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"I feel very lucky to have interned with DAWAS. I’ve gotten to be a part of projects that will have a lasting impact on both individuals and the community at large. It’s immensely rewarding to serve my community and I feel more connected to the people and cultures that surround me. The opportunities I got while working with DAWAS have given me the confidence necessary for the challenges of college and beyond. My time here has given me unique experiences and skills in outreach, project management, and creative problem solving. I especially benefitted from my time working on the BIPOC Small Business Recovery Project, which was aimed at facilitating the growth of BIPOC owned small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly through the means of implementing new technologies and digital marketing strategies. Working on this project had an immense positive outcome for myself, as it gave me the chance to learn effective methods of research, outreach, and organization, as well as giving me the opportunity to take direct action to combat the impact of racial inequality in my own community. 

At DAWAS, there is a distinct lack of the typical social hierarchy present with most internships. You won’t be relegated to copy editing or coffee runs, you will be working hands on with amazing programs and your ideas and feedback will matter. There is nothing quite like seeing an idea that you’re passionate about come to fruition, especially if you get the chance to see the impact it has on the people around you. Even small things, like pressing buttons for events or creating designs for a newsletter can give you a sense of pride unlike anything else. During my internship, I felt profoundly appreciated by my team and cultivated friendships with people I would not have otherwise interacted with, which have had a lasting impact on my perspective. Over the course of my time with DAWAS, I was consistently pushed outside of my comfort zone. Which was to my benefit. I’ve always struggled with what felt like entirely overwhelming social anxiety and self-doubt, and so I was given plenty of leadership opportunities, that initially completely terrified me. However, with time and a very patient group, I got better at managing both my own fears and the needs of my team, which allowed me to develop skills in interpersonal communication and coordination, two things that I consider my specialties today. 
At DAWAS, I worked on projects that were degrees of magnitude larger than what I believed I was ready for. And thanks to the support system, I was able to work confidently and learn that I’m capable of much more than I thought. The confidence I gained at DAWAS has inspired me to reach higher with my ambitions and expand the scope of my area of effect. I cannot overstate how beneficial my time in the internship program was, as the next internship I secured was in the office of a United States Senator. I highly recommend the internship program for anyone looking to expand both work and life skills while making a positive impact along the way."