Current Tufts student Grace Campbell shared the following about being a Summer Intern at Tuesday’s Child …
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
As a clinical intern with Tuesday’s Child, I worked with my supervisor, classroom teachers, and clinical staff to learn the core concepts of Tuesday’s Child, as well as the major tenants of therapeutic strategies, and developmental screening. Monday through Thursday, I worked in the classroom helping with interventions and setting up activities for campers. I ran the social-emotional station, where the children learned about recognizing other’s feelings and labeling their own. Many of the children in the camp had barriers to making friends such as lagging skills in communication or trouble initiating play. At social-emotional, we worked on these skills using matching games and books. On Fridays, we went over each camper’s case files (including IEPs, neuropyschological evaluations, etc) and I reported any observations I noticed in the field.
How did you find this internship?
I found this internship on Handshake.
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
I most enjoyed watching the children gain confidence during my internship. Many of the children I worked with have DSM Diagnosis, learning disabilities, or documented behavioral challenges that make school a source of anxiety or self-hatred. Although only 4-7 years old, many of the children expressed their dislike of school throughout the early weeks of camp because it made them feel “stupid” or like they were a “bad” kid. Some of their social or academic challenges manifested in violent outbursts or forced removal from the classroom. They were accustomed to being yelled at or having trouble making friends. By the end of the camp, many children had more confidence in their academic and social capabilities. Some expressed that this was their first time having friends. Specifically, many of the children struggled to walk through the front door due to separation or school anxieties, but by the end, we had many children who could not wait to come to camp. Watching their self-image improve was the best part of this internship for me.
What did you find challenging?
I found the commute to my internship to be challenging. I had never considered how commute/location of the internship would play into my professional development, but I definitely learned more about what I want/can handle from this internship. The commute to by internship was about 1-1.5 hours each way in standstill Chicago traffic. My work day was greatly extended by this commute, and the only way to get there efficiently was to drive. I found the drive home after a full work day to be both mentally and physically challenging. I learned that moving forward, logistical things such as commute and transportation method are important to me.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
I would tell someone who wants to make the most of an internship like mine to build relationships with your colleagues. I was able to form professional and social relationships with the people at my internship across multiple levels of positioning. Due to these relationships, I was brought into contact with people who were farther along on the career path I intend to follow. I would also suggest trying to maintain a balance outside of your internship. Joining organizations with a mission you are passionate about is exciting, but it can also be consuming. I found myself spending a good deal of time outside of my internship still talking about it or thinking about it. I was able to perform my best at work when I was still pursuing other interests such as having a full social life, exercising, and spending time with family. Find your ideal balance and do your best to stick to it.
About the Organization
Tuesday’s Child enables families to thrive through positive parent training, inclusive behavioral classrooms and support services. Our proven model impacts home, school, and the community.
