Reflections From Our Intern
Before starting her sophomore year at UConn in Storrs, Elena Roberts reflected on her summer internship with United Way of Greater Waterbury. Thanks to a grant from the American Savings Foundation, Elena was able to fulfill the goal she had in mind when applying for internships: that of accessing opportunities that could lead to better jobs earlier in her life. But, she found more than something for herself.
“I didn’t know I would love the work that is done by United Way and how it would change my perspective,” she said. “I was surprised to learn what life is like for a lot of people in my community. I grew up in Waterbury, but I know now that we don’t all live the same way, despite living near each other.”
As she delivered backpacks with school supplies for kindergarteners, she felt both sad for what they lacked and eager to help. “I want to work with and for these people.
“I really liked working with the kids. I was very young when my parents died. When I was talking with or helping the kids, it was kind of like looking at myself. I wanted to reach out to them. I’m hoping that what I learn in school and through experiences like this internship help me connect with the people I want to help.”
She learned about herself, discovering how much she enjoys one-on-one interactions. “I will have a double major in psychology and speech pathology, which I had thought would direct me into a counseling career but now I know I want to refine my choices.”
Elena admits that she didn’t know much about United Way before entering the Bank Street office in Waterbury. “I’d heard of it. Now I think it’s a great organization and, honestly, don’t want to leave. I have three jobs now and this is my favorite. I love everyone here and how they work together.”
Her responsibilities included facilitating weekly educational webinars to highlight the work of United Way’s partner agencies, organizing financial literacy training to support the men and women who work in the non-profit world. She also worked with the United Way team to help address food insecurity. Together, they served more than 1250 people this summer through the mobile food pantry partnership with Connecticut Foodshare and supported even more members of our community, including seniors, thanks to a weekly farmer’s market with Brass City Harvest at the Waterbury Senior Center and Waterbury Green.
Now, as she prepares for classes, she is sharing stories of her internship with her peers and the pride she felt when Chief Impact Officer Jered Bruzas introduced her to a group by noting, “Everyone needs an Elena in the office.”
“I’ve had experiences I never otherwise would have had: meeting the mayor of Waterbury, going to the capitol, participating in big, exciting meetings, and doing more for others than I’ve ever done before.”
Although community service was not a high school graduation requirement, Elena had volunteered as a student. “I didn’t do much in my freshman year of college but I’m glad to get back into it and will definitely return to United Way next summer to offer my time and energy. People need more help than they can access without an organization like United Way.”
Elena would strongly recommend the intern experience. “Competition for internships is fierce and I was glad to have this opportunity. Of course, it’s a chance to experience the job interview process and develop life skills but this internship in particular reinforced what I believe is true for me as well as the people helped by United Way: don’t give up. There is always something out there for you.”