INTERNSHIP 2021

Before I took part in any internship, my expectations were all over the place. I expected the job to be overbearing and unnecessary to what I wanted to accomplish within my degree, however I was afraid of how I would’ve been viewed, and I wasn't looking at the bigger picture. I was always wondering what the internship itself could offer to me as an individual. Luckily, that wasn't the case with the multicultural affairs office at Tennessee Technological University. When I first attended Tennessee tech I felt as if I had no place to go on campus as a student where I wasn't accepted to my full potential with who I am. and I had no prior knowledge to the office until my two prior internships fell through before school started. I was running out of options and time, so I did further research to see that there was a space for me, and I was welcomed with open arms into the Multicultural Affair’s office to work as an intern. I helped plan events, attended classes to help with lessons, attended open discussions, created ideas for students, created informational boards, and etc. During the classes, it was an amazing time to reflect on what I wanted in my life, when I helped with billboards he showed me the dedication that was put into making tokens of appreciation for culture. And being part of the group discussions gave me a sense of leadership when asking questions and embracing deep conversations. Having the privilege to work in this office means so much more than words could ever offer. I walked into this office willing to learn, and at the end I walked out of this office with major growth, not only as a student, but as an individual, a person. The vision of the Multicultural Affairs Office is a campus where all students are able to perform, both in perception and reality, at their highest potential because of an atmosphere that invites and appreciates diversity of ethnicity. The mission of the Tennessee Tech Multicultural Affairs Office is to provide support for the personal, cultural, social, and academic growth and development of students from underrepresented ethnic populations. And help provides and encourages opportunities for all the students to learn about their history. They promote Multicultural awareness by providing an environment that embraces diversity. Dr.Rob, Mrs. Cambell, Niya Sparks, and Mrs. Johnson put so much dedication and work into what goes on. And I have learned to appreciate and most importantly preserve the legacy here by taking the information and skills I learned and applying them to my life and those around me to further the generational knowledge. I am so glad that I contributed and participated in something that was bigger than myself, I learned so much about the individuals working in the office and more about what I want to offer to the world. Working as an intern taught me how to build better connections with those among you. My biggest challenge was learning that stress is not the answer. It was not easy, but I learned to be willing to contribute my time and energy into creating positive outcomes. I learned how to be a better leader and how to further improve within my own accomplishments. Through this internship I learned and gained so much more than I could have asked for walking in the doors of the Multicultural Affairs office, and I am blessed to have had the opportunity. Now, I will take everything I learned and further better myself and those around me, this has been my greatest reward.