Internship Experience

During my 8-week ACUHO-I internship at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, I had the opportunity to support a diverse population of pre-college students while gaining hands-on experience in student life and program operations. This experience challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and grow both professionally and personally.

Throughout the program, I led orientation presentations and coordinated student engagement experiences, including chaperoning trips for over 100 students across Atlanta, such as visits to the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola Factory, and Braves games. These experiences allowed me to create meaningful connections with students from all over the world and support them in navigating a new environment.

In addition to programming, I supported the day-to-day operations of the program by being on-call for emergencies, assisting Resident Assistants, and helping ensure the program ran smoothly. I supervised a team of 14 Resident Assistants, providing guidance, support, and real-time problem solving throughout the program. I also contributed to managing a program budget of approximately $46,000–$50,000, supporting financial decisions related to student programming and logistics. This required adaptability, strong communication, and the ability to respond effectively in fast-paced situations.

One of the most impactful aspects of this experience was the relationships I built with students. I focused on creating spaces where students felt seen, supported, and excited about their experience, which deepened my passion for student development and working with students in transition.

This internship confirmed my interest in pre-college programming and higher education, while also helping me reflect on the type of professional I want to be. It pushed me to think more intentionally about my role in supporting students and how I can continue to grow within the field.