As my internship at Compass International Family Center continues, I’ve had the chance to reflect on everything I’ve experienced over the past few weeks. When I first started, I was
excited to learn and contribute, but I didn’t realize just how much work happens behind the scenes to make every program and event possible. Looking back now, I have a whole new appreciation for the people who make that work happen, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to be part of it.

Throughout the summer, I’ve worked on a variety of projects that support both children and
families. One of my favorite responsibilities has been creating lesson plans for the children’s
programs. I enjoy thinking of ways to make learning fun, interactive, and engaging while also
encouraging children to build confidence and curiosity. As a psychology major with a minor in
social work, it’s been exciting to connect what I’ve learned in my classes with real experiences
and see how thoughtful planning can make a difference in a child’s learning.

I’ve also spent a lot of time working on projects that most people never see but that are just as
important. I’ve designed flyers for programs and events, built databases of community support
organizations, and researched resources that can help international families find services like
food assistance, healthcare, housing, legal support, employment assistance, and other community resources. Knowing that these tools can help families connect with organizations
that may make their lives a little easier has made every hour of research feel meaningful.

Another part of my internship that I’ve really enjoyed is finding educational resources for the
children. Whether I’m looking for books, activities, or printable materials, I love knowing that
these resources will help create positive learning experiences. It’s rewarding to be creative while
also thinking about what will best support the children who participate in Compass programs. Right now, I’m also helping prepare the welcome bags that Compass will use at upcoming events. I’ve been coordinating many of the materials that will go inside them, and it’s exciting to
know that something I helped create will be one of the first things new families receive when
they arrive. I hope those welcome bags help people feel welcomed, supported, and excited to
become part of the Compass community.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this summer is how much happens before an event or
program ever takes place. Working alongside my supervisor, Kathleen, has given me a new
appreciation for everything that goes into serving a community. I’ve seen the amount of
planning, organization, and dedication required to make each program successful. Before this
internship, I don’t think I fully understood how many hours of work happen long before families
walk through the door.

Being able to help with those behind-the-scenes projects has honestly been one of the most
rewarding parts of my internship. Even tasks that seem simple, like creating a flyer, organizing a
database, or putting together welcome bags, require a great deal of time and attention. Knowing that I can take some of those responsibilities off Kathleen’s plate and contribute to the team’s work makes me feel like I’m making a real difference. I may not always be the person leading an event, but I know the work I’m doing helps make those moments possible, and that’s something I’m truly proud of.

This experience has also changed the way I think about service. Before this summer, I often
imagined making an impact through direct interaction with people. While I still value that, I’ve
learned that supporting a community also means preparing, organizing, planning, and creating
resources that allow others to succeed. Every lesson plan, every flyer, every database, and
every welcome bag is another way of helping families feel seen, supported, and connected.
That realization has made this internship even more meaningful to me.

As someone who hopes to build a career working with children and families, this experience has strengthened my passion for serving others and reminded me that every contribution matters, no matter how big or small. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to learn from Kathleen and the entire Compass team. As the summer comes to a close, I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together, and I know the lessons I’ve learned behind the scenes will stay with me long after this internship ends.

Sofia Gomez, Compass International Family Center