learned that giving more children, especially girls, access to quality education is a viable approach to eradicating illiteracy and poverty.
I’ve gained many valuable lessons as an intern with Ayni, and have participated in everything from event planning, to researching funding sources, to networking. I’ve enjoyed meaningfully contributing to something larger than myself and my studies, as it has given me a sense of purpose and has compelled me to consider taking another direction related to my major. Interning for Ayni has allowed me to grow significantly and has given me the experience I need to further explore the field of international development.
I worked as an intern for Seattle non-profit Ayni Education International through summer and autumn quarter of 2013. Interning for Ayni has been an enriching experience for me, as I've acquired new skills and have become increasingly interested in international development and non-profit work. I've had the opportunity to observe and participate in the day-to-day activities of a local nonprofit, witness its impact, and have realized that providing education for all girls is the first step in improving the quality of life for thousands of families in Afghanistan and in ensuring the success of the next generation.
During my internship, I’ve learned skills that I can apply in future positions, including grant writing and reporting, social media and website maintenance, and newsletter writing. Additionally, because this was my first internship experience, I’ve learned how to effectively manage my time and balance this internship with school, my job at The Daily, and other extracurricular activities. I’ve realized that involving myself in a variety of activities doesn’t stretch me too thin, as I once believed it would from observing my overworked, overly ambitious roommates last year. Rather, it makes me determined to accomplish more in the time that I have and maximize my productivity.
Ayni has influenced me to explore career paths related to non-profit work and international development. My experiences with Ayni have shaped several of my decisions this upcoming quarter: I’m taking a course on women and international economic development, studying how globalization affects women’s access to basic services in the developing world. I’ve applied for an editorial internship position with the Borgen Project, an organization that operates at the political level to alleviate poverty through advocacy and building awareness of global issues. I've applied for a summer internship with USAID in Washington, DC. I’ve even been inspired to learn more about Peace Corps and to consider it as an option after graduation. Interning for Ayni has ultimately strengthened my interest in learning about strategies to resolve global inequality and to give more people in the world access to economic and social capital. I’ve also learned that giving more children, especially girls, access to quality education is a viable approach to eradicating illiteracy and poverty.
I’ve gained many valuable lessons as an intern with Ayni, and have participated in everything from event planning, to researching funding sources, to networking. I’ve enjoyed meaningfully contributing to something larger than myself and my studies, as it has given me a sense of purpose and has compelled me to consider taking another direction related to my major. Interning for Ayni has allowed me to grow significantly and has given me the experience I need to further explore the field of international development.