ECU senior gains skills and finds new career goal through internship

ECU senior gains skills and finds new career goal through internship

Yanelis Romero is full of enthusiasm and energy - great qualities for a program assistant working with kids. Her energy is reflected in her resume as well.

Originally from Puerto Rico and currently based in Fayetteville, Romero is a senior at East Carolina University studying exercise physiology with a concentration in medicine. During her academic career, she's worked as a Subway manager, ECU tour guide and assistant for the School of Art and Design. She also works regularly at a preschool and serves as a Sunday school teacher at her church.

Though she's received job experience through various roles, Romero said she wanted to participate in an internship before graduating.

"I wanted to try an internship while in college to see how it compared to the work experience I'd already received. So, I applied to positions that focused on areas I hadn't developed yet," she said.

Through the office of innovation and engagement, ECU offers the SECU Public Fellows Internship (PFI) program for in-state undergraduate students. The program partners students with government, economic development, education and other nonprofit entities throughout eastern North Carolina to help address community-identified priorities.

As someone who enjoys working with kids, Romero was instantly drawn to PFI's summer internship position with Building Hope Community Life Center in Greenville.

Building Hope is a nonprofit organization that provides programming for youth, including academic support, character and leadership development, summer camps, and afterschool programs. During the after-school program, staff focus on early literacy and math skills, drilling activities, and building foundational skills.

The center also has an alternative program for youth who are on short-term suspension from school, called Project Bridges. Through Project Bridges, staff work to rehabilitate students by teaching social emotional learning, behavior management and coping strategies. The goal is to keep the kids from returning to the program.

"The programming here, it is worth it, and it is necessary. These kids aren't getting suspended for big things like some older students. We don't want them to feel like they're 'bad.' When they come here, we help them understand why they're here - help them see that what they did was wrong and that these are the consequences. And, we show them how to do it better next time."

Center staff also help suspended students keep up with their schoolwork so they don't fall behind.

During her time with the internship, Romero said duties varied depending on where she was working. In the center's office, she managed calendars and schedules, helped plan summer camps, prepared meeting minutes, researched fundraising ideas and carried out other administrative duties. At the center during summer camp, she supported staff by leading activities and helping with lunch. During the after-school program, she assisted students with their schoolwork, read books and maintained an organized library.

Newly on board as the center's executive director, Sheena Parker said Romero provided great support during the transition, demonstrating remarkable initiative and drive.

"I refer to her as my human Post-it," said Parker. "Anything I rattled off, she went ahead and created it or carried it out. She would say, 'I know you mentioned this so I started on it.' She was very attentive and in tune with the organization's mission, running forward with it."

"This has given me the chance to do many things I haven't done before," said Romero.

"They gave me the chance to put something out there, more than standard office type duties. They had me brainstorming ideas for fundraising and activities for camp. They let me plan the annual carnival. I like giving my input and they really encouraged that. I'm so grateful they gave me the opportunity to do so," she said.

Being a part of the team at Building Hope even refocused Romero's career path.

"This experience - especially working in the office and seeing how a nonprofit runs - has given me a new direction. I've decided to apply for a master's degree in planning and development to be able to further work with nonprofits. That's what I really want to do. And, maybe someday run a nonprofit as well," said Romero.

As for the future of Building Hope, they are looking at growing the programs they offer students. Parker said the center recently received a large grant to transform an area of their building into an entrepreneurial lab.

"We'll offer entrepreneurial programs to help the kids expand their mindset in the terms of what they can be. Each month, we'll feature local entrepreneurs and show how technology, graphic design, video game coding - all the things they love - can be a career," she said.

Parker encourages different entrepreneurs from around the community to contact them to volunteer and showcase their talent for the students.

As Romero looks toward graduation, Parker wants her to know she's always welcome at Building Hope.

"I want her to know that she really has a strength in community service, so I hope as she continues her educational journey that she gets the opportunity to work with and serve communities in some capacities," she said.

"She really has become a member of the Building Hope family, and I wish we could keep her!"

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