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Meet\u00a0Vanessa Costa\u00a0’18 Special Events Intern\u00a0at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation<\/p>\n
This summer, I interned at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to the fight to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease affecting 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. I had the privilege of working at the MA\/RI chapter of the foundation with an amazing group of dedicated individuals. Throughout my internship, I collaborated with my team and aided in the preparation and production of about six or seven different major fundraising events<\/strong>, some of which I saw through to the end, and others of which are still to come. The majority of my time at my internship was spent on two events, in particular; a weekend-long hiking event in the Berkshires, and a three-course cycling event coming up in October.<\/p>\n My internship projects included recruiting participants and sponsors, attaining donated auction items and local services, preparing mailings, maintaining itemized inventory and organization pre- and post-events, as well as many other tasks. All of the money raised at each of these fundraising events goes toward supporting medical efforts to find a cure for CF, while also allowing the foundation to provide support and resources to CF patients and their families.<\/p>\n As a Sociology major, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the world and its peoples<\/strong>. I have become more open-minded and understanding as a person, which I have found to be extremely beneficial when interacting with different types of individuals. This proved particularly beneficial during my internship when I had to interact with such individuals as corporate leaders, small business owners, and CF patients and their families.<\/p>\n It surprised me how willing my coworkers and supervisors were to accept me into their space. I immediately felt like part of the family, like I belonged there.<\/strong> I think that’s why it felt so strange to leave at the end of my internship; I didn’t want it to end.<\/p>\n This internship definitely strengthened my desire to make a difference in the world, and it reaffirmed that I had made the right decision by choosing Sociology as my major<\/strong>. I want to help people in the future; help make their lives a little easier and fairer. For that reason, I would really love to pursue a career in social justice or social welfare.<\/p>\n Put yourself out there. Give everything your best shot and don’t shy away from new experiences<\/strong>. You never know who you are going to meet and how much of an impact something or someone might have on your life and your passions.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Meet\u00a0Vanessa Costa\u00a0’18 Special Events Intern\u00a0at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Tell us about where you are interning and the kind of work you are doing. This summer, I interned at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to the fight to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease affecting 30,000 children and young adults … <\/p>\nGive us an example of how you have applied your academic learnings to your internship?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What has surprised you about being an intern?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How did this experience influence or connect to your future career plans \/ goals?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Any internship advice to pass on to other Holy Cross students?<\/strong><\/h3>\n