Just Neighbors

June - August 2020 • Annandale, VA

What I liked

During a time when the fate of DACA and the future of many immigrants in the U.S. was at stake, I truly felt I got to make a difference and help a community that I can genuinely connect to. As an immigrant myself, I conducted interviews and stories that helped me understand I am not alone and that we are a community at large. I also liked being able to have a lot of projects to lead by myself. For instance, I was asked to create an interactive map of clients that came to Just Neighbors and I had to find the tools, designs, and platform by myself. I also got to do research and create a resources list for new clients which would provide them with an array of social services that low-income immigrants could utilize. Furthermore, this internship was at an important time when the VA office was merging with the D.C. and Maryland offices so I learned a lot about making such a big transition in the non-profit world.

What I wish was different

I wish at times there was more communication with my direct lead for the internship. In the COVID world this is definitely understandable, but at certain times, I did not hear back on my questions until later in the week and would have to wait on the information.

Advice

I would share that asking questions and sharing ideas in the workplace can be daunting, but also very rewarding. I have received good feedback on always speaking up and expressing interest in my work because I ask questions and share information about what I found during projects. I also got invested in watching the news on the topics relating to my internship which really helped with conversations at work and with clients. If you intern at this non-profit, take the time to really learn about the different visas and rights available to immigrants because it varies based on their citizenship status. Overall, fall in love with the work and make it exciting by getting invested in the issues that affect so many Americans in the U.S.

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Front Desk Intern

May - August 2019 • Annandale, VA

What I liked

I loved the friendly, compassionate staff, the work they did for the low-income immigrant community of Northern VA, and the different tasks I was assigned that helped me learn.

What I wish was different

I wish it had been a paid internship, but it was a great experience nonetheless and I enjoyed serving the community.

Advice

Do not be afraid to ask questions regarding immigration law, client cases, and different types of visas/work permits that clients can obtain. Also, remember to be understanding and compassionate with clients, but at the same time firm when it comes to the organization’s policies.

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