Pace center for Girls
During my four months at PACE Center for Girls, I was an English Teacher's Assistant and mentor for the girls. I spent most of my time working on a one-on-one capacity with the students, helping those who were behind grade-levels and those who needed extra support. I saw the results of all my hard work this past July, when 14 of the girls I worked one-on-one with graduated with their high school diploma or GED, an immeasurable accomplishment for all of them.
This internship was a rewarding experience for me, as I reinforced my commitment to helping others as a psychologist. Although I was there mostly as a teacher's assistant, I had numerous opportunities to know the students personally. I listened to their stories; I cried with them over sad memories; but I also laughed with them during the funny moments.
This opportunity allowed me the chance to build and foster a stable relationship with my students, by using active listening and providing a safe space for them. For many of the girls, they do not trust strangers, because they have been hurt before. But once I was able to show them that I was there for them as a resource, they began to open up to me. They felt more comfortable around me, and they started to ask me for help on assignments and essays.
Photo with Ms. Joanne, the teacher I interned with.