From Uncertainty to Purpose: Camille’s Summer of Service and Creativity
A Summer of Service: My Journey to World Relief
Prior to my internship with World Relief, I struggled with my vocational discernment. I always knew I wanted to help others, but I didn’t know how. I would flip between brochures about different academic majors and took career tests online, but I struggled to find a tangible career path.
Over the summer, I knew I wanted to gain experience with non-profit organizations because I wanted to work for positive change in my community in Memphis. When I found out about World Relief, I was immediately drawn to their mission of supporting immigrants, refugees, and asylees with their resettlement process in Memphis.
Diving In: Overcoming Initial Fears
I was initially nervous to apply considering I didn’t really know what I was looking for. As a social work major, I was looking for opportunities to shadow case workers, gain experience in case management, and create relationships with clients. However, as a creative, I was also looking for mediums to channel my inner creativity.
Hands-On Learning: Holistic Support Services
World Relief placed me in two service areas: Holistic Support Services and Church & Community Engagement. Holistic Support Services specializes in intensive case management and helps participants with medical navigation. As an intern, I was able to shadow a case worker and gain real experience with clients and I used Dynamics, a software that is considered the gold standard in case management organization. I also contributed to achieving medical navigation for clients as I scheduled doctor’s appointments, helped fill out forms and applications, and accompanied clients to different social service offices.
Building Empathy: Cross-Cultural Connections
Interning with HSS helped me build empathy and understand different cultures. I was able to meet people from all over the world and learn more about their cultural identity. For example, participants often shared cultural snacks with me on home visits.
Championing Change: Advocacy Through Action
In addition, I was able to show my commitment to my advocacies. Food insecurity impacts millions, both domestically and internationally. As an advocate for food justice, I decided to help improve food accessibility for clients at World Relief by compiling a comprehensive list of different food banks and food pantries in the Memphis area for both clients and staff members to utilize. My hope is for this resource to encourage self-sufficiency and promote holistic wellness for clients.
A Creative Outlet: Communications & Marketing
Alongside my internship with Holistic Support Services, I was also able to build experience in communications and marketing through my internship with the Church & Community Engagement service area. I had the opportunity to channel my energy into content creation as I wrote blog posts, filmed videos, and created graphic design content. While not directly related to my major, I was thrilled to combine my love for the visual arts with my passion for advocacy and justice. The content I created helped share World Relief’s mission and raise awareness about the mass displacement crisis.
Combining Passions: A Multi-Faceted Experience
By working with my supervisor, I utilized my hobbies, like writing, photography, and graphic design, to achieve a greater purpose. I wrote about my fellow staff members and participants in our programs. It was truly an honor to share their inspiring stories with the world. I also practiced my skills in photography at different World Relief events.
Final Reflections: A Lesson in Multiplicity
My experience with World Relief ultimately taught me that there are many avenues to helping others. Every person is gifted by God with a unique set of skills and talents. And the best part is, you don’t have to choose either or.
Your Turn: Explore Internships with World Relief
You too can explore different career paths by applying for one of World Relief’s academic internships. We are offering internships for the fall 2024 semester for college and post-grad students. We offer internships ranging from administration to communications to case management. Apply today to explore the world of non-profit management while also being a good neighbor.
Writer: Camille Smith
Marketing & Communications Intern at World Relief Memphis. Rising Sophomore at St. Louis University.
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