This summer, I had the opportunity to intern at the food bank CRACPP. This role offered me practical insight into the social challenges faced by vulnerable populations. My background in political science, combined with a strong interest in social justice, motivated me to engage in this internship, where I aimed to enhance my understanding of the socio-economic issues affecting
The host organization, dedicated to providing food and resources to those in need, aims to alleviate hunger and support community well-being. The food bank operates on principles of equity and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to necessities.
During my internship, my primary responsibilities included organizing qualitative information on individuals experiencing financial difficulties, as well as helping with issuing food. The qualitative data was crucial in understanding the diverse needs and challenges faced by the community members and ensuring that the method of delivering food would meet their convenience and needs. For instance, we ensured dietary requirements such as Halal or vegetarian were met, and those inconvenienced would get the food delivered to their residence. A significant highlight of my experience was realizing the practical help we provided to individuals we interacted with.
One of the main challenges I encountered was working in French, a language I am still mastering. To overcome this, I consistently practiced speaking and comprehension skills, seeking feedback from colleagues to improve. The other challenge was that the work at the food bank required stamina, which I initially found overwhelming. However, over the one and a half months, I improved my physical capability and acclimated to the work demands.
In addition to practical skills, this internship was instrumental in developing transferable skills such as communication, organization, and adaptability. Working in a multilingual environment and overcoming language barriers have strengthened my
Reflecting on my experience, this internship has also significantly influenced my academic trajectory. It provided a practical application of theoretical knowledge from my political science courses, particularly in understanding how social well-being organizations function and are organized. Although this internship was not for academic credit, it has inspired me to consider future research on social welfare organizations and their implementation. The direct engagement with community members has given me a more nuanced perspective on the impact of these organizations at the grassroots level, which will inform my future studies and career pursuits.
I am grateful to Mr. Lev Bukhman and Ms. Heather Sokoloff , who funded my Internship Award, making this enriching experience possible. The financial support covered essential expenses, allowing me to focus fully on my internship duties and learn from this invaluable experience.
As I look back on the past months, I am proud of the progress I have made and the skills I have developed. The supportive feedback from the Arts Internship Office and their encouragement have been invaluable. They highlighted my proactive approach to overcoming challenges and adapting to the new work environment. This positive reinforcement boosted my confidence and motivation throughout the internship. I look forward to applying the lessons learned and continuing my journey in political science and social justice.
