If a student asked you about interning with My Story Matters, what would you say?
I would tell them that interning with this company was an amazing opportunity because it opens your eyes about life and people. I was able to interview and film a variety of children who were fighting life-altering conditions, put in difficult socioeconomic conditions, and refugees from another country. It was heart-warming to listen to the stories of these children and see how strong and brave they are at a very young age. I was in charge of the marketing and communications, so I had the privilege of sharing their stories on the blog post and social media. Even though I was the Marketing Lead, I did other tasks such as event planning and creating videos for the organization. My Story Matters will help you develop new skills and a deeper understanding for children of different cultures, languages, and experiences. This non-profit organization stands true to their mission statement of inspiring hope, celebrating courage, and promoting healing to the involved individuals.
What is your advice to future interns to help them have a successful experience?
The best advice that I could give is: sometimes you got to go with another alternative. If things don’t work out, you have to be strategic on how to implement a new business strategy to get the job done. There were times in my internship where I had to think on the spot and come up with a new plan in a crucial time limit. It’s also best to always believe in yourself by having confidence and faith as well as trusting your gut. To have a successful experience, you should plan on getting out of your comfort zone by doing things that you are not normally used to and this includes social skills. When I was interviewing children and parents, it was important to be open-minded and full-engaged with what they were telling you. When I had to call a business professional about scheduling a meeting or book process, I was able to be professional and talk with confidence. This internship will definitely be successful if you are willing to put in the effort!
What was the most rewarding aspect of your internship experience?
The most rewarding aspect was being able to complete the storybooks for the children and deliver it to them. Being able to capture photos of them and share their stories is one of the most rewarding things. At our Fighter Series and Champion Series Events, we interviewed with a variety of children from different backgrounds and it was amazing to see how much they have endured in their lives. I remember speaking with the My Story Matter’s founder, Amy Chandler, at one event and she told me that some of these kids [refugees] have never had a picture of themselves or own a book because they left everything behind. These events were so essential to not only the children but also the parents and interns. These books are so special to them, and being able to see their smiles is the most rewarding thing!
Anything else you’d like to share about your experience?
Even though we (English majors) get questioned numerous times of what will do with our degrees, there is a gamut of opportunities for us that we don’t recognize. Having the knowledge of writing and critical reading, I was able to apply them to writing blog posts, business proposals, emails, social media, and more. I have obtained new skills from my internship and combined them with my skills from the English major to help prepare me for my future in business or law. I am beyond grateful for my internship and the English major!
Find more internship stories at http://english.byu.edu/internships-student-experiences/
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