Second Post
My internship at the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank has continued to be a rewarding experience. More surveys have been collected and more people are being fed each day without the burden of not knowing where there next meal will originate.
I knew I wanted to have an internship this summer doing something related to my major. After researching places near Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, I started emailing different homeless shelters, shelters for women experiencing domestic violence, social services, and food banks. I heard back from many who said they already had interns for the summer, didn’t offer any internships, or simply didn’t respond to my many emails.
This process was a bit discouraging since I was eager to help, gain experience, and learn. However, the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank emailed me back a few days after I reached out to them, asking to meet with me to brainstorm some ideas about what I could do as an intern for them this summer. I was very excited! From there, I met with Carey Sealy, the Director of Programs at the food bank who showed me around the building, asked me some questions, and then we went over some ideas for my internship. After a few more meetings and as we got closer to summer, we decided on the surveys and data collecting in order for me to gain research experience relevant to sociology.
Coincidentally, the day I got home from my first meeting with Carey, I also received an email from the UMW Center for Career and Professional Development with information regarding summer internship grants. I immediately applied and emailed my favorite professor for a letter of recommendation. I was hopeful but truly did not believe I would be so fortunate as to receive a grant. A month later I received an email back with “Congratulations” in the subject line. I strongly encourage all Eagles to take these opportunities when they arise, whether you think you’ll be a recipient or not. Here is a link to information about the grants.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given this summer and recommend that all Eagles who are reading this reach out to various organizations (and the food bank!) if you are looking to do an internship, volunteer, or simply just want to see what community service is all about. Everyone at the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank is super friendly and welcome any and all volunteers!