Full Circle Journeys: Meet Ednovate’s Summer 2024 Interns!
We are excited to share some inspiring stories with you as summer draws to a close! At Ednovate, we have always believed in the power of community and the importance of giving back. This summer, we were thrilled to welcome back several remarkable individuals who embody these values: our former students who returned to Ednovate as summer interns.
These interns are not just any students; they are a testament to the deep roots and strong connections we cultivate within our community. Having walked the halls of Ednovate as high school students, they came back as college students, eager to contribute to the very organization that helped shape their educational journeys. These interns worked across various departments, contributing to projects that ranged from academic support to human resources and to organizational operations. This is Positive Mulitgenerational Change (PMC) in action!
Read on to learn about how they bring their unique perspectives and passion to the forefront of what we do here at Ednovate.
What motivated you to apply for an internship at Ednovate?
Marlee: I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, as it has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. During my time at USC Hybrid, I engaged in numerous community service projects, which instilled in me a strong sense of wanting to give back to places that have had an impact on my own growth. As I transitioned to college, I noticed a decline in my ability to contribute to community service, and I felt a void in this aspect of my life. I knew that applying for an internship at Ednovate would be my way of reconnecting with my roots and continuing to make a meaningful difference. I have always been drawn to Ednovate's mission of creating positive multigenerational change, and I wanted to help continue to accomplish that mission.
Dante: Esperanza College Prep and Ednovate have been pivotal in my journey to college. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities that have helped me grow and develop. This gratitude inspired a strong desire to give back to the community, and Ednovate provided a meaningful way to help create similar opportunities for others. My first year with Ednovate was incredibly fulfilling, as even the smallest tasks contribute to a larger mission that helps many, including myself, overcome challenges and pursue higher education. Returning this year was an easy decision. I am now even more passionate about making an impact in the community that has shaped so many young lives.
Ashley: Being a part of Brio College Prep gave me a strong sense of community and support that was influential in my journey to college. They taught me to be open minded, generous, hardworking, and well rounded. This has carried on to many of my volunteer and internship experiences that I have done because they are all focused on greater positive multigenerational change. Brio promoted my ambitions and gave me greater confidence that I can achieve anything I put my heart and mind to. With this in mind, applying for an internship at Ednovate was based on giving back to those who have supported me and being part of a team that works towards the success of all the Ednovate schools.
Arielle: What motivated me to apply for an internship at Ednovate is the strong sense of community I experienced during my time at East College Prep. The meaningful connections I built with the staff and teachers there made a significant impact on me through the years. The prospect of working alongside these familiar faces and continuing to learn from them was something I genuinely looked forward to throughout my application process.
Devean: I have always known I wanted to pursue a career in education. At USC Hybrid, I received a holistic high school education that focused on growth both inside and outside of the classroom striving for positive multigenerational change. My time as a student at Ednovate solidified this career choice even further and made me even more passionate about accessible, equitable education. However, when one thinks of a career in education, a teacher is the first thing that comes to mind. I knew that interning at the Network level would expose me to different aspects of education. This internship and specifically my role on the College Team showed me that teaching is not the only way to enrich the education students receive.
Alexia: I was drawn to Ednovate's internship because it aligned perfectly with my skills and career aspirations. My background in event planning and coordination, combined with a strong interest in data analysis, made me eager to contribute to Ednovate's mission. When I learned about the opportunity through the alumni coordinator, I was immediately impressed by the organization's impact and knew it would be an ideal place for me to grow.
How would you describe your team and team culture?
Marlee: THE BEST PEOPLE EVER. Each team member brings a unique skill set, making us highly reliable and communicative. Whenever I encounter a challenge, I can always find someone with the right solution, and I feel comfortable seeking help because we all genuinely want to see each other succeed. I also think we share a great sense of humor, which helps turn any rough day into a good one.
Dante: I have worked with both the Operations/Technology team and the Special Education team, and my experience with both has been exceptional. Each team is filled with people who genuinely want to see you at your best, recognize your potential, and are committed to helping you grow. The team culture at Ednovate is one of support, collaboration, and mutual respect. Everyone is willing to lend a hand, share their expertise, and offer guidance. This nurturing environment has not only helped me develop professionally but has also made me feel valued and empowered. The strong sense of community and shared purpose makes every project and task feel meaningful, reinforcing the idea that we are all working together towards a common goal.
Ashley: My team is truly filled with amazing and supportive people! It’s incredible how dedicated everyone is to help eachother out and make Ednovate the best it can be. This is truly reflected with how lively meetings are because of the amount of ideas and topics that are discussed. I know that I can always count on someone to help me out when I need it. This is a strong community of people who possess unique perspectives and always strive to make everyone feel included.
Arielle: My team is composed of truly remarkable people. They handle a lot of important work behind the scenes, yet they are always incredibly kind and supportive. I genuinely look forward to our check-ins, as they’re a highlight of my day.
Devean: The College Team has some of the most dedicated professionals I have ever met. My participation in strategic planning meetings, PDs, and End-of-Year celebrations showed me how passionate Ednovate counselors truly are for students' success. While they are extremely successful in doing so, I have seen how they are unwavering in their aim to always improve for the sake of students and PMC. Ednovate counselors have inspired me to never settle as an educator and always strive to provide students with the best.
Alexia: My team is incredibly supportive and collaborative, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Everyone is committed to our shared goals and willing to lend a hand when needed. I appreciate the open communication and team spirit that makes coming to work enjoyable.
How has being an intern at Ednovate impacted you?
Marlee: Being an intern at Ednovate has opened my eyes to various career paths. While I had always focused on becoming a therapist, working at Ednovate has introduced me to new opportunities. I have realized that the work I do here is impactful for the community! I truly enjoy my work and look forward to coming in every day. I love engaging hands-on in projects and being surrounded by people who are equally committed to giving back to their communities. Finding a place that brings you joy every day is special, and I am lucky to have that—it’s something I don’t take for granted.
Dante: Working with Ednovate has raised the bar for me regarding what it's like to be part of a healthy, communicative, and well-functioning team. After our Support Team offsite retreat, I implemented many of those principles and structures into my own experiences working and managing teams at Middlebury, and I have found great success with them. We often take communication for granted, assuming others can read our minds or are up to date with our projects and ideas. However, seeing Ednovate teams actively implement these principles gave me a lot of hope for what work can look like with continuous effort. The foundational pillars of teamwork, accountability, excellence, purpose, and community have set the standard for me and my teams.
Ashley: Being an intern at Ednovate has allowed me to expand essential work skills such as management, initiative, and adaptability. Much of my work is being able to manage the constantly updated project that I have alongside with other tasks that I have throughout the day. My supervisor Alex has been a great role model and has impacted my knowledge of nursing. Not only has she shared her amazing experience and advice of hospital nursing (which has inspired me even more to pursue my dream profession) but she has also taught me much about the importance of school nursing.
Arielle: Being an intern at Ednovate has had a profound impact on me. It has introduced me to various forms of support and has made me feel like part of a family. The team is incredibly supportive, always willing to teach and guide, no matter how simple the task. I’ve gained valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes efforts required to run schools and, more importantly, I’ve experienced what a healthy work environment looks like. This internship has also helped me develop new skills that will be beneficial in any future career path.
Devean: Being an intern at Ednovate has changed my outlook on education. Like I have said, it's easy to attribute careers in education to solely instructional positions. My time at Ednovate however has showed me that there are other ways to provide students with equitable and holistic education For example you can analyze academic data, set and evaluate school policies, help students apply and matriculate into college: teaching is not the only way to impact students and that has been the biggest takeaway from my internship. Apart from that, my interning at Ednovate has also helped me develop as a young professional while being surrounded by a supportive, hardworking team.
Alexia: My internship at Ednovate has been incredibly impactful. Witnessing the growth and development of both students and the campus, especially at Legacy, has been truly inspiring. Seeing the positive changes firsthand has solidified my passion for nonprofit work and the importance of creating opportunities for future generations. Ednovate has not only equipped me with valuable skills but has also clarified my career path as I strive to continue making positive multigenerational change.
