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Meet two fellows who are making a difference! ✨
This summer, we have the chance to work with some of our fellows! We welcomed two fantastic interns to the UtmostU team: Ariba and Jakiyra! Their experiences and contributions have already begun to make a significant impact on our community.
Ariba, an economics major, has gained a deeper understanding of UtmostU’s mission during her time here. "Seeing the team’s dedication to student success makes me more passionate about the mission," she said. Ariba has found the collaborative environment at Cafe Lead particularly beneficial. "It's a cohort of interns from different nonprofits where we discuss development, networking, and key skills," she described. This experience has influenced her career goals, leading her to consider the economic side of nonprofits more seriously.
Jakiyra, a public health major, has found connecting with professionals in her field to be the most rewarding aspect of her internship. "Today, before I came here, I had a meeting with Shannon from Blue Cross," she shared. "They're planning for us to meet with other people in our field, which is really helpful." Jakiyra has also been involved in meaningful projects like the T-Mobile initiative, which aims to support individuals struggling to pay their phone bills. "I think it's really meaningful for others, and for me too, as I'm on a T-Mobile phone plan," she explained.
Both interns have faced challenges and grown significantly through their experiences. Jakiyra mentioned, "I don't like talking to strangers, but I’ve had to do a lot of that. For example, talking to students at events has been challenging but helpful." Similarly, Ariba noted, "Attending meetings with external stakeholders and site visits with Kim challenged me but were beneficial."
Both Ariba and Jakiyra have enriched UtmostU with their fresh perspectives and dedication. Their journey has been one of growth, both personally and professionally, and we are excited to see the continued impact they will make.
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