In the spring before my graduation from Auburn University I had the amazing opportunity to intern for an organization called the Alabama Prison Birth Project. The organization seeks to improve the health of babies born to mothers who are incarcerated while also improving maternal bonds and maternal self-efficacy. This organization stood out to me as one that provided critical help an underserved population and aligned perfectly with my knowledge of human development as well as my desire to someday become a certified nurse midwife. From the minute I first learned about this organization I knew it would the perfect internship for me. 

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During my internship I was responsible for things like social media, corresponding with supporters, researching grants, creating visual reports and educational material, as well as helping to facilitate our weekly group meetings at Tutwiler and attending all staff meetings. During my internship I also held the position of "director of internships and volunteer involvement" and the responsibility to recruit, interview, and ultimately make decisions on the next semesters interns. I was also responsible for coordinating our volunteers, each week we have groups who donate nutritious and home-made meals to our group. I was responsible for those volunteer efforts and making sure that each week the group responsible would be prepared and had everything they needed while also following our nutritional guideline.

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I learned so much from this internship it would be hard to sum it up in a few short paragraphs, but I'll try. Some of the important skills I developed through my internship were how to create visual reports, informational brochures, and educational visual aides. Another skill I am able to take away from this internship was how to effectively communicate with volunteers, potential interns, and supporters. Not only did I get a lot of experience with written communication through the many emails I had between these groups of people, but my verbal communication skills improved greatly through this internship as well. I gained experience in interviewing, pitching ideas to supporters, and participating in staff meetings. One last skill I want to highlight is facilitating group education and group therapy sessions, something I feel could be very useful in the future as a nurse. 

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These were all very valuable skills that I was able to gain from my time as an intern but I think the thing I am most proud of is my ability to work with a diverse population of people. I think treating people with respect is something that is so important, regardless of their background or situation everyone deserves your respect. Although I knew this before starting my internship it was something I was able to put in practice on a daily basis while working at Alabama Prison Birth Project. although this isn't something tangible that I can show, the way I can with other skills, it is something I was really able to refine during my internship. Someone once said to me, "you can train someone in work skills, but you can't quickly change their attitude". My attitude towards work, people, and my goals is something I am unapologetically proud of and something I feel really shined during my time as an Intern. Not only did this internship help me develop as a professional but it helped me to grow as an individual. I feel very ready for anything the world throws at me next because of this amazing experience.