My first ever internship with the American Red Cross has been one of the most meaningful
learning experiences I have had so far as a college student and aspiring social worker. When I
first began my internship, I was excited about the opportunity, but I was also nervous. During my
first few days, everything seemed to move incredibly fast. There were countless acronyms to
learn, unfamiliar terminology, and an organizational structure that felt overwhelming at first. Early on during my training, I sometimes questioned whether I would be able to keep up with the pace of the work or fully understand the responsibilities that came with my role.
Fortunately, those feelings of uncertainty did not last long. What stood out to me almost
immediately was the support I received from my supervisor and coworkers. From my very first
day, they created an environment that was welcoming, patient, and encouraging. Instead of
expecting me to figure everything out on my own, they treated my internship as a genuine
learning experience. They consistently answered my questions, explained many acronyms, and
checked in to make sure I was adjusting well. Their support helped me become more comfortable in my role and reminded me that growth often comes from being willing to learn from others, rather than knowing all the answers.
As I became more familiar with Disaster Cycle Services and the mission of the American Red
Cross, I began to see the real impact this work has on individuals and families experiencing
crisis. In my role, I have had opportunities to assist with disaster response efforts, particularly
home fire cases throughout the Greater Chicago South area. One of my favorite aspects of the
internship has been interacting directly with clients and conducting damage assessments to
determine how the Red Cross can support them. These conversations are often taking place
during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life, which makes empathy, active
listening, and effective communication especially important.
As a social work major, this experience has allowed me to practice many of the micro-level skills
I have learned in the classroom. Concepts that once existed only in textbooks now have
real-world applications. Whether I am listening to a client describe what they have lost, helping
them understand available resources, or connecting them with support services, I am gaining
practical experience that is helping me grow both professionally and personally. Seeing how
these skills can provide comfort and guidance during times of crisis has reinforced my desire to
pursue a career centered on helping others.
Beyond the direct service aspect of the internship, I have also learned a great deal about
professionalism and workplace dynamics. Every day presents opportunities to collaborate with
coworkers, communicate effectively, and adapt to changing situations. While there have certainly been challenges, such as missing a few calls when I was away from my Red Cross devices or navigating the realities of Chicago traffic, each obstacle has become an opportunity to learn and improve. These experiences have taught me the importance of responsibility, preparedness, and flexibility in professional settings.
One of the questions that many CAPS Fellows are encouraged to consider is how our
experiences connect to our sense of purpose and calling. This internship has helped me reflect
deeply on that question. Before beginning this role, I knew I wanted to become a social worker
because I wanted to help people. However, this experience has shown me that helping people
often happens in small but significant ways. Sometimes it means listening carefully. Sometimes
it means connecting someone with resources. Sometimes it simply means being present for a
person during a difficult moment. Through the Red Cross, I have seen how service can take
many forms, and each one has the potential to make a meaningful difference.
As I continue my internship, I hope to contribute to projects that create lasting benefits for the
organization, its volunteers, and the communities it serves. I want the work I complete this
summer to have an impact that extends beyond my time as an intern. Most importantly, I am
grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve alongside people who are deeply committed to helping others. This experience has strengthened my confidence, expanded my professional skills, and affirmed my belief that a career dedicated to service is the right path for me. I am excited to see where the rest of this journey leads and what additional lessons it will teach me about purpose, leadership, and serving others.
Tyrell Frieson, American Red Cross