Intern(al) Reflections
Last Wednesday, the Union Capital core team headed out to Springfield, Massachusetts for their annual summer retreat. The retreat was held in the newly established Springfield office, where a new chapter of Union Capital was launched just last year. There, the team engaged in strategic planning for the next year, reflecting on what progress had been made and what directions to lead the organization in.
As a summer intern myself, I found it especially fascinating to witness the behind-the-scenes of all Union Capital does. Prior to this summer, I’d had little experience working in the non-profit realm, and now I was fortunate enough to directly participate in goal-setting and thoughtful, animated discussions. As I listened to the team continuously build upon each other’s ideas, I knew that this summer’s experience would not only fuel my new passion for connectivity, but also deepen my understanding of how to listen to and learn from the diverse members of my own network.
After reflecting upon my own experience this summer, I was curious to learn what my fellow interns thought of the retreat and their time with UC, especially as newcomers who just recently joined the organization. So, I interviewed them!
- Catherine Kong, UC Intern and rising sophomore at Duke University
Here’s what Aarav Dagar, our intern from Duke University, had to say about his experience as an eight-week UC intern.
“To me, social capital means the ability to leverage my community connections to improve society.”
Aarav Dagar, UC Intern and rising sophomore at Duke University
Q: What’s surprised you about Union Capital’s work as you’ve become more involved with the organization, especially on the back-office side?
A: “I've been impressed by the Core Team's level of intentionality behind their actions. They carefully consider each of their projects and initiatives, including efforts to prevent accessibility barriers from limiting the program's reach. I'm consistently amazed by the attention to detail and level of care the Staff puts into everything they do.”
Q: What did social capital mean to you when you first joined Union Capital, and how has that definition evolved now?
A: “My understanding of social capital has evolved significantly. Initially, I thought it was merely the result of networking. Now, I recognize its crucial role in community building. I've come to appreciate how social capital helps bridge societal divides. To me, social capital means the ability to leverage my community connections to improve society.”
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from the retreat?
A: “To speak up and share your insights. Everyone has different stories and lived experiences—each of them reveal different insights! Be loud and share your voice with others.”
Q: Though you’re only an intern for eight weeks, you’ll remain part of the UC network even after you leave. How do you anticipate your time with UC will continue to shape you and the work you do after this summer?
A: “My work with UC has been highly influential. I plan to use this experience to better understand how I can create positive change in society. This work has improved my ability to connect with others, and I'm eager to continue expanding my network.”
Here’s what Nyela Lynch, a rising senior from Suffolk University, shared about her experience as a fourteen-week UC intern.
“I anticipate continuing to work in the nonprofit sector and giving back to those around me.”
Nyela Lynch, UC intern and rising senior at Suffolk University
Q: How did listening to more experienced UC members at the retreat shape your perception or understanding of UC?
A: “Listening to Union Capital members at the retreat helped shape my understanding of how meaningful this work is for the community. Before the retreat, I wanted to learn more about UC's impact throughout Boston. The retreat provided that answer, allowing me to witness the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensure Union Capital can serve its members.”
Q: What was your favorite memory from the retreat?
A: “My favorite memory from the retreat was seeing the members from the Springfield location. I also enjoyed learning some historical facts about the city from Tito’s perspective.”
Q: What specific project are you working on this summer, and what have been the most challenging and rewarding aspects of it?
A: “I am currently working on the Summer of SOL and its marketing. The most challenging part of this program is coordinating times and locations that work for all participants. However, the most rewarding aspect is reaching the finish line and seeing the outcome of the sessions organized for community members.”
Q: How do you anticipate your time with UC will continue to shape you and the work you do after this summer?
A: “Union Capital has already given me the opportunity to connect and share space with the community in ways I haven't before. Because of this, I anticipate continuing to work in the nonprofit sector and giving back to those around me.”
Time for a change in scenery — we’re off to Springfield, Massachusetts!
Deep in thought at our strategic planning meeting
Ending day 1 with dinner at a local Puerto Rican restaurant (ft. our Springfield Network Coordinators!)