Summer Intern Spotlight: Miyah S.

What led you to apply for the Program Development Internship?
"As an engagement intern I went through the programming process and talked a lot about developing it last year, so when that opportunity came about this summer, it was a chance to make a change in a space that I was excited about. As financial chair for the coming year, having a hand in helping create the programming request form that i'll be reviewing felt important. Also I just wanted to stay involved and connected to Hillel over the summer!

What are you working on this summer?
"Well, it’s broken down into a couple parts. The first is redesigning the programming sheet that students will use to propose ideas for events and activities. We're designing and incorporating a grant proposal process into this form so anyone can propose an idea and request funding for it. Also, i'm hoping to create a programming bank for easy access to ideas and activities for interns to use. Finally we're working on a programming debrief/reflection form that gives interns a chance to assess the results of their events and improve for the future."

Does this internship connect to your academic/professional goals?
"I'm mostly interested professionally in business and financial consulting. But the grant proposal process connects to consulting and being able to work on budgeting and help students practice their budget design skills is huge for me. It’s a way that I can incorporate two of my interests: judaism and finance, into one internship. I also really like programming and coming up with ideas, not a professional interest, more a personal one."

What's it like having an internship during COVID?
"It’s been really grounding to do this internship. When school ended, I had nothing to do and this internship has kept me motivated and kept my brain working. I have something to look forward to, friends to see, it’s really been great."

You've been attending Cohort Learning Sessions with staff, what's something you've learned from one of those sessions that resonates with you?
"I think any professional development is really important as is personal development, you gain so many different perspectives from interacting with a group especially right now.  The cohort learning is an integral part of the internship experience, I met new students even and now we’re all motivating one another and are acting as a team. I've loved asking big questions in the cohort learning and having open conversations about things. I think that being able to incorporate jewish values in a work setting has been so motivating and enriching, it makes the work feel even more important and relatable, it adds another layer."

What's something you've learned or something that has motivated you during this internship?
"Being able to see tangible change motivates me. Each time I work on a project and complete my tasks and see a change happen, it’s huge for me. I love that moment, that feeling of knowing your making positive change."
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Miyah is a rising third year student working on building the program planning and assessment systems that interns will use for the coming year. Passionate about the Jewish community, Miyah loves being part of projects that move the BJC forward and make it a better place for students. This year, she will be the student resident in the Berman Student Center apartment!