Leadership at Internship

How does leadership play a role in your internship? How do your co-workers or supervisor display leadership capabilities?
Leadership is an essential role in my internship. It is not about the role each person hold that determines that work they do. It doesn't matter, teammates help and support each other as the purpose to serve our mission. This to me is true leadership.

Are you able to demonstrate any leadership skills? 
Yes, I was able to demonstrate leadership skills throughout my internship. I was able to do so because my team allowed me to expand my horizon and they valued what I had to bring to the table. They supported and believed in my abilities. I am grateful that I was able to explore and practice leadership skills at this organization.

What I Learned From My Internship

What were the most important things you learned from this internship? 
One of the most important things that I have learned from my internship would have to be what it truly means to work on a team. Everyone works so incredibly well together, always so supportive and there to help each other better the organization. After all, that is the purpose. I hope that wherever I end up working that I get to work alongside a team just as amazing.

Another important thing that I have learned would have to be establishing my limits and boundaries in the work force. I have the tendency to overwork myself. I have trouble saying no because I feel bad when I do but it than adds more stress to the work load that I already have. I learned that it is good to help others but to a certain extent as people tend to take advantage of my kindness. Also, it is okay to stay after work for 10-15 minutes every once in awhile for tasks that needs to be met by a certain deadline but I should not find myself always doing that. These are somethings to keep in mind and assure that I don't burn myself out.

Look back to your first blog post. Did you meet your initial goals? Why or why not?
Looking back on my very first post, I would have to say that I did meet my initial goals. I indicated that I wanted to help strengthen the voice of Arizona's youth population during my internship, which I felt I did. I helped made phone calls as well as followed up with BIGS that expressed interests in having a LITTLE. In this, I was able to get a few people on board to become BIGS to make a positive impact on young lives.

Another initial goal was to leave Big Brothers Big Sisters of AZ Central better than the first day I started the internship. I felt that I was able to meet this goal as my team brought to my attention that I am an excellent problem-solver. They said that if the parameters of a project needed to be changed, I never hesitated to step in with solutions to support the project, etc. They expressed how I have made a positive impact on our organization and glad that I chose to intern with them.

The last initial goal was to possibly implement a potential fundraising idea that could be used annually. Furthermore, I pitched some ideas as fundraisers that I have done with the team that they could consider doing. I also brainstormed on potential fundraiser(s) that could possibly become something Big Brothers Big Sisters does annually.

Thank You to Supervisor

Dear Jessica,

I would like to take the time to say thank you for an unforgettable internship experience. Thank you for believing in me and my abilities to grant me the privilege to intern with Big Brothers Big Sisters this semester. I hope that I made a positive impact while I was there.

I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to intern at such an incredible organization with an amazing group of individuals. I cannot express my gratitude as to how this experience has made an impact on my career path.

Thank you for being the wonderful supervisor that you are. Thank you for everything--you truly helped me grow more as an individual. I appreciate you, Jessica.

I am here for the organization however I can. Please don't ever hesitate to reach out to me whenever needed.

With Much Appreciation,
Denise H.

Career Services #2

For this assigned post on career services, I decided to meet with one of my supervisor to review my resume (e.g. what I should keep or cut from my resume, etc). I also brought a generic cover letter that I had created when I took my career development course and seek for further guidance on that.

The meeting was beneficial and helped me further strengthen both my resume and cover letter. Since the cover letter was just generic and written a little while back, my supervisor helped me revise it accordingly to my field. We focused the cover letter on potential places I have interest in possibly applying to.

I am grateful for her assistance because she was able to help enhance my accomplishments with the revisions and suggestions. Not only this, but she offered me some useful tips in the work force that I will take with me, wherever life drives me.

Strengths of Organization

What are the strengths of your organization?

There are so many strengths within this organization that I gained the privilege to intern at this semester. One of the strengths is how everyone is incredibly uplifting and supportive of one another. It is crucial to work in an environment where one feels appreciated and valued. Another strength would have to be that the team is able to communicate with one another efficiently. The team communicates and addresses the things that needs to be address so well that this is not something that has ever arise as a concern. There are many strengths that this organization possess but one last strength is how everyone is there to help one another get the job done. The organization cares about the mission and how to better it everyday. I value that it is not about the title that bases on who does what. We are a team and we are in it together.


If you were in charge of a similar organization, are there any things you would do differently?

The organization already runs well as is, however, I would revise somethings if I were to be in charge of a similar organization. One thing that I would change is to possibly change up the routines for the interns a tad. At times, I felt like I was repeating the same work over and over.

Free Write #11: Boost and Uplift One Another

Recently, I was studying at the Cronkite library. These two disrespectful students were not courtesy of the people around them, so rude and loud. They were very disrespectful while I was stressed out taking my quiz. Shoving and pushing my chair constantly and then laughed about it. One of them kept kicking the cord, where another student's computer is. It got unplugged and shut off the computer of the student working on her eight page research paper. These computers will wipe all files once it's been logged or shut off, so she lost her paper. The student was furious, I don't blame her! Without hesitation, I went to calm her down and tried helping how I could. 

I couldn't get her paper back but I thought the least I could do was show that I care. I kneeled down beside her and helped her compose the email to her professor explaining the situation. After we were done, she thanked me. She said that she's so tired but thank you for truly giving her strength. I replied by saying: "I'm glad I could help and to remember that one person didn't give up on you." 

She told me I'm an angel. Both her and her friend said I'm definitely in the right degree. Although I am overwhelmed and dealing with some crisis in my life, I couldn't resist sitting back. Glad I could give someone strength, it's important to be kind and boost one another up. I'm the kind of person that will get down and dirty and go out of my way to bring people up. I'm thankful for my heart, it always wants good for others. I want my actions to inspire others to take action wherever necessary. I strive to be the person I want to see in others.

Free Write #10: She Believed She Could

She believed she could and so she's making it happen. Undergrad has given me battles so much bigger than my petite self. Every end tested my strengths. It took every ounce of sweat, tears, heartaches and energy out of me to be standing here in this position. I conquered things I didn't once ever thought I could. My undergrad journey has definitely made me stronger and bolder. I've come a long way and have grown a lot as an individual since I started college. I'm not the same person that entered college, I've become invincible. Here I am, soon to walk across the stage for my bachelor's degree. 

Through all the times I've stumbled and fallen. Through the times I've lost my way and have been defeated. Through the times I've been through a lot of hurt and pains. I've gone through so much that I honestly didn't think I'd make it to see this day. Thank you for the love and support from people in my life to help get me here. I'm almost there, nothing can stop me now. Time to bring the finale home! Time to finish this BIG, LOUD and PROUD! 

Free Write #9: My Cultural Bridge

When being asked how my culture has contributed to who I am and the choices I have made towards my education, I would have to say that the Vietnamese culture has played a major role. It is the main reason for me to be who I am right now as an individual. My culture’s number one priority and value is education because we believe that education has the ability to shape you as an individual and to give you the knowledge and tools that you need for success.

Ever since I began to speak my first few words and walk my very first steps, I have been raised in a culture that has been teaching and reminding me that education is the key that will get me to where I hope to be in life. Besides valuing my culture, the American culture is also interwoven into me. At the age of four, I immigrated to the United States. From that moment, I had to learn to connect my birth culture with the American culture.

Growing up, I only had one vision and it was to stay focused in school to pursue a degree at a university because of the opportunity that I had been granted to live in the United States.  In Vietnam, there are many children who would want this opportunity. Unfortunately, they cannot afford to either go to school or to be given a life in a land of freedom. However, I was given both, so I have to take advantage of the opportunities given to me. 

I have received recognition for various achievements. In eighth grade, I had the extraordinary chance to travel to Washington D.C. and meet all the congressmen. We visited the White House, as well as many historic places such as the Pentagon and the Holocaust Museum. I received the Presidential Award signed by former President George W. Bush for being an outstanding leader of the Washington D.C. Program. This program had high expectations; it required a certain grade point average, leadership, dedication, and self-discipline.  From being taught in a culture that values all of these factors, I was able to apply them here.

Our culture is what makes up who we are. It is ingrained in us, down to the most basic levels of our thoughts and personalities. There is no denying it: culture is one of the major factors that shape us as we grow up, and it also affects the decisions we make as adults. Culture is part of the foundation of our persona and ideology, and, truly it is what makes us unique. These cultural values have made such a strong impact on who I am becoming and on my education choices.

Public Service Demonstration

How does your organization demonstrate public service?

My organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters is ideally an organization that demonstrates public service based on the fact that it is nonprofit. One of the ways it demonstrates public service is how the program focus on the children in the program. The money being raised and grants received are all to help provide the Big Brother or Big Sister in the program support their little siblings in whatever way they may need. Another factor is how everyone works together to help the organization grow. It does not matter on which title people hold within the organization, it is more about getting the job done to better the organization however they can. The organization is service before self and always willing to do what it can to support the organization. Everyone works incredibly hard. I am grateful to have interned at an organization who cares to tremendously make a difference in other lives. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the definition of public service.

Free Write #8: Dinner time and the Intrusion of the Phone

As I look around at the dinner table in the present day with my friends, with my family or even my peers in the dining hall, everyone is occupied with not the matters of who is around them or what to be grateful for that is in front of them but rather what is on their phone. We focus a significant amount of our times checking Instagram, Facebook  or other social medias. What we have failed to recognize is the importance of each other's company and the importance of optimizing the bond in front of us over dinner or any other meal time. 

Instead of checking how many likes we have on Facebook or Instagram, we neglect to check on our neighbor. With this in mind, ours and future generations should empathize the value of each other's presence and focus less on our phones. Otherwise, we will lose touch with our reality and our relationships will suffer. 

Free Write #7: My Starbucks Experience at Taylor Place

Starbucks at Taylor Place certainly has its advantages of being accessible to students on campus; however, one of the areas that this particular Starbucks lacks in is its quality control. On numerous occasions, I have bought coffee for a staggering $4.28 or above (depending on what kind of drink and the size I got), only to receive half or less than half of a cup when I received my drinks. This is unacceptable as not only do I encounter such inconvenient service but my colleagues have had similar experiences as well.

With this in perspective, the Starbucks at Taylor Place needs to perform better. My colleague Tammie expressed her thoughts on how something usually goes wrong at this specific location in which I totally agree with her. If it is not one thing, it's something else. Either their credit card machines down, running out of lids for the drinks, getting peoples drinks wrong and so on. Honestly, students might as well take the extra few minutes to walk over to the Arizona Center's Starbucks to avoid these conflicts. The only downside to this is that the Arizona Center's location does not accept M&G, otherwise, students would most likely be visiting other local Starbucks.

Interview Supervisor

My supervisor's main job responsibilities:

·         Develop and oversee all fund development strategies and campaigns.

·         Plan and successfully execute all special events and all other donor-related activities.

·         Conceptualize and implement annual direct-mail campaign including acquiring and guiding all vendors (design, print, etc.).

·         Create and edit monthly newsletter and website content, press releases and other written materials.

·         Collaborate with current and past Board members to increase overall fundraising goals.

·         Steward relationships with other current investors. Research and cultivate relationships with new prospects.

·         Manage incoming funds and in-kind gifts; oversee proper tracking and follow-up with all corporate and individual donors.

How did she choose her career? What type of education or training is needed for this position?

                                                                                       

This career actually chose her.  She did Corporate Event Planning for a long time after finishing college with a degree in Communication.  She thoroughly enjoyed the industry but at the same time she walked away from each event wondering what would've happened if the client had given just a portion of the amount that they had spent on their event to a charity.  Even 10-20% would've made a huge difference to a local organization and wouldn't have made a difference to the guests attending the event.  This steered her into non-profit event planning where all of the focus was on raising money. 

What advice would you give to someone interested in this field?

Her advice would be find a cause that one cares about and help it to advance. Also, don't just focus on raising funds. Focus in on raising awareness as well.

Do you notice any new trends in the field? Every year it is harder and harder to fundraise. There are so many good causes and organizations out there so the funding has become stretched pretty thin. In addition, the expansion of social media makes it hard for donors to choose which agency they should give to because they are bombarded left and right. This translates into smaller gifts to many organizations instead of one or two major gifts to the agency they care most about.

Why would you be interested in this career or position? 

I honestly would be interested in this position or career path because as Jessica says about caring for causes and being passionate in helping to advance it. I have that heart and desire, to contribute my support wherever is needed and most deserved. Every opportunity I have to help in anything, I am there. Thus, I have experience in the fundraising background through being on the Executive Board of a health and wellness organization—Downtown Phoenix Campus (DPC) Aware. I enjoy coming up with ideas and fundraising strategies to raise money for deserving causes. 

Free Write #6: I am Blessed

The most valuable gifts in life cannot be bought. That is people, their time, presence, support, love, affection and appreciation. 

It is important that we keep those in our lives who loves us, motivates us, encourages us, enhances us and brings out the best light in us a little closer to our hearts. 

Reminiscing on everything that came my way throughout my undergraduate experience, I am incredible blessed to have such an amazing, strong willed, inspiring and gorgeous young lady come across my path two years ago--my best friend Corina.

It is not everyday that you meet people as herself. She's one of the most selfless, giving, caring, kindhearted, understanding, loving individual one can come into contact with. Through everything, we always figured it out and continued to support each other. 

She has changed and brightened my life more than she knows. She is indeed very special and I will continue to show her in this lifetime friendship of ours. I am lucky to have her!

Corina Bear, thank you for being my best friend and everything you've brought to my life. Undergraduate would not have been the same without you playing a big role in it. You rock and I love you. 

Career Service Experience

I recent attended a career service event and it was beneficial. It allowed me to network with those who shared similar interests and goals as myself. Additionally, with graduation around the corner--it was great to attend different workshops to help further strengthen my skills for the work field. I was able to pick up on some useful tips for interviews, what's necessary to say during interviews and what is not and so on.

I recommend my colleagues to attend one if you have not already. It is very useful and there for us as a guidance to our career paths and figure out what's next. Go Class of 2015!

Free Write #5: Share What We Do Have

Life is about sharing what we do have. I may not have much but I do have a heart. A heart filled with love and kindness that I'm gonna continue sharing however I can because the world needs this. We should not tear down what we can help build up. Be an angel to someone and make an impact on their life.You never know how much your love and kindness can move another person's mountain and help them find light. Be that person! 

Free Write #4: Life Can Make a Drastic Turn

A week ago or so, I was feeling icky all day. The bed was my best friend. I decided to go study and get some air. On my way back, my life almost made a drastic turn. I got on the west bound lightrail to Central & Camelback but missed my stop because I got distracted by a message on Facebook. 

I didn't realize 'til the next stop-7th Avenue & Camelback that I had missed my stop. When I got off, the lightrail station stated that the next East Bound will be coming in four mins. I waited and then hopped on when it came. 

I was not feeling very well and somehow thought I had just gotten off the West Bound (rather than the East Bound). Therefore I thought I could safely cross because the lightrail would be going the opposite direction of me. Of course, that was not the case. 

As I crossed, I didn't realize until the lightrail almost hit me. As we all know, the lightrail goes pretty fast. I felt like a guardian angel was sent to protect me during that time because there was no way my human self could have made it out of the tracks quick enough. 

The event that took place, changed my life and how I view it even more. I was moved to tears afterwards. It was so surreal!

My point of this message: Don't take life and others for granted. Cherish life and your fond moments with those you value, love to the fullest, be people's sunlight, forgive and forget, don't push those who cares for you away, live as if there's no tomorrow and everything along those lines. 

Tomorrow isn't promised and anything can change within a blink of an eye. Glad I'm still here and able to write about this.

Free Write #3: One Foot Foward

One foot forward, the other one follows. Goodbye past, thank you for the pains that made me stronger and the blessings to endure the events I have had to finish during my college experience. Here's to a healthier, happier and stronger relationship with important people in my life and positive lifestyle. 

Life is way too short and precious to have our problems be the center of attention. I choose joy, love, appreciation, support and everything positive to be main. This is the path I'm taking while walking down this track as I approach year 24--light! 

Life can be difficult and test our limits but it's how we make it! Keep your head up and never ever give up. Don't ever let anyone or anything dim your light.

Typical Day at Internship

Being a college student, one lacks sleep. I think we can all relate to this topic. Due to my lack of sleep, I tend to struggle getting up for my internship in the mornings. Going to my internship tired, means that the first station I come to every morning would have to be the kitchen to make coffee. After I made my yummy cup of coffee, I would then walk to my desk to turn on the computer and log into gmail to check for updates.

After emails have been checked, I begin by finishing tasks that were not completed the day before. If those are already done, I start on a new project. I usually finish whatever is handed to me on the same day because I have the mentality to complete things needed as earliest as possible. I like to start on something new the next day and dislike to work on the same thing for a long period. Therefore, if I can finish projects within a one day or two, I will do so.

Due to working on a small team, I usually assist where is needed so I tend to bounce around in various tasks. I usually help enter data, write thank you letters to mentors, make calls to potential Bigs who showed interest during our events in becoming a Big Brother or Sister, print/cut/put labels on marketing materials, send emails for updates and so on. It depends on the day and what needs to be done but those are the typical tasks.

I usually finish what I have to finish before taking my lunch break because I dislike having to come back to things. Finally, lunch and taking a little break to re-energize myself. When I come back, I either work on what I was currently working on or start a new task...if nothing else needs to be done, I work on other responsibilities (e.g. school assignments). Before I know it, 5pm arrives and I am done with another day of my internship.

Free Write #2: Be Kind Today and Everyday

Beginning of this week, I took the lightrail to where I was parked to head home. There was a disabled man who did not seem mentally well and exhausted. His wheelchair was right by the door way and his bag kept sagging on the floor. It censored the door to continuously open and close during stops. No one did anything to help him as his wheelchair rolled back and forth and the door kept hitting his head. I told myself, "okay, I will be that someone." Immediately, I dropped my belongings to help him. After I helped him, I was the one who fell to the ground. Although the wheelchair and bag were heavy, leaving me to end up on the ground--it did not matter. I was just glad I could help him.

However, I was a bit disappointed on the fact that people saw me struggling to help the man but no one did anything to assist, other than sitting there and starring at me. All in all, I did it! I am glad I could help the man out. He thanked me for my kind-heart and for being the person who helped him while no one did. My point of this story: help when you see someone in need. Spread love and kindness, do it today, do it everyday!

Free Write #1: Next Endeavor

I have been giving this some thought for awhile now. I think I know what I want my next endeavor to be. I have always been the soul to help others and contribute my support wherever it is most needed. I cannot think of a better way to leave a legacy before farewelling from my undergraduate experience than the initiative I am about to present. I want to take the time to spread love, kindness and support to homeless individuals. However, I do not want to just help them on a short-term level (e.g. buying them a meal). This only gets them by for that moment. They will still remain on the streets and soon be hungry again.

I want to create a sense of hope for them and offer resources that can potentially assist them to be able to leave the streets. In this, I have the idea to purchase backpacks or some sort of bag they can carry. In the bag, I am thinking of packing such things as foods, water, first aid kits, socks, blankets, a hand book of some sort with resources and so on. One can call it a care package or the bag of love to something better. I really want to pursue this but the initiative will require a lot of support. 

If anyone of you are interested in being apart of this initiative, please let me know. I would absolutely love for you to be on board with me. Together, we can change lives and make our community brighter!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central AZ

I recently finished my internship hours with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central AZ this past Friday, October 2nd. Big Brothers Big Sisters have been around for more than one hundred years now. Their vision is that, "all children achieve success in life." This organization's mission stands for offering children in Arizona the support they need. They do this by matching a little with a big, who shares similar interests. It is meant for a positive one on one relationship with the hopes to change and better the lives' of the youth. 

There are several departments within this organization. I worked in the Marketing and Development department. It was a rather small team. Therefore, not only did I do the tasks that facilities with my role but also bounced around various jobs to help the team meet deadlines or simply, take the workload off overworked teammates. In shifting tasks, my role pertained around cutting fliers, writing personal thank you cards to mentors, help create fliers, promote for events, contributed with fundraising ideas and so on. 

A Glimpse of Who I am

My name is Denise Huynh and I will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Public Service and Public Policy with an emphasis in Health Policy this December 2015. I am passionate about supporting communities and ensuring their prosperity. I chose my degree, or you can say it chose me. I found my calling in the intersection of direct service and institutional change. 

Throughout my experience at the Downtown campus, I have been humble to be considered a student leader in various events. One of them has been through being the Director of Fundraising in a student organization- Downtown Phoenix Campus (DPC) Aware. Furthermore, I was also a part of history through helping enroll hundreds of Arizonans in the Affordable Care Act with Get Covered America. I hope to continue to work for change, one of them being to strengthen the voice of Arizona's youth population during my internship experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) as their Development and Marketing Intern. Other goals during my time with BBBSAZ will be to leave the organization better than the first day I started interning, as well as possibly implementing a potential fundraising idea that can be used annually.

In conclusion, I wear my heart on my sleeves. I am an individual that always strives to achieve above one hundred--no less. This is one of my philosophies in life because I believe that when one makes the initiative to do something, it should be done to the best of their ability. After graduation, my goal is to take any valuable assets gained from my undergraduate as well as personal experiences to make a positive and invaluable impact wherever life calls me to do so. I believe that change can begin by creating action, therefore, we should step up and "be that change."

I wish everyone of my classmates the most success in their classes this semester. I hope that it all goes well. To anyone graduating this fall or spring semester, congratulations in advance. You are almost to the finish line! Make the best of what is left of your undergraduate experience. Go Sun Devils! :)