As I reflect on my time at the Center for Global Studies this semester, I look back with nothing but gratitude for the chance to earn a lot of tangible skills. As a freshman, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of interning with students older than me; however, I learned that they are actually great role models and provide really great advice on future endeavors.

Some of the responsibilities that I had at the Center were attending lectures and other events, writing about the lectures for the monthly newsletter, attending World Stories Alive! and various other tasks Sarah, Shannon, and Emily needed me to do.

My big project for the semester was to compile information about faculty members at Penn State that related to the mission of the Center for the National Resource Center Grant awarded by the US Department of Education. This was a huge project that I was interested in right as Sarah mentioned it to me in our interview. Even though the information was pretty simple, I enhanced my research skills and learned how to be more proactive and creative about where I find certain information. I also had a deadline that Sarah and I set, and it was right in the middle of a hectic time of the semester. However, I used my time management skills and tried to prioritize the tasks that needed to be done. Time management and responsibility were two values that Sarah and I spoke of during our interview, and while I felt like I had a good handle on them then, I definitely have improved as well.

My favorite part about the Center is the fact that there are limitless opportunities for the tasks that need to be done. I like that Sarah tries to cater the learning experience to what the interns are interested in. Therefore, I am really excited to announce that I will be coming back to the Center next semester! I am really excited to further my professional relationship with the Center, Sarah, Shannon, and all of the other staff affiliated with the Center. My goals are to plan my own event during International Studies week, to become a type of mentor to the new interns, and to work on more challenging things for the Center.

Thank you to everyone involved at CGS this semester; it was an incredible experience for me!