This semester, I had the wonderful opportunity to intern at NoVA Raft and Fresh Start Refugee, a grassroots coalition and nonprofit dedicated to welcoming and supporting Afghan refugees joining the Northern Virginia community. As a first-generation American, I found this internship especially meaningful because it highlighted how important a strong sense of community and access to educational resources are for individuals settling into a new environment. Throughout my time interning, I was able to work alongside professionals from a range of backgrounds, including international relations, national security, education, and engineering, and together we combined our resources, expertise, and networks to ensure that Afghan youth in the program had equitable access to educational opportunities and professional development so they could thrive in their new environment.
Under the guidance of my supervisor, Daniel Altman, I learned how much work goes into running a successful nonprofit. From conducting welfare visits and connecting with families to emphasizing the importance of education, addressing barriers related to employment and immigration status, and helping new residents better understand the new cultural dynamics at play, I was exposed to just how much this field requires a deep commitment and investment from everyone involved.
Which is why, as a graduate student in Global Affairs specializing in Global Conflict and Security, this internship was so valuable, as it allowed me to build the facilitation skills needed to mediate conflict and better understand how to navigate sensitive cultural and religious dynamics within communities. I foresee myself carrying these skills from this experience into my continued educational and professional development, including continuing my internship with NoVA Raft this summer.