New City, New Experiences
As I reflect on the past 5 weeks, I have realized how much growth has occurred due to the exposure to various environments and people I have encountered. Although I had different plans for this semester, I am a strong believer in “everything happens for a reason” and have maintained a positive attitude through it all. In the past few weeks, I have moved into my new apartment with new roommates and began taking courses as part of the Semester in the City program. I was also matched with the Immigrant Family Service Institutes (IFSI) which helps immigrant families adjust to the United States through education, finance, and other sectors.
From creating my own routines at home, learning how to commute to work, meeting my co-workers, participating in work meetings, and getting to know other College for Social Innovation (CFSI) students, it has all been eventful, stressful, and eye-opening.
While I may feel as though I am going in continuous circles with work, class, and sleep, every experience has been beneficial in some way or form. Although it has been difficult adjusting, it has also been incredibly fulfilling to work alongside individuals that are passionate about serving marginalized communities. Part of my internship includes a special project where I am completely in control of how I want to create it or implement it in the organization.
For my special project, I will focus on uplifting IFSI’s immigrant parents’ stories through a short documentary. It will highlight the challenges they have faced in the United States and how IFSI has supported them throughout their transition. Through this process, I will interview a select group of parents who are willing to share their stories and challenges they have faced, currently face, and can expect to face in the near future. Lastly, I will ask how IFSI has helped them acclimate to a new country and list the resources they have found the most beneficial. This project will not only allow many immigrant parents to tell their story, but it will allow IFSI to understand what programs to further invest in, any programs they should add, and how they can improve in other sectors. Listening to those individuals that are experiencing the resources IFSI offers is the best way to learn and work on improving the organization to create a better experience at IFSI.
Overall, I am excited to immerse myself in the work while I try to take advantage of the city (with Covid precautions). I am looking forward to the coming weeks and the experiences that will inevitably follow!