Jada Haynes, 25, from Phillip, South Dakota, is majoring in business administration with minors in social work and sign language studies. On campus, she is involved in volleyball, the Deaf Awareness Club and the National Society for Leadership and Success (NSLS). She took her skills off campus this summer, interning with Foster Network in Sioux Falls, a nonprofit organization that aims to help families who have children placed through licensed agencies.
Q: What are your career goals and aspirations?
A: My career goal is to use my skills to drive both organizational excellence and societal progress. I aspire to blend business strategy and social advocacy to create effective solutions that address community needs and promote inclusion. I hope to contribute to organizations that drive positive change and support diverse populations.
Q: Where or how did you hear about Augustana?
A: I learned about Augustana University while researching various higher education institutions in South Dakota.
Q: Why did you choose Augustana University?
A: I decided to attend Augustana University because I was interested in the Sign Language Interpretation program. Although I later realized that the program was not the best fit for me, I found that the university’s robust academic program, supportive community, and personalized learning experience perfectly aligned with my educational aspirations, so I decided to continue my studies at Augustana University.
Q: What did your duties include?
A: My primary duties were to engage with families and community workers to ensure effective communication and support. I had direct contact with the children in my care and sought to build meaningful relationships with them. I was often tasked with ensuring they received everything they needed to be successful both at home and in the classroom. I also managed a range of front desk functions, including scheduling appointments, answering phones and returning emails. In addition, I was responsible for administrative tasks such as processing paperwork, entering data into databases and creating inventory tracking sheets. While these tasks were central to my role, my duties went beyond them and reflected the range of responsibilities I took on on a regular basis.
Q: How did you get your internship? Did anyone help you?
A: I began my career with Foster Network as a volunteer, initially managing the learning experience hours for our Introduction to Social Work class. Although the work was challenging, I wanted to gain a deeper understanding, so I set up a meeting with the Executive Director. This conversation led me to a summer internship and the beginning of a transformative chapter in my professional development. Recently, I was honored to take on a new role as Volunteer Coordinator and Donation Team Leader. I am deeply grateful for these opportunities, which have opened up paths I never would have imagined.
Q: What was your favorite part of your internship?
A: Throughout my internship, I have come to appreciate many different aspects of this job, but the most rewarding part has been the opportunity to interact with foster parents and children in our community. These interactions have given me valuable insight into their lives and shown me the powerful impact that compassion, support and understanding can make. Building these relationships has not only been inspiring, but has also strengthened my commitment to supporting and empowering those navigating the complexities of the foster care system.
Q: What do you hope to learn and gain from your internship?
A: I went into this experience with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes operational running of a nonprofit organization. But I ended up getting much more than I expected. Beyond logistical and operational insights, I discovered the profound impact that committed individuals and strategic initiatives can have in a community. The journey revealed to me the very core of nonprofit work: its ability to inspire change, foster resilience, and build lasting connections. It redefined my perspective and revealed a more meaningful vision of what it truly means to contribute to a cause and support a mission.
Q: Why is experiential learning so important in your future endeavors?
A: Experiential learning is crucial to my future endeavors because it bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Direct exposure to real-world situations allows me to test and hone my skills, gain valuable hands-on experience, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the professional environment. Ultimately, experiential learning prepares me to navigate and excel in dynamic work environments, address real-world challenges, and make meaningful contributions to my field.
Q: How important is it to build relationships and connections?
A: Building relationships and connections is crucial because it is the foundation for personal and professional success. Strong relationships foster trust, collaboration, and support, which are essential to achieving collective goals and overcoming challenges. These connections provide access to diverse perspectives, resources, and opportunities that enrich both personal growth and career advancement.
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