Community Health Internship Quotes
Maria Dixon
American Cancer Society
Winter 2004
Working at the American Cancer Society helped me realize that planning and implementing a program is very difficult and time consuming. Health 482 (Program Planning) was a great class because it taught me the proper steps I needed to go through to develop a successful program. I also learned the importance of having solid computer writing, public speaking skills, and being able to build a coalition. Evaluating a program is also a skill I used and found to be vital to the overall success of the program.
There were a few difficulties that came as the internship progressed. I had a few problems with my supervisor. I did not feel like she was the best example or resource. She was not in the office on most days and was not very good about giving feedback or suggestions. She did not help or guide me in any way. She was not clear on how she wanted things done. It was confusing and difficult at times, but with the help of my committee I think we did a great job.
I remember feeling very overwhelmed in the beginning thinking that I did not have much to offer because I felt that I was not qualified to work in a professional health setting. I felt in a sense that “things may get worse.”
However, as I got my feet wet so to speak, the work began to be enthralling. To catch a glimpse of a role in which a health professional plays was intriguing. The very fact that their sole purpose is to improve the quality of life says a lot. I became inspired because I enjoyed the “challenge to make things better.”
Working with the ACS made me want to always be involved with them. I think I will continue to volunteer for them in the future.