This semester has been an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. Through the internship at LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to violence and prevention efforts at the local level while developing skills that will continue to shape my future career.
On a day-to-day basis, I worked on projects that bridged my private sector experience and strengthened my ability to communicate, collaborate, and think critically about public health challenges that impact women, men, and children daily. I was able to observe the ins and outs of a non-profit organization, participate in team discussions to improve school curriculums through a prevention lens, and collaborate with experienced individuals who care deeply about working towards solutions for a more equitable and just community.
I thoroughly enjoyed being part of an environment that encouraged curiosity, service, and challenging the status quo. The internship also exposed me to the many different paths within public health, such as grants management, budgeting, and implementation of on the ground services needed to create immediate impact. My time at LAWS showed me how meaningful and diverse the field can be all the while strengthening my existing skills needed to change systems and steward meaningful impact.