When I found out I would be working with Compass this summer, I was excited because I have always enjoyed serving my community. I never imagined I would become part of an organization whose mission aligns so closely with my own values. Compass International [Family] Center is dedicated to welcoming and supporting international individuals and families, and being able to contribute to that mission has made this internship especially meaningful.

One of the biggest highlights of my internship has been working with my supervisor, Kathleen.
She has been an exceptional mentor throughout this experience. From the very beginning, she
has trusted me with meaningful responsibilities while always being available to answer questions and provide guidance. She encourages me to take initiative, be creative, and contribute my own ideas, which has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Having a supervisor who believes in my potential has made this internship both enjoyable and incredibly rewarding.

One thing that makes my experience at Compass so unique is realizing how much happens
behind the scenes at a nonprofit organization. Before starting this internship, I did not realize
how many different programs, resources, and services Compass provides to support international individuals and families. Although Compass may seem like a small organization from the outside, it is constantly working on new initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the community.

I especially enjoy that no two days are the same. Kathleen is always developing new ideas
and projects, and I have the opportunity to contribute to many of them. From creating
educational materials and researching community resources to organizing information and
supporting new programs, there is always something meaningful to work on. I love that every
project challenges me to learn something new while allowing me to contribute, even in a small
way, to helping families feel welcomed, connected, and supported as they build their lives in a
new community.

One of my favorite parts of the internship is every Tuesday, when I work directly with the
preschool children. I help plan activities while also participating alongside the children as they
complete crafts, games, stories, and other hands-on learning experiences. Although these
moments are fun and rewarding, I have come to realize that they represent something much
bigger. By creating a safe, engaging, and welcoming environment for the children, we are also
supporting their parents and caregivers, giving families a place where they can build
relationships, learn together, and feel connected to the community.

The children constantly remind me why I chose this career path. They are naturally curious,
excited to participate, and eager to share what they know. One thing that amazes me is how
much they remember from previous lessons. Whether we are talking about plants, reading a
story together, or introducing a new activity, they often connect new ideas to things we explored weeks before. Watching those moments happen has shown me how powerful early childhood learning can be when children feel encouraged, supported, and excited to learn. It has also reminded me that meaningful learning happens through positive experiences that children carry with them long after the activity is over.

Beyond working with the preschoolers, Compass has shown me that service comes in many
forms. Sometimes it means researching community resources, designing educational materials,
preparing activities, or welcoming someone who is new to the area. Other times, it simply
means creating an environment where people feel seen, valued, and connected. While my
individual role may seem small, I know that each task contributes to the larger mission of
helping international families feel supported as they build their lives in Northwest Indiana.
Knowing that my work can make even a small difference in someone’s experience has been
one of the most meaningful parts of this internship.

As I continue my internship, I look forward to learning even more from the incredible people at
Compass International [Family] Center. Every project, every new challenge, and every Tuesday with the preschoolers reminds me why I chose psychology and why I hope to dedicate my career to serving children, families, and communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that makes such a meaningful impact, and I am excited to continue growing through service.

Sofia Gomez, Compass International Family Center