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Meet Our Featured Interns: |
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Courtney Conatser, a legal intern from Jack E. Singley Academy, is proud and this
is what she had to say about her exciting internship:
Where do you work?
I work with the 303rd Family District Court
What are your career goals?
I plan to get my paralegal certificate then work while
going back to school to major in political science and
education so I can teach high school government.
Tell me
about your internship project.
Well, we are creating a checklist for inmates who would
like to file motions which are stating things they want to
happen. For example, they can file for divorce while
contained in prison.
What do you
enjoy most about you internship?
I think what I enjoy most is having the opportunity to
have a feel of the in court experience and also what is
behind the scenes.
Can you tell
me something about one of advisers at work?
Kris Ryan, not only cares what is happening in the
internship program, but she also asks me about more personal
matters like what are my plans for college and beyond.
Will your
pursue this specialty in the future?
Well, slightly because I am obviously getting the
paralegal license and when I obtain my major in government
it will also have to do with law.
What advice
would you give future interns?
They should know what they want to do and have various
options in order to their dream. Maintain professionalism it
is a big role especially in law.
Tell me one
thing about yourself.
When I was in the 7th grade I came across a garage sale
I came upon an older copy of Texas Family Law Code. In my
spare time I would read different sections which enhanced my
knowledge and my interest in family law.
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 Kimberly
Owens, an education intern from The Academy of Irving
ISD was successful at attaining a fun internship at Irving
Bible Church. After being contacted by her teacher, Ms.
Lambert during the summer to tell her about the opportunity
at the Kid’s Bible Church, she called the director of Kids
Club and set up an interview. She went in for the interview
and was called a couple of days later and received a job
offer! “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher! I did a lot of
volunteer work with kids at my church and obtained a lot of
experience with that. So when I got my internship it was a
perfect match!” she said. Kimberly Owens is proud and this
is what she had to say about her exciting internship:
Where do you work?
I work in North Irving at Irving Bible Church at their Kids’
Club Department. My job is to be a teacher’s aide.
What are your career goals?
I am applying to the University of North Texas to major in
education. Once I receive my degree, I want to be a 3rd
grade teacher in the Gifted and Talented Program. As I have
attended Irving schools since day one, I do plan on staying
with Irving ISD.
Tell me about your internship project.
Before the kids get to Kids’ Club, I am responsible for
setting up the classroom with toys and activities. When the
kids arrive, we have the lesson plan which includes bible
stories, different activities and recreation. It is fun
stuff for the kids and I enjoy sharing it with them!
What do you enjoy most about your internship?
I really enjoy working with the kids, being with them and
playing with them. It brings back memories of when I was a
kid and that really makes appreciate it even more. I want to
give back some of the things that I learned to others.
Can you tell me something about one of your mentors at
work?
One of my mentors from work would be Melissa; she is one of
our new directors. She’s always there early and she stays
late. Something I really admire about her is that she has a
6-month old daughter but regardless she’s still able to
support us and help all the teachers get ready.
What would you tell other students that are hoping to
intern someday?
I would tell them to just find an internship that there
happy with and that they have fun doing because at the end
that’s the only thing that matters. If you just find an
internship and you’re not happy there then you’re just not
going to want to do it. It is also good idea to start early
because a lot of the internships get filled up quick. I
would say the best time would be to start during the summer,
because I remember when I was looking some of the places
were filled up by the time the school year started. |
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 Eilaf
Osman, a medical intern from The Academy was able to
acquire an internship at CVS Pharmacy and open the door to
her pharmacist career. Obtaining her internship wasn’t an
easy task though. With the help of Terry Fellows, she
applied online and then had to get registered with the Texas
State Board of Pharmacy in order to get her background
checked, drugs test, and complete the contract with CVS
Pharmacy. Ever since she was five years of age, she wanted
to become a pharmacist. This internship opportunity is
definitely a stepping stone towards her career goal. She
hopes to pass her CPT exam to become a certified pharmacy
technician. This is what Eilaf Osman had to say about her
internship:
Where do you work?
I work at CVS Pharmacy located Irving Blvd. and Nursery as a
Technician in Training.
What are you career goals?
I want to pass the CPT exam so that I can become certified
pharmacy technician. Then I want to go to University of
Texas in Austin and after 6 years obtain in pharmacy and
start work.
Tell me about you internship project.
At CVS there are several stations and I get to work at all
of them. But what I like to do most is prepare prescriptions
and answer the phone to take care of customers and doctors
and their staff.
What do you enjoy most about your internship?
I really enjoy the learning experience I’m getting from my
internship. I also enjoy filling prescription bottles and I
know this is going to sound silly but I like the way all the
pills look, all colorful and stuff!
Can you tell me something about one of your mentors at
work?
The technicians and pharmacists help me out a lot,
especially when I have questions. I don’t think there’s a
question they can’t answer.
What would you tell other students that are hoping to
intern someday?
I would tell future interns to have good grades and always
start looking for internships early! They should definitely
apply for several positions, not just one because that is
one of the mistakes I did. Choose an internship that they
can really enjoy, regardless if it’s paid or not. |
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Alan John, a medical intern from The Academy of
Irving ISD was offered an internship with a progressive
medical facility called Old Town Family Practice to assist
in enhancing his medical skills under the supervision of Dr.
Tony Swaldy. With a referral from the Academy S.I.T.E team,
Alan prepared for the interview and was offered the
position. While it took some effort in finding that
“perfect” intern, his knowledge and skills in the medical
field impressed his supervisor. From learning in school to
having the ideal internship this is what Alan had to say
about his internship experience:
Where do you work?
I work at Old Town Family Practice in Coppell with Dr.
Swaldy, who is a Family Practicioner. Old Town Family
Practice is indeed a private practice.
What are your career goals?
One day I would like to have my own family practice here in
Irving. I plan to go to Texas A&M and UT Southwestern to
obtain my education that will allow me to enhance my family
practice. The reason I want to go into family medicine is
because it is a calm atmosphere, but you still get to see
many patients. You are also able to make your own work
schedule and workload.
Tell me about your internship projects.
At my job I see in patients, like for example when I check
them in. I also am allowed to give shots to the patients and
that is something I enjoy doing. Another thing I get to do
is help out with paper work. We have archives that hold a
lot of our patients’ history. I really like doing all of
this because it exposes me to what I’m going to be doing in
the future and that is a benefit not many other kids my age
get.
What do you enjoy most about your internship?
The people there are really nice and I like how it is an
up-beat setting. The people there help me out even when I
don’t ask for help! I have learned that healthcare is more
than just taking care of patients but a service that
healthcare providers provide to help patients deal with and
over come their physical and emotional needs.
Can you tell me something about one of your mentors at
work?
I can probably ask Dr. Swaldy anything and he’ll be able to
provide me with an answer. From starting his practice to
creating positive working conditions at work, I feel like he
really knows what he’s doing.
What would you tell other students that are hoping to
intern someday?
I would tell any student that is hoping to intern their
senior year that it is a totally relevant experience. I know
nowadays most of the kids aren’t interested in getting one
so they don’t even bother looking for one. They think that
it’s not worth it to get an internship if it is not paid,
but that fact of the matter is that an internship will give
you knowledge that will be like an extra key that will open
an extra door. It is an experience you will not gain from a
classroom and I think that’s one of thing younger students
don’t realize. Regardless if the internship is paid or not
you should just go for it and I guarantee nothing other than
good stuff will come out of it. |
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 Hien
Nguyen, a medical intern from The Academy was offered an
internship with a progressive agency called Clinical and
Consulting Neurophysiology to assist in enhancing her
medical skills. There she’s worked with her supervisor on
making a new personality survey, helping Dr. Dial collect
data. She’s also helped Dr. Dial compile and organize
articles which he writes. With a referral from the Academy
S.I.T.E team, Hien prepared for the interview and was given
the position. While it took some effort and hard time in
finding that “perfect” intern job; her knowledge and
abilities in the medical field impressed her supervisor.
From learning in school to practically having your dream
job; this is what Hien had to say about her internship
experience.
Where do you work?
I work at Clinical and Consulting Neuropsychology in Las
Colinas.
What are your career goals?
This internship seems made for me because I plan to study
neuroscience with an emphasis on psychology; my ultimate
goal is to earn a Masters Degree or a PhD and conduct
research in neurology.
Tell me about your internship projects.
Dr. Dial is currently working on coming out with a new
personality survey, and he wants me to help him with the
data collecting. I’ve also helped him compile and organize
his articles. I also frequently get to test clients and I’m
learning to write histories at the moment.
What do you enjoy most about your internship?
I love coming to my internship because I have the chance to
interact with professional role models who have the same
goals as I do; it really motivates me in my own life goals
when I’m around successful, established people with passion.
Can you tell me something about one of your mentors at
work?
My main mentor at work is Dr. Dial whom I greatly respect;
Dr. Dial’s name holds a lot of prestige in the
rehabilitation and neuropsychology fields. He knows the
answer to practically any question I have. However, I most
admire his passion for his work. Even though semi-retired,
he still continues to conduct research and come out with new
articles. Conversing with him, I truly believe that he’s
found his “niche” in life; I can only hope someday to
achieve the same.
What would you tell other students that are hoping to
intern someday?
In order to get an internship that you truly are interested
in, you need to start early!!! I suggest using Google Maps
to search for professionals in the area. Also, dedicate time
and effort into your portfolio during junior year because
your employer will want to see that; mine was very impressed
with mine. It also gives them a quick preview to you as a
person: your dreams, your passion, and your abilities. And
the final and most important note, do not take the
internship program lightly. Although it’s still early in the
year, I feel like I’ve gained such an edge over my peers who
don’t participate in this program. I feel more professional
and confident even when compared to the beginning of the
year. Also, I’m acing my AP psychology class because of all
the additional information I’ve learned. The benefits will
just continue on through college, where I’m sure I will
excel due to the real-life experience I’ve already had
dealing with clients and administering tests. Even if you
decide that your chosen career is not the career for you
while interning, this in itself is priceless; better to
realize it in your fourth year of high school than in your
fourth year of medical school. |
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 Mary
Barron, a Legal Studies intern was offered an internship
with a progressive law firm called Law Office of John C.
Danish to assist in enhancing her civil and criminal law
skills. There she’s worked on Last Will and Testaments,
Living Wills, and Durable Power of Attorney Clients. She’s
even signed some important documents as a witness to make a
document official. With a referral from Mr. Schepf, SITE
intern supervisor/teacher, Mary interviewed and was chosen.
Ever since second grade this has been Mary’s goal, while
undecided on being a judge or having a law office, her
effort and dedication have gotten her to the great position
she’s in now.
Where do you work?
I am an intern at the Law Office of John C. Danish. Mr.
Danish works for himself and specializes in the basics
aspects of law. He deals with civil law such as divorces,
probate law such as Last Will and Testaments, and criminal
law such as Assault and Battery cases.
What are your career goals?
My career goals have changed a little bit. I have wanted to
be an attorney and then a judge since the second grade. I
have made it this far, I am not going to give up now. I am
going to continue working towards my goal of being a judge,
but also I think I may want to open a law office by myself
(like Mr. Danish) and just do civil law and probate law.
Tell me about your internship projects.
I have done a lot of things for Mr. Danish this year, but I
don’t know if you would call them “projects”. I have worked
on several Last Will and Testaments, Living Wills, and
Durable Powers of Attorney for clients. I have even signed
the documents as a witness helping to make to documents
official.
What do you enjoy most about your internship?
I enjoy working with the two other people that work for Mr.
Danish, John and Kathy. John is very smart and helpful, he
is always willing to answer any questions I have and doesn’t
mind that I might ask the same questions over again. Kathy
is very laid back and doesn’t let our crazy schedules get
her stressed and she always tries to keep me from getting
stressed. They are both very funny and they both think very
differently than I do. I also enjoy the surrounding
environment, since Mr. Danish’s office is literally next
door to his house and it’s on a residential street, it’s
almost hidden. We don’t always have to dress nice; the
environment is just really laid back and comfortable, just
as long as we get our work done.
Can you tell me something about one of your mentors at
work?
Kathy Avila is 19 years old and her full first name is
Katherina. She is also a sophomore in college. She graduated
from Nimitz High School in 2006 and got a full ride
scholarship to the University of Dallas where she is
currently attending. She was born in Mexico and she has an
older brother. She likes babies and baby animals and she
LOVES shoes! She has dozens of shoes!
What would you tell other students that are hoping to
intern someday?
I would be honest with them. I would tell them that it may
be really hard to get use to at first, but just give it a
little more time. They may want to give up and get out of
the S.I.T.E. program, but if they don’t it will be all worth
it in the end. I’ll let them know that sometimes they may
feel that they are not learning anything at their
internship, but in the long run when they reflect back on
their internship experience they will be glad they took the
chance to get one because it really helps with future career
goals. The S.I.T.E. program is not a required course, but it
is really beneficial to a student’s learning experience. |
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 Reina
Aguirre, an Advanced Technology student intern at The
Academy was offered an internship at the school as a
Computer Tech. The internship is helping Reina to enhance
her Computer Maintenance skills. At her internship, she
works on fixing and repairing computers, from the outside
plastic to the inside system board. With a referral from Mr.
Schepf, SITE intern supervisor/teacher, Reina interviewed
and was chosen. Having two years in experience she was very
fortunate to have been chosen. This is what Reina had to say
about her internship experience.
What are your career goals?
So far, I’m working really hard to go to a 4 year college.
I’d like to be a network administrator. Get my master degree
and major in communications too.
Tell me about your internship projects.
My projects include fixing computer equipment, repairing any
part of the school laptop like system boards, bottom
plastic, top covers, palm rest, keyboard, processor,
speakers.
What do you enjoy most about your internship?
Most of all I enjoy repairing damage laptops; working with
students and the faculty sure makes it fun. I like to make
teachers and students have a less stressful time with there
equipment. I also enjoy working with my supervisors because
they treat me like an adult, not only that, they teach me
new things almost everyday for future reference.
Can you tell me something about one of your mentors at work?
My head supervisor Michael Wood, I like the way he teaches
me. When I don’t know something I can ask him anything at
anytime and without a doubt he’ll gives me a positive
feedback on how to improve my work. Even if I think I’m
doing something wrong; I can always go to him for advice.
What would you tell other students that are hoping to intern
someday?
Well I think that if a student wants to be an intern some
day he or she needs to work on being more responsible. Learn
how to talk in front of other people, that way when they get
their internship they’ll be able to talk formally and
respectfully. Learn to be on time to their classes all the
time, that way when they get their internship it won’t be as
difficult to get to a place at certain time. |
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