My Summer Experience as ELA’s Intern: Klarrisa Orozco

As summer draws to a close, I’m excited to share the enriching experience I had with the Early Learning Alliance (ELA) as the Membership Engagement Intern. It was a rewarding, enriching, and transformative experience that allowed me to contribute to various projects and gain valuable insights into the world of early childhood education and community engagement. Here’s a glimpse into my summer internship and the valuable lessons I gained.

The chance to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals was a major highlight of my experience. The ELA team is deeply committed to their mission and you can see their passion in early childhood education. In addition, the team was genuinely invested in my professional development growth. For example, my weekly one-on-one sessions with the Project Manager, Rebecca Rueda, were very beneficial to the development of my job as Membership Engagement Intern. We reviewed the projects that I would be working on, brainstormed ideas to increase social media engagement, and gained soft and hard skills that I will be able to use for future job opportunities. Dr. Bethany Edwards, Executive Director, introduced me to members of the Alliance in order to continue growing professionally. I had the opportunity to connect with members of Educational First Steps and Lena Pope. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the opportunity to work on projects. From day one, I was entrusted with tasks that directly impacted the team’s objectives and mission. I had the opportunity to assist with ELA’s Capacity Building Survey to gather feedback from our members to understand their needs, preferences, and experiences. Analyzing the survey results provided us with actionable insights to improve member services and engagement strategies. Also, I had the pleasure of co-organizing the summer Quarterly Alliance Meeting and Happy Hour Social. These events were crucial for fostering collaboration and networking among ELA community members. Furthermore, building these relationships has not only expanded my professional network but also provided me with a support system and mentors who I can turn to for advice and guidance in the future. From planning the agenda to coordinating logistics, I learned the importance of attention to detail and effective communication in event planning. Lastly, I had the opportunity to brainstorm ideas and strategies to increase social media engagement. This involved creating content, scheduling posts, and interacting with followers. It was exciting to see our efforts translate into increased engagement rates and growing online community. 

Beyond the professional skills I developed, my internship at ELA was a period of significant intellectual growth and allowed me to gain a fresh perspective in early care and education. By immersing myself in the weekly operations and strategic discussions, I gained a deeper understanding of the field and how different roles contribute to overall success. I learned to navigate the dynamic environment of a coalition, balance multiple projects at the same time, and adapt to evolving priorities. If you are a college student, I encourage you to apply to their internship! I challenge you to embrace the opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. The experience is sure to be both challenging and rewarding, offering invaluable insights and skills that will benefit you throughout your career.

“As I reflect on my summer with the Early Learning Alliance, I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause. The experience has deepened my understanding of early childhood education and strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in this field. I’m excited to apply the insights and skills I’ve gained to future endeavors and to continue advocating for the importance of quality early learning experiences. Thank you to everyone at Early Learning Alliance for a summer filled with learning, growth, and inspiration. ”

Here’s to continuing the journey of making a difference in the lives of young learners and their families!