Name: Da’Veona Parker
Hometown: New Haven, CT
College and Major: Albertus Magnus College; Psychology in Counseling and Mental Health with a concentration in Criminal Justice
Clubs: Arts and Crafts Club, Elephant and Piggie Club
Favorite Childhood Book: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
I was looking for an internship my Sophomore year of college. While looking I knew that I wanted my first internship to be impactful not only for myself but for those that I am working for and with. I knew I wanted to be involved as much as possible and very hands on, so when I came across the opportunity to be a part of New Haven Reads I was more than happy to accept. So after the interview New Haven Reads had all of these qualities and with hopes of being offered the position I felt like this is the place that I needed to be. I was very excited especially since I knew that working with kids is something that I hope to continue to do in the future.
From my first day at my Willow Street internship site, I was thrilled to be a part of the experience. From being able to help different kids from different backgrounds. To learn how to approach them throughout the weeks of the internship; such as writing, reading, and spelling. While having so much fun being creative running the Arts and Crafts Club. As well as the Elephant and Piggie Club to teach them about life lessons that they are going to take with them. Seeing smiles on their faces as I am teaching and tutoring them they have never learned before. I also loved seeing how they are able to express themselves in different games that we will play at the end of the hour each day.
Each tutoring session taught me that every kid comes with their own style of learning. From the start of my internship, I knew being flexible and adapting to different situations was something that I will be stronger at. Every time I enter a new session I am always very open minded to what the kids would want to do but never lose sight of the goal of the program. Which is to help them keep their skills strong while summer is occurring. I have enjoyed the weeks that I have been here and I am more than happy to continue this internship for the rest of my time at New Haven Reads.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at New Haven Reads this summer. It has given me so much insight on what I can expect in future careers working with kids. This is my first experience as an intern, and I am sure that it is one I will forever mention. I have met many people who have taught me wonderful things and made my working environment one of the best I’ve ever experienced. I can’t wait to finish the summer and learn many more things while also being a good role model for the kids that love it here as well.
