Transforming Urban Education
In her first hours at the internship, Tyler Thompson learns how to teach elementary students to appreciate nature in urban settings. This summer, she will work with Tree People, a nonprofit that has planted millions of trees in Southern California, engaging with local residents to foster environmental stewardship.
Thompson is mentored by Zoë Temple, Tree People’s program manager. Together, they will implement the Cindy Montañez Young Leaders Program, a paid internship for high schoolers in El Monte. These students will learn to care for trees and native plants, gaining hands-on experience in environmental conservation.
Engagement with nature is a core principle of Tree People’s philosophy. For example, teaching children about native plants often involves physical interaction, like hugging oak trees. This method helps students form a tangible connection with their surroundings.
Thompson, who has experience at her grandmother’s daycare, finds the hands-on approach particularly rewarding. She loves that the organization is very engaged with youth in the community, making the learning process both educational and enjoyable.
Mentorship and Professional Growth
Diane Genabe, a business administration major, starts her summer at Studio Saka, a design and video production company. Under the guidance of her mentor, Margaret To, Genabe dives into various tasks, from social media content creation to grant research, enhancing her professional skills.
To introduces Genabe to a climate-centered version of ikigai, a Japanese concept about finding one’s purpose. Genabe identifies her strengths, joys, and the world’s needs, aligning them with green jobs and sustainable policies. This reflective exercise sets the stage for her impactful summer work.
Genabe’s tasks include:
- Creating social media content
- Researching grants for sustainability projects
- Assisting on shoot days for a docuseries
Her time at Studio Saka helps her build a strong foundation in marketing and climate-focused creative work, preparing her for future challenges and opportunities.
Building Expertise through Experience
Midway through her internship, Genabe faces challenges with design platforms but perseveres. By the end of the summer, she adeptly creates advertisements for “Soil to Soul,” a docuseries on locally-sourced food in L.A. Her mentor, To, praises the earthy tones in Genabe’s designs, which reflect the project’s theme.
Thompson, on the other hand, concludes her internship with a presentation to high school students. She shares her journey from struggling in college to finding her path in environmental work, hoping to inspire the next generation to pursue green careers.
Both students benefit immensely from their mentors, who encourage them to ask questions and explore their interests. This supportive environment fosters growth and confidence, essential for their future endeavors.
Thompson and Genabe’s experiences highlight the importance of mentorship in professional development. Their mentors’ dedication ensures that the interns not only gain skills but also build lasting professional relationships.
The Significance of Paid Internships
As West L.A. College plans to expand the program, the emphasis on paid internships remains strong. Tavares underscores that students are not free labor, and their time and energy are highly valued. This approach ensures that interns feel appreciated and motivated.
Finding dedicated partners is crucial for the program’s success. Tavares is selective, ensuring that new work sites have mentors committed to the students’ growth. This careful selection process helps maintain the quality and impact of the internships.
Margaret To, who mentors Genabe, stresses the importance of establishing enduring professional relationships. She assures her interns that they can rely on her for future advice and recommendations, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the internship period.
The positive experiences of Thompson and Genabe demonstrate that paid internships not only provide financial support but also foster a sense of value and purpose in the interns, equipping them with the skills and confidence to tackle future challenges.
Bryson3
Thank you for highlighting the importance of paid internships. Students deserve to be valued for their hard work!
toby
Love the idea of hugging oak trees! 😂 How do the kids react to these activities?
Serenity_Tranquility
Is there a way to donate to Tree People or similar organizations to support these efforts?
Whiskey_Quasar
Nice to see such hands-on approaches to education! How effective is the ikigai concept in finding one’s purpose?
Diego
It’s fantastic to see students engaging in environmental conservation. What kind of feedback have you received from the community?
benjamin
Why aren’t more schools implementing these kinds of programs? It seems so beneficial!
jasmine
This sounds great, but how do you measure the impact of these internships on climate education?
diegomoonshadow
Is there any way for college students to participate in this program too?
savannah
I’m so proud of these students! Keep up the great work. 😊
Liam2
Wow, this is an amazing initiative! How can other schools get involved in similar programs?