Finding My Voice
When I first started this internship, I was nervous. I showed up to my first Zoom meeting in a white button-down shirt, unsure of what to expect, only to realize everyone else was in casual clothes. I barely spoke. My voice was quiet. But slowly, through twice weekly meetings and with supportive coworkers, my voice started to grow.
At program sites, I engaged kids using interactive read-aloud strategies like Turn & Talks, Act-it-Outs, Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down, and “Close Your Eyes and Visualize.” I learned how to keep a room full of kids attentive and excited. I mastered how to lead with energy, calm firmness, and how to adjust when things didn’t go perfectly.
My third read-aloud at Renton was rough—I missed key moments in the story and didn’t speak loudly enough. The readers were not paying attention. However, at High Point, I adjusted the lesson plan, and they understood the lesson of the story. In addition to that, by Week 4, I effectively used the distracted behavior techniques at the Renton site (which was my hardest site to control because of the number of people in the class). My voice was full of confidence. I knew how to command a room, thanks to trial and error, and by discussing attention-grabbing strategies with my eldest sister and younger brother. (“Clap your hands if you can hear me” was a game-changer.) Now, I can successfully say I know how to control a crowd of younger children.
Another memory that stuck with me involved a reader who seemed a bit shy when I first met him. During one of the enrichment activities in week two, I invited him to play games like Concentration, but he didn’t seem interested in any of the rhythmic games I had planned or suggested. At first, I assumed he just wasn’t into the activity. But later, I found out from Reading Coaches Archie and Maggie that he hadn’t been feeling well that day—and suddenly, it all made sense.
The following week, I made it a point to sit with his group during Turn & Talks. When he shared an idea I liked, I gently encouraged him to share it with the whole group after others had spoken. Then, during one of the enrichment activities in week three, he quietly came up to me and asked about my friendship bracelet. I felt a wave of warmth and surprise wash over me. Here was a boy who had barely spoken all week, and yet he chose to break his silence to ask about something personal. It showed me that he cared. I realized then that even the smallest gestures can create bridges to those who seem distant or shy. That moment reinforced my commitment to look out for the quieter kids, to make space for them to be seen and heard. It reminded me that leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the room—sometimes, it’s about listening closely and making room for others to step forward in their way.
I’ll also never forget my final week. I had worn my hair in braids and a long floral dress. One of the little girls looked up at me, smiled, and said, “I have braids too!” excited to show hers as well. It was such a simple comment, but it meant a lot. In that moment, I saw myself in her and the importance of young kids not only having someone they see themselves in, but someone who also comes from a similar cultural background. Especially when those images aren’t always present in the media or in the people they usually see in leadership roles.
The Configuring of a New Mind
One thing I didn’t expect from this internship was finding out how much creativity and literacy go hand in hand. I spent tireless hours crafting engaging read-alouds and enrichment activities for 70+ readers, and through that, I discovered how meaningful and rewarding it is to make reading fun. I also got to explore graphic design by creating a postcard and researching Team Read’s mission and impact on both readers and coaches. My favorite discovery? On average, readers gain four reading levels by the end of the program, often getting back on track to meet grade-level benchmarks.
This experience sharpened both my research and design skills and taught me just how driven and thoughtful the people behind this program are. From Trent designing a catapult activity to represent breaking stereotypes and designing a month’s worth of enrichment plans, to Jeanette giving me thoughtful feedback on my read-alouds, I saw the passion and intention in everything they do. I realized how much work goes into making these sites work, and the love these staff members carry for not just their coworkers but for the readers and coaches. Now, that’s something worth shouting out!
What stood out to me about Team Read is how it combines high-quality literacy support with meaningful youth employment. Teens gain their first paid, practical job experience while helping elementary students who are a year or more behind in reading or at risk of summer learning loss due to limited resources at home. As a nonprofit, Team Read is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, operating in neighborhoods and schools that need these programs the most. That intentional focus on equity and opportunity for both students and teen coaches is what makes Team Read exceptional.
This internship taught me that I can make a difference by making sure all youths are literate, as it is an essential tool that gives you a voice in life. It has taught me to put time and effort into the people I have grown to love and care about. Through my interviews for National Summer Learning Week and being present at the various sites Team Read has, I learned that Team Read isn’t just a place where literacy grows; it builds community. It creates a space where kids feel seen, heard, and celebrated. It’s a loud, fun, chaotic place where kids can express their creativity, and reminds me how I can impact some kid’s life in a positive way. This is why I’ll be coming back as a teen coach and volunteer for the program.
During the final moments of my internship showcase, the familiar faces of my Team Read family all surrounded me, and I felt a swell of emotions rising. I began to thank [Team Read Program Assistant] Mumina, the person who had been my constant support throughout this journey. Suddenly, the full weight of the summer—the sleepless nights spent planning lessons, the laughter-filled lunch walks, the unexpected friendships that had become my anchor—rushed over me like a tide. I was overwhelmed by a flood of gratitude, bittersweetness, and the deep ache of leaving behind a community I had grown to love. In that raw, vulnerable moment, I realized how profoundly this internship had transformed me—not just as a leader, but as a person learning to embrace growth, connection, and the courage to be seen. It was a testament to the power of support, the beauty of community, and the bittersweet nature of endings that mark new beginnings.
Sandy, Trent, Austin, Kelsey, Meg, Mumina, Jeanette, and Ebony, thank you for helping me grow into a confident, caring leader.
Never in a million years will I forget this summer. I love you all, and I’m going to miss you. Peace out.